A Day in Virginia Beach

With two days off for Juneteenth and a big month-long trip coming up, we wanted something summery—but not too far from DC. That’s when a friend suggested Virginia Beach, and it ended up being my first trip to an East Coast beach in the 10 years I’ve lived here!

The weather was gloomy leading up to the trip, and I was nervous it would ruin our plans. Luckily, Thursday greeted us with blue skies and sunshine.

The drive from DC to Virginia Beach takes around three and a half hours, though it took us closer to four.

It was lunchtime when we arrived, so we headed straight to Chick’s Oyster Bar, a local spot by the water. These types of places feel so wholesome to me in the summer—families docking their boats for a meal, fresh seafood, and an easygoing, good-time vibe.

The day couldn’t have been better, which made everything feel even more picturesque. We shared the raw tuna appetizers and each ordered a Chick’s Cooler—refreshing and dangerously light. For my main, I had a crab cake sandwich that was delicious.

Since the trip was super spontaneous, we didn’t over-plan. We stopped at a local supermarket to grab a beach umbrella, snacks, and drinks, then headed to the beach.

We set up in a quieter area, far from the Boardwalk’s buzz—and it was perfect. We spent the afternoon soaking up the sun, reading, listening to music, sipping seltzers, and playing in the water. If you're looking for a calm and secluded beach experience, I highly recommend settling away from the main strip.

Later, we checked into our hotel: The Founders Inn and Spa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. It’s a smaller hotel located away from the beach, but we found its brick buildings, small lake, gardens, and old-world charm completely adorable. We also found out that it's a well-known wedding venue, and I totally get it!

Before dinner, we visited the Historic Cavalier Hotel, a beloved city landmark—and now, beloved by me too. Built in the roaring '20s, its pool is said to have inspired The Great Gatsby, so it’s no wonder I felt drawn to it. The architecture and history give it a regal, classic aura, enhanced by the lively crowd enjoying the scene as if it were still the Jazz Age.

The vibe was alive: a buzzing patio with people drinking and chatting, an indoor bar with a live band making everyone dance, a downstairs bar with a cozy, year-round atmosphere (and also packed), and elegant restaurants and gardens luring me in with green walls and chandeliers. If I return to Virginia Beach, this will definitely be my first stop—and hopefully, my longest stay. The hotel features three restaurants, a craft distillery, and a luxury spa.

Afterward, we headed across the street to Orion’s Roof at the Marriott, another local hotspot. Just as we arrived, the bad weather finally caught up with us—but rather than ruin the evening, it made it magical. Thanks to the restaurant’s massive glass walls, we watched the thunderstorm unfold around us like we had front row seats to a wild storm.

We shared the spicy tuna sushi—super fresh and flavorful. For my main, I went with the salmon, trying to make a healthier choice (a daily struggle!), and it was so worth it. The cocktails were great too—mine was called Watermelon Sugar High, and it lived up to the name.

The next day, the weather was beautiful again. Our only real plan was to stroll along the Boardwalk. One thing that surprised me: the oceanfront hotels and buildings felt like a time capsule from the late ’80s or early ’90s—frozen in a nostalgia.

For our final stop, we visited Lolly’s Creamery—because I needed an ice cream. Located in the Vibe Creative District, which seems to be transforming into a sort of mini-Wynwood (think murals and revamped warehouses turned businesses), the shop had been on my radar thanks to their seasonal flavors. Sadly, none of the ones I’d seen online were available, but I went with Puppy Chow, which their site describes as “peanut butter ice cream with fudge swirls and loaded with ‘puppy chow’ or muddy buddies.” It was rich, indulgent, and absolutely worth it.

All in all, it was a wonderful 24-hour getaway with friends in a new place—and to me, that’s always worth celebrating. I’d love to visit the Cavalier again and continue exploring more East Coast beach towns!