Victoria Lupascu 
Planning the ultimate beach holiday? Then you’ll need to find the best areas where to stay in Virginia Beach!
And I promise you’ll find them in this post! I’ve manually compared all the hotel options in Virginia Beach and included only the ones with the best reviews for each price range!
If you read the entire post you’ll also learn which are the 3 top areas for tourists, what makes them so unique, and which are the best accommodations in each area.
The North Boardwalk is the best area to stay in Virginia Beach for first-time visitors as it has super exciting attractions and awesome hotels!
Speaking of hotels, I recommend booking them in advance! During the peak season (June to August) the prices are much higher (up to +$100 per night), so it’s definitely better to secure your spot early!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Quickly browse this list with the best hotels to stay in Virginia Beach
Contents
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
Here’s a Virginia Beach neighborhood map that will help you visualize all the areas that I will be talking about in this post:
- North Boardwalk: for first-timers
- South Boardwalk: for families
- Town Center: for budget
1. North Boardwalk – best place to stay for first-timers
Is this your first time visiting Virginia Beach? Then the North Boardwalk is your ideal place!
The entire Virginia Beach Boardwalk (North + South) has 3 miles in length and it starts from 2nd Street and goes up to 40th Street.
Here you’ll get a taste of the good old beach life and enjoy your time to the fullest while chilling on the sandy shores!
The North Boardwalk is a pretty vibrant area, (usually) filled with tourists just like you! You won’t have any trouble finding restaurants here (most serve yummy seafood) and there are also bars and coffee shops (especially on Atlantic Avenue) where you can refill your batteries after spending the whole day swimming or exploring the First Landing State Park.
Coastal towns are the perfect holiday destination, especially for families who’ll find so many fun things to do in Virginia Beach! You’ve got all the facilities you need, plus the Atlantic Ocean within walking distance from pretty much every good hotel in the city!
Of course the beach is the main attraction here but you’ll also find some other places to visit on the north end of Virginia Beach. The Naval Aviation Monument Park is great if you’re into history, as is the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum.
I love being close to the beach! The sun and ocean are like medicine for one’s soul, and they put you in a good mood the minute your eyes see that vivid blue and smell the salty air!
I highly recommend booking your hotels in advance here, although the city is big everyone will want to stay right near the beach and have rooms with ocean views!
Are you looking for a hotel that offers its guests a luxury experience? You’ve come to the right place! Centrally located, this accommodation has an on-site restaurant and free wifi. Spend your days relaxing in the hot tub or by the indoor pool, or enjoy a nice workout in the fitness center!
Other accommodation options in North Boardwalk
Enjoy the oceanfront view from the comfort of your rooms in this modern hotel with an on-site restaurant
An affordable place with rooms that have a balcony overlooking the ocean and a swimming pool
This spacious and well-equipped condo comes with a balcony and a spacious lounge area with ocean views
As I told you, all the Virginia Beach hotels on the Boardwalk sell out super fast, so if you’re looking for more accommodations in the North part, here are some great extra options:
- Luxury: Courtyard Virginia Beach – wake up with the best views of the Atlantic ocean in this luxury hotel with an on-site restaurant and rooms with private balconies. If you’re not in the mood to go to the beach, you can always sunbathe by the outdoor pool.
- Mid Range: Residence Inn By Marriott – this hotel offers a central location on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and a great breakfast! During the rainy days, head to the indoor pool for a swim and enjoy the ocean views or relax in the hot tub all day long!
- Budget: Angie’s Guest Cottage – feel at home in this comfortable cottage that offers free parking and family rooms! Spend a day in, chill in the garden, buy some food and cook a delicious barbecue!
Things to do in North Boardwalk
- Head to the beach and enjoy the ocean views
- Learn new things about Virginia Beach at the Naval Aviation Monument Park
- Check out the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum in the north end
- Explore the hiking trails in the First Landing State Park
- Enjoy the sun on Chesapeake Beach
- Hit the golf courses and country clubs at Little Neck Creek
- Snap a picture of the Neptune Statue and check if there are any live events in Neptune’s Park
2. South Boardwalk – nicest area to stay for families
Looking for the nicest part of Virginia beach to visit with the whole family? Then the South Boardwalk is for you!
