When most people think of Virginia Beach, they picture oceanfront hotels, crowds of beach chairs, and quirky gift shops. And yes, that version of the city definitely exists. But after spending a long weekend here, I realized there’s another side of Virginia Beach entirely—one filled with peaceful marsh trails, incredible bird watching, and cozy breweries.
What surprised me most about Virginia Beach was how easy it was to balance nature and nightlife in the same day. One minute, I was hiking through cypress swamps and a few hours later, I was eating dollar oysters by the marina.
If you’re looking for a mix of beachy energy, outdoor adventure, and genuinely good food, here’s exactly how I’d spend 72 hours in Virginia Beach.
Day 1: Waterfront dining & local breweries
Afternoon: Marina happy hour at The Porch
A strong introduction to Virginia Beach starts at The Porch on Long Creek, a waterfront restaurant overlooking Long Creek Marina.
The atmosphere here leans coastal and relaxed without feeling touristy, especially during happy hour when the outdoor tables fill with boaters and locals gathering around sunset. The restaurant is particularly known for its happy hour specials, including $1 oysters and discounted sushi rolls, making it one of the better value dining spots near the water.
Because the marina faces west, it’s also an ideal place to settle in for the sunset.
Evening: Fire pits & farmhouse charm
Later in the evening, around the fire pit at Back Bay’s Farmhouse Brewing Company is the place to be. Located inside a historic farmhouse, the brewery feels distinctly different from the more polished oceanfront bar scene. The property is spread across open lawn space with fire pits, food trucks, and string lights woven throughout the outdoor seating areas, creating a setting that feels equal parts brewery and family barbecue.
Day 2: Coastal wildlife & history
Morning: Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge protects thousands of acres of dunes, marshland, and coastal habitat, creating one of the best bird-watching environments in southeastern Virginia. Early mornings tend to be especially active, with migratory birds and waterfowl frequently visible throughout the trail system and observation areas.
Compared to the busier oceanfront sections of the city, the refuge offers a noticeably slower pace and a more nature-focused side of Virginia Beach.
If you’re even remotely interested in bird watching, download Merlin Bird ID before you go. This app can identify birds by sound in real time, and hearing it suddenly start recognizing osprey, warblers, and woodpeckers while hiking made the entire experience so much more immersive.
Midday: Brunch at Bay Local
Bay Local Eatery is the move for brunch after a morning on the trail.
This local chain has become well known for its creative brunch menu, specialty coffee drinks, and generous early bird specials. The hollandaise sauce, in particular, was the best I’ve ever had.
Despite its popularity, the vibe remains casual and approachable rather than overly trendy, making it an easy place to linger for a slower meal.
Afternoon: Fort Monroe & the Chesapeake Bay
The historic Fort Monroe National Monument sits at the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay and offers a worthwhile mix of history and waterfront scenery.
While the first itself is interesting to explore, one of the highlights is the adjacent Seawall Trail, which follows the shoreline with expansive bay views.
The area works particularly well as a relaxed yet thought-provoking stop with lots of history to dive into around the fort.
Evening: Seasonal sour beers at Oozlefinch
Just a stone’s throw from Fort Monroe is Oozlefinch Beers & Blending, a brewery known for experimental brewing and sour beers. The brewery frequently rotates seasonal selections and often hosts live music outdoors, giving the space a casual community-oriented atmosphere.
For travelers interested in craft beer, a sour flight is particularly worthwhile here since that’s where the brewery’s lineup tends to stand out most.
During my visit (in spring), I had the pleasure of trying their Das Yummy Key Lime Pie, Designated Dinosaur Coconut and Citrus, and Pina Pony Club Dragon Fruit Mai Thai sours.
Most days, you’ll find a local food truck parked out front. If you’re lucky like I was, you’ll catch Piha Aloha, a Virginia-based food truck specializing in traditional Hawaiian dishes.
Day 3: First Landing flora & fauna
Morning: Hiking at First Landing State Park
Start the morning at First Landing State Park, one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the region. The park protects a mixture of maritime forest, wetlands, cypress swamp, and shoreline habitats, making it one of the best places in Virginia Beach for hiking and bird watching.
I combined portions of the Bald Cypress Nature Trail, Cape Henry Trail, and Long Creek Trail into one longer hike, which gave me a little bit of everything: wooden boardwalks through swampy cypress groves, shady pine forests, sandy coastline, and quiet marshland full of birds.
Post-hike coffee & pastries
After a hike, journey across town for coffee and breakfast at 17 Hands Coffee.
The café serves pastries from neighboring Robin Simmons Bakery, and the menu tends to focus on seasonal specialty drinks rather than just the standard coffee shop offerings (but don’t worry—you can get those, too). I tried their butter beer iced latte and a county ham and gouda breakfast sandwich on a fresh and fluffy biscuit.
Compared to many of the more heavily trafficked oceanfront cafés, this spot feels notably more local and neighborhood-oriented.
Why Virginia Beach stands out
What makes Virginia Beach special in my eyes is the scope and breadth of this relatively compact area.
The city can easily accommodate travelers looking for a classic beach weekend, but it also works surprisingly well for people more interested in hiking, wildfire, local food, and slower coastal experiences.
Between the state parks and wildlife refuges, bayside restaurants and breweries, and oceanfront fun, the area offers far more depth than its beach-town reputation might suggest.
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