Virginia Beach has accumulated an impressive collection of accolades through the years.
By Julie Matthews / Photo above: Enjoy the warm ocean breezes and rolling waves at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
A couple of recent acknowledgments include earning a spot on the New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2026” and Southern Living’s “10th Annual South’s Best 2026 Beach Getaways.”
From beautiful beaches and waterways to premier attractions and events, Virginia Beach is a fabulous vacation choice during any season. With pleasant temperatures nearly most of the year and a rich maritime heritage, thanks to a close proximity to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach and water recreation go hand in hand. Swimming, surfing, paddling, boating, fishing and other water activities are common sights at Virginia Beach beaches, from the North End down south to Sandbridge.
The Virginia Beach Oceanfront is where you’ll find a bustling three-mile boardwalk and a lively Atlantic Avenue filled with excellent restaurants and a variety of shops. This section of town is also the entertainment hub, the location of countless events from free concert series in the summer to annual festivals, such as the beloved Virginia Beach Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend and the Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Show. There’s good reason why this resort city is referred to as the event capital on the East Coast; Virginia Beach knows how to entertain.
So what’s new? Located in the heart of the Oceanfront, Atlantic Park is Virginia Beach’s new entertainment development. This premier destination, within a destination, is home to the Atlantic Park Surf, The Dome and a brand new boutique hotel, The Sitio. (Check out this guide’s article about Atlantic Park for more exciting details.)
Family-friendly and community is also a way of life here in Virginia Beach. Residents and visitors alike flock to the recently renovated Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center for all kinds of enjoyable interactive experiences. Seeking outdoor adventures? Virginia’s most visited state park, First Landing State Park, offers hiking trails, camping and much more.
Art lovers won’t want to leave the ViBe Creative District, which is overflowing with creativity, from local artwork to outdoor markets. Performing Arts are beloved here, too, and the City has a number of fantastic entertainment venues including its newest, The Dome, to The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts to Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater.
And for dining, Virginia Beach’s dining scene offers something tasty for every palate. Fresh and sustainable seafood, farm-to-table, American fare, global flavors, beach bites—it’s all here, along with stunning water views, abundant outdoor patios and local libations. You won’t want to leave.
Enjoy your visit!