The southern end of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk is the safest place to stay in Virginia Beach and even if it’s still super lively and vibrant it’s not as crazy and crowded as the North Boardwalk (and still is within walkable distance from it).
However, you’ll still find several restaurants, bars and coffee shops plus the water is warmer and even calmer here, compared to the one in the North Boardwalk part of the town, which is perfect for you and the family!
I’m sure the kids will want to spend all their time by the ocean (especially when they hear about the famous dolphin tours), but remind them of how many other attractions you’ll find on the South Virginia Beach Boardwalk!
The Virginia Aquarium and the Atlantic Fun Park are 2 of the coolest places here, you’ll probably need a few hours to check all the cool rides in the park, but you and the kids will love every minute of it!
There’s also the Nightmare Mansion haunted house for those of you who are brave enough to visit!
P.S. Not too far from the South Boardwalk (around 5 min by car) there are some really fun things to do in Virginia Beach for the entire family! Like visiting the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and the Ocean Breeze Waterpark where you’ll have a blast trying all the waterslides!
Located right in front of the beach on the southern end of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, this luxury accommodation has peaceful private balconies. Head to the indoor pool for a chill afternoon during those rainy days or to the hot tub for a deep soak. Guests will also have access to a fitness center and receive a free breakfast so there’s not much more to ask for here!
Other accommodation options in South Boardwalk
Offering rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, this hotel boasts an indoor pool and free parking
Drink your morning coffee and admire the ocean views on the private balcony of this hotel that has a pool
I love the little patio of this cool house that has a spacious room, a kitchen, and free wifi
We all know how fast the good hotels go, so here you have 2 more options to help you find your perfect accommodation, if you’re looking for another budget choice, unfortunately, we’re out of good options here but take a look at the cozy Airbnb!
- Luxury: Four Points by Sheraton – catch a beautiful beach sunset from the private balcony of your room at this luxurious hotel with a fitness center. The rooms are super spacious, and they have a flat-screen tv. And if you’re not up for the beach today, you can always chill by the pool at the hotel.
- Mid Range: Red Roof Plus & Suites – this modern hotel has spacious rooms with balconies, a pool where you can relax and enjoy the sun and free parking.
Things to do in South Boardwalk
- Spend a whole day having fun with the kids at the Atlantic Fun Park
- Catch an exhibition at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
- Go on a tour to spot the dolphins in Virginia Beach
- Visit the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
- Don’t get too scared at the Nightmare Mansion
- Take the kids to the Ocean Breeze Waterpark
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3. Town Center – where to stay in Virginia Beach for budget
Don’t worry if you don’t have the budget to book a hotel located right on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk because you can always find accommodations in the Town Center.
Although you’re a bit further away from the ocean, you can still go there anytime you want by using public transport or renting a car if you want to explore other parts of the town! It is about 15 min by car or 45 min by public transport to get to the beach from the city center.
This is not your regular busy town center area! Of course, you’ll stumble upon some crowds with all the shops, restaurants and cafes, but you’ll also find plenty of natural spots that will keep you occupied when you’re too tired to make your way to the beach!
Places like Lake Trashmore are super fun to explore and there’s also the Kids Cove Playground where you can take the little ones.
Another really cool place that you should check out here is the Funny Bone comedy club that has live shows!
Told you, there’s never a dull moment around here!
No time to get to the beach? Don’t worry, I’ve got you! This hotel offers a large indoor pool that the guests can use, plus a fitness center. The rooms are spacious, and they have private bathrooms.
