Bed and Breakfast Virginia Beach

History

Native Americans lived in what is now Virginia Beach for thousands of years before the English colonists arrived. The colonists arrived at Cape Henry in 1607, and soon after established the first permanent settlement, Jamestown nearby. Today, the site of this first landing is located within the Joint Expeditionary Base East, a military installation. However, the historic Cape Henry Light and a memorial cross marking the approximate site of the first landing are open to the public. After the American Revolution, Virginia Beach became part of the newly established Commonwealth of Virginia. The city has grown over the years and now encompasses many of the communities in the area known as Hampton Roads.

Natural Features

Virginia Beach has some of the region’s most beautiful and pristine natural environments. There are numerous state parks and wildlife refuges in the area. First Landing State Park is the state’s most visited state park. It contains a large area of protected salt marsh habitat as well as bay, dunes and freshwater ponds. The park has a frontage along the Chesapeake Bay. You’ll find numerous ways to enjoy the outdoors in the park, including hiking, biking and educational displays. Other places for enjoying the outdoors include Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park, which are home to bald eagle, wild horses, loggerhead turtles and many other interesting wildlife species.

Things to do

Most of the best things to do in Virginia Beach involve the water. Whether you prefer relaxing on the quiet sand of Sandbridge Beach,  or people watching on Virginia Beach boardwalk, you’ll find the best of both worlds here. Along the oceanfront you can also find numerous companies offering fishing, whale watching and sailing tours. A bit farther away, taking a day trip to colonial Williamsburg is a fantastic way to learn about the area’s colonial history. One of the most popular places to visit along the boardwalk is Neptune’s Park. This grassy park on the beach oceanfront hosts nightly live concerts in the summertime. The park is noted for its huge Neptune statue. Visiting the Virginia Beach Aquarium is a wonderful way to spend a few hours during your visit while the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach houses an impressive collection of military aircraft, many of which are still working today.

Weather

Virginia Beach is largely a summer destination, with favorable temperatures from Spring to Fall. Late May to the beginning of September is the high season where you’ll experience the best of the beach, including warm water temperatures for swimming. For those who prefer to sit by the ocean rather than swim in it, spring and fall can be a good time to visit as air temperatures are still comfortable even if the water temperature is a bit chilly. From December - February, temperatures drop and many attractions will be closed or operating on reduced hours. However, winter is a good time to get a hotel deal.

Food and Drink

Due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the Virginia Beach restaurant scene is particularly noted for its fresh seafood. The nearby Lynnhaven River is home to world-renowned oysters which can be tried at numerous establishments around town. She-crab soup is also a staple of Virginia Beach’s cuisine. You can find it almost anywhere in the city alongside soft shell crabs which are available seasonally. Beachy cocktails are available in abundance at establishments all around Virginia Beach. In particular, make sure to try an Orange Crush. Made from fresh orange juice, triple sec and Sprite, it’s the area’s most iconic drink. Virginia Beach is surrounded by rich farmland which means many ingredients can be sourced locally. Southern food has influenced the area as well. Therefore, many of the best things to eat in Virginia Beach include freshly sourced, locally harvested ingredients cooked using simple, time-proven methods.

Activities

When it comes to deciding what sort of activities to enjoy in Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads region, of course, the beachfront comes to mind first. Numerous beaches comprise the shoreline of Virginia Beach. The main Virginia Beach oceanfront features a 3-mile concrete boardwalk which is one of the best places to soak in the sights and sounds of the beach. The Virginia Beach boardwalk has fabulous shopping and dining opportunities and can be quite busy during the peak season. Make sure to grab a photo with Virginia Beach’s iconic Neptune Statue.  You’ll find great restaurants, shops, and lodging just steps from the beach, along Pacific and Arctic Avenues as well. For those who like things a bit quieter, Sandbridge Beach is a less-crowded stretch of sand with shallow water and calm waves, a bit south of the main drag. The Virginia Aquarium is a fantastic attraction for the whole family and is an especially nice rainy-day activity. The aquarium is home to more than 12,000  animals and the educational exhibits are very well done. For those who wish to go sightseeing a bit further afield, colonial Williamsburg is a short drive away, as is the city of Norfolk which has additional shopping, dining, museums, and attractions.

Bed and Breakfast Virginia Beach FAQ

Why Stay at a Bed & Breakfast in Virginia Beach VA?

Whether you are taking a romantic getaway with someone special in your life, or are planning a weekend getaway for the whole family, you’ll find that staying at a bed and breakfast in Virginia Beach is the best way to experience everything that this oceanfront resort town has to offer. You’ll find BnB’s within easy reach of Virginia Beach’s popular attractions including the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Sandbridge Beach and the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Staying at a bed and breakfast in Virginia Beach is not only convenient, but it offers a more personal experience as your friendly host will be able to help you curate your visit to your tastes. The charming interior of a bed and breakfast just can’t be beat either. You’ll be basing yourself in a truly unique, one-of-a-kind luxury accommodation.

What type of amenities can I expect when booking a Virginia Beach Bed and Breakfast?

Bed and Breakfasts offer guests all of the amenities they need to enjoy a comfortable and relaxing stay in Virginia Beach. Staying connected won't be a problem, as WiFi is typically included in your stay. A gourmet breakfast is usually served and is often homemade from locally sourced ingredients from around the Hampton Roads area. You can expect a private guest room with an attached bath. Some offer hot tubs and spa services. Most of the bed and breakfasts in Virginia Beach are within walking distance of the area’s major attractions, including the beach. Those with accessibility concerns should check with each individual property as the offerings can vary greatly.

How can I get around Virginia Beach VA?

Visitors arriving by plane can fly to Norfolk International Airport which is just west of Virginia Beach. There is no train station in Virginia Beach, but Norfolk and Newport News, both nearby, offer at least two daily round trip trains to Boston which stops at major locations on the way such as Washington D.C. Amtrak has a shuttle bus that provides connections to Virginia Beach. The Sprinter Bus also offers daily service from Washington D.C. and New York City to and from Virginia Beach. Once you’ve arrived, getting around Virginia Beach is not easy without a car. There is trolley and bus service along the beach area, but if you’d like to explore other areas, the best way is to rent a car. Car rental companies are available at the airport and other nearby locations.

What Are the Different Types of B&Bs in Virginia Beach?

Virginia beachbed and breakfasts include historic homes along the oceanfront and romantic countryside villas.The historic Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast is located on Arctic Avenue, within walking distance of the Virginia Beach boardwalk. The cottage was built in 1895 and is the oldest lodging option in Virginia Beach that is still receiving guests. The innkeepers are native to the area and can help you plan your stay to ensure you get the most out of your visit. Beach Spa Bed and Breakfastis a luxury mini spa resort occupying an elegant cottage-style home. There’s a heated outdoor pool, onsite full-service spa and fresh, homemade breakfast is included daily. If you are looking for a romantic bed and breakfast in Virginia Beach, VA or are hoping to have a wedding at a Virginia bed and breakfast, then Country Villa Bed and Breakfast is a fantastic option. Located on four acres in the countryside near Virginia Beach, the property features a spa and a 3-course gourmet breakfast and is only 8 minutes from the beach.