How to Perfectly Plan a Family Vacation to Virginia Beach
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Virginia Beach is a great place to vacation with the family! In fact, the city prides itself on being a family-friendly resort. From fun parks and museums to aquatic adventures and fishing, Virginia Beach is a place the entire family will enjoy.
Best Kid-Friendly Places to Stay at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront
If you’re looking to stay where all the action is, you’ll want a hotel at the Oceanfront. There are tons of hotel and motel options at the beach. Here are three family-friendly hotels that have a little something for everyone.
Hilton Oceanfront | 3001 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
If you are looking to stay right on the water, you should check out the Hilton located right on the main strip. From here, you’ll be able to walk right up to the beach and access good food, shopping, and tons to see and do. And when the kids are sound asleep, sneak away to the Sky Bar and infinity pool on the rooftop. The views are breathtaking.
Holiday Inn & Suites | 3900 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
This resort-style stay has three pools which include a lazy river and a splish splash lagoon. The kids will thank you for this stay! This hotel is on the ocean so enjoy waterfront views and quick beach access. This kid-friendly hotel also allows kids 11 and under eat at the hotel any time of say for free! Looking for a water adventure without the sandy mess? Ocean Breeze Waterpark is just 12 minutes away from this hotel.
Ocean Beach Club Resort | 3401 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
This Caribbean-style resort has FOUR pools, two of which have views of the Atlantic Ocean! You can let the kids enjoy one of the pools while you visit the adults-only infinity pool that includes bar service! And when you’re done swimming, you can head up to the 10th-floor lounge and sundeck for more relaxation and beautiful views of the oceanfront. Ocean Beach Club has daily planned activities and is only 10 minutes away from the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center!
Dining with the Family in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach’s cuisine scene is like no other. From the classics to the eclectic, you’ll find there’s no shortage of dining options in this city. It really all depends on your preference, but here are a few of the family-friendly favorites.
Breakfast & Brunch
If you’re looking to stay close to the strip for breakfast, the Pocahontas Pancake House comes highly rated. This oceanfront diner is Jamestown-themed and was voted as the best pancake house in Virginia Beach by The Food Network. Another option at the Oceanfront is the Sunnyside Café and Restaurant. Sunnyside has a big open patio, an extensive menu, and tons of rave reviews. However, if you don’t mind traveling for a good bite, try out The Bee and Biscuit on Princess Anne Road. The Bee and Biscuit is a local’s favorite featuring breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Most of their ingredients are fresh from local farms.
Lunch
Once lunch rolls around, check out Beach Bully Bar-B-Q on 19th Street at the Oceanfront! This is another local favorite that’s been around since 1986. But if you’re looking for a little entertainment with lunch, The Shack is an outdoor restaurant with tons of games for the family to enjoy and is only one block from the ocean!
But maybe you’re looking for a good slice of pizza. Then you’ll want to check out Shorebreak Pizza and Taphouse which is a family-friendly bar and grill offering indoor and outdoor dining. However, if you want a slice closer to the oceanfront, check out Dough Boy’s or Planet Pizza. Both pizza joints have a kid-friendly menu.
And when you’re ready for a little afternoon dessert, getting an ice cream cone from Lolly’s Creamery in the Vibe District is a must!
Dinner
Come dinner time, you may be wanting a little seafood. If so, the Oceanfront is the place to be! Check out Waterman’s Surfside Grille, Bubba’s Seafood Restaurant and Crabhouse, or Rockafeller’s Restaurant. All three of these restaurants are family-owned and operated and will satisfy your seafood cravings. As well, Catch 31 offers alfresco dining with gorgeous views of the ocean where you can have an intimate outdoor dining experience with the family! But if seafood isn’t your thing, we’ll then check out Commune! Commune, a local favorite, is a rustic sustainable American eatery unlike anyplace else. The plates are creative and delicious!
Fun Things for Families to do in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is filled with things to do with the family! From adventure parks and waterparks to dolphin tours and parasailing, there’s a little something for everyone. Here are a few fun-filled adventures to enjoy with the family.
Located right on the strip, the Atlantic Fun Park is just a walk away from many of the Oceanfront hotels. This fun park features go-karts, a Ferris wheel, kiddie rides, a rock wall, and tons more! What a fun way to spend the day before heading out to relax on the beach! – Right across the street!
Don’t feel like getting sandy today? Take the kids to Ocean Breeze Waterpark! There is a huge wave pool, cabanas, an adventure river, and 30+ options for waterpark rides. If you need a mini-break from the kids, Ocean Breeze is the perfect place to take the family! Go relax in a cabana while the kids enjoy the park!
If you want to add a little nature to your trip, the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is a great experience. You can go dolphin watching, there is an adventure park, tons of animal exhibits, boat tours, and so much more.
Visit Virginia Beach with the Family!
Virginia Beach is filled with great cuisine, 35-miles of beach, adventure, and so much more. This shortlist of things to do with your family barely scratches the surface. Virginia Beach is a family-friendly city that is a great place to vacation!
Alex Sumuel, is the Founder of Wander With Alex, a blog dedicated to travel around Virginia and beyond. Wander With Alex offers trip ideas, travel tips, and inspiration to help others get out and wander too! For more information visit wanderwithalex.com or connect with Alex on Instagram @alexsumuel
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