Virginia Beach’s miles of shoreline, exciting Boardwalk and proximity to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and First Landing State Park offer hours of indoor and outdoor fun year-round.
But did you know that historical sites, jaw-dropping landscapes and mouth-watering meals are all within a quick drive of Virginia Beach? Here are four Virginia Beach day trips you can pencil into your schedule when you stay at an oceanfront Hilton Grand Vacations resort.
Where To Stay In Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach welcomes families, couples, solo travelers and more to spend their time combing the beach, strolling the boardwalk and munching on fresh seafood at local restaurants. Consider using your HGV ClubPoints and book a stay at these dreamy oceanfront Hilton Grand Vacations resorts:
Oceanaire, a Hilton Vacation Club: Spend all of your time on the beach, on the boardwalk or relaxing in your Studio Suite or 1-, 2- or 3-Bedroom Suite. However you want to spend your vacation, Oceanaire provides instant access to the shoreline, indoor adults-only pool and boardwalk.
Ocean Beach Club, a Hilton Vacation Club: Find laid-back leisure at this family-friendly Caribbean-inspired resort. Four oceanfront pools, an exciting game room and beach access create a fun yet relaxing vacation experience for travelers of all ages.
Plus, these resorts are near eight Instagrammable places on Virginia Beach.
4 Great Day Trips From Virginia Beach
Pack up your car and add an extra getaway to your Virginia Beach vacation.
1. Richmond For Foodies
Travel Distance: 107 miles
According to Yelp, Food & Wine and discerning diners, Richmond, Virginia, has become one of the top foodie cities in the country. Though Southern fare is available at standouts like Shagbark, this city has multicultural cuisine to rival metropolises farther north.
Stella’s serves Greek comfort food, Lehja sends modern Indian food to your table and Perly’s prides itself on traditional Jewish deli dishes.
Don’t Miss: Birdie’s, Southern Living magazine’s pick for “Best Restaurant in Virginia” in 2024. Limited Tripadvisor reviews make it an easy eatery to ignore, but dishes like lobster grits and crab quiche will put your appetite at attention.
Perfect Pit Stop: Newport News, Virginia, flies under the radar as a delicious destination; Schooler’s Grill has live music and specialty pizza, Viking Burger piles huge patties with unique toppings and Sate goes all-in on culinary creativity with mac and cheese egg rolls, tiramisu French toast and elote deviled eggs.
Stay Awhile: Hilton Richmond Downtown has a lounge serving cocktails and small plates, as well as a formal restaurant for traditional Italian dishes. It’s within walking distance to other tasty local flavors, including the cobbler at Lillie Pearl, the wood-grilled octopus at Rappahannock Restaurant and the catfish nuggets at Mama J’s.
2. Colonial Williamsburg For History Buffs
Travel Distance: 60 miles
Colonial Williamsburg is a fulfilling day trip from Virginia Beach whether you take advantage of the guided tours or roam without a plan.
This former colonial capital lets you envision life in the 18th century, complete with costumed cultural interpreters and nearly 100 original buildings. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride, stick around after dark for a ghost tour or meander through historic sites including the Governor’s Palace, Courthouse and Public Jail.
Don’t Miss: The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg houses a fantastic collection of American folk art and British fine art.
Perfect Pit Stop: Hampton, Virginia, is halfway between Williamsburg and Virginia Beach, allowing you to stop at sites like the Casemate Museum of Fort Monroe, Hampton History Museum or Virginia Air & Space Science Center.
Stay Awhile: If you’re interested in exploring America’s Historic Triangle in depth, check-in to Greensprings, a Hilton Vacation Club. This peaceful resort is set alongside Williamsburg National Golf Club, features spacious Suites with full kitchens and has an on-site mini-golf course.
3. Kitty Hawk For Beach Combers
Travel Distance: 86 miles
Cruise into Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, and take it easy wherever the wind blows you. Stroll down Kitty Hawk Pier and cast a line if you’ve brought your tackle box. Play a round at Sea Scape Golf Links and visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial.
Don’t Miss: Walk through the Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve where you might spot sea turtles and otters.
Perfect Pit Stop: Currituck, North Carolina, is a small community where you can perk up at the Pass the Salt Cafe, pick up a novel at Read’em & Weep used bookstore and slither into OBX Lizard Land.
Stay Awhile: If the laid-back lifestyle of the Outer Banks feels impossible to leave, stay the night at Beachwoods, a Hilton Vacation Club. A 100-acre maritime forest surrounds this relaxed resort that features indoor and outdoor pools, up to 4-Bedroom Suites and on-site paddle boats.
4. Shenandoah National Park For Nature Lovers
Travel Distance: 216 miles
For road warriors who are ready to trade a few more hours in the car for miles of blissful Blue Ridge Mountains, set your sights on Shenandoah National Park.
Wake up early and tackle longer trails like the 9-mile Old Rag or the 6.5-mile Browns Gap Waterfall Loop. Easier and shorter trails include Hawksbill Summit (1.6 miles), Stony Man (1.6 miles) and Rapidan Camp (4 miles).
Don’t Miss: Loft Mountain Loop, a 3-mile loop trail that has a halfway point at the Loft Mountain Campground store.
Perfect Pit Stop: Short Pump, Virginia — on the outskirts of Richmond — is a perfect spot for a quick bite to eat or to snag a last-minute piece of hiking gear from Short Pump Town Center.
Stay Awhile: Hampton Inn Waynesboro/Stuarts Draft is right off of Interstate 64 and close to the southern entrance of Shenandoah National Park.
Looking for more inspiration for your Virginia Beach vacation? Read “How To Spend 3 Fun Days In Virginia Beach, Virginia.”