Other accommodation options in Town Center
A nice hotel that has a terrace, a swimming pool and a lounge area where you can watch tv
This pet-friendly budget hotel offers its guests free parking spots, plus a swimming pool and a fitness center
Enjoy your stay in this cute house that comes with 3 rooms, a kitchen and free parking
Things to do in Town Center
- Visit the Francis Land House Museum
- Make the children happy and take them to the Kids Playground Clove
- Check out the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
- Go on a trip to visit the nearby Norfolk Botanical Garden
- Check out the murals in the Vibe Creative District
- Enjoy some peace and quiet near Lake Trashmore
| 👑 Luxury: | US$250 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | US$140 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$80 |
| 📍 Best area: | North Boardwalk |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | The Cavalier Virginia Beach |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Hampton Inn Virginia Beach |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Hilton Vacation Club Ocean |
BONUS: The best oceanfront hotels in Virginia Beach
If you are like me and you want to admire the sea views 24/7, read this section!
I know many of you will be looking for hotels with the best view of the Atlantic ocean, so I thought it would be a good idea to list the best oceanfront hotels in Virginia Beach!
- Luxury (US$250 and up)
Marriott Virginia Beach – what better way to start your day than with a sight of the ocean right from your bed! This luxury hotel is right near the beach, and the views are incredible! Even when you’re at the pool, you’ll feel like you’re on the beach. The accommodation has a restaurant and a bar on-site. - Mid-range (US$100 – US$250)
Hyatt House Virginia Beach – a change of outfit, a 2-minute walk, and boom, you’re on the beach! This hotel has everything you need, from a pet-friendly policy to a restaurant and a swimming pool! - Budget (up to US$100)
Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront – one of the best Virginia Beach hotels that’s set oceanfront and has rooms with a balcony! Here you can catch a scenic sunset on the terrace of this fab hotel that has a quirky design and chill on the outdoor pool. - Apartment (US$200 and up)
Oceanfront Apartment – here’s a super spacious apartment that offers incredible ocean views, a lounge area with big windows and a kitchen.
FAQs about where to stay in Virginia Beach
💯 What is the best area to stay in Virginia Beach?
North Boardwalk is the best area where to stay in Virginia Beach, it has a wide range of attractions for all types of travelers and amazing hotels like The Cavalier Virginia Beach.
🧭 Which is better between North vs South Virginia?
Both are great! The North Boardwalk is great for first-time visitors as there are many fun attractions there, and the South Boardwalk is perfect for families!
❌ What are the bad areas of Virginia Beach?
You should avoid the Northwest and the Dam Neck Naval Station Air areas, as these 2 are not as safe for tourists as the areas I mentioned in the post.
🌊 What are the best waterfront hotels in Virginia Beach?
Marriott Virginia Beach and Hyatt House Virginia Beach are the 2 best waterfront hotels to stay in Virginia Beach, as both have great reviews and many amazing facilities.
👪 Which hotels in Virginia Beach are good for families?
Coastal Hotel & Suites and Fairfield Inn & Suites are the best hotels in Virginia Beach for families. The accommodations have family rooms, swimming pools, and great reviews.
🚗 What is the best Virginia Beach hotel with free parking?
One of the best Virginia Beach hotels with free parking spots for its guests is Hampton Inn Virginia Beach.
📆 How many days do you need in Virginia Beach?
I’d recommend spending 3 to 4 days in Virginia Beach, as that’ll give you enough time to enjoy the beach, explore the area and visit the attractions.
Conclusion
What a fun trip!
As you can see, there are so many amazing things to see and do in this coastal town, and I hope this post helped you decide where to stay in Virginia Beach.
There are so many hotel options here, and I know how difficult it is to decide (especially when planning last-minute), so here are my top 2 Virginia Beach resorts:
- The Cavalier Virginia Beach – an elegant hotel that has a pool, 3 restaurants and a pool
- Hampton Inn Virginia Beach – a beachfront hotel with great Virginia Beach skyline views
Remember that Virginia Beach is a super famous location, so I highly recommend booking your hotels in advance to get the best deals, especially during the peak season (June, July and August) when the prices are much higher!
Have lots of fun under the sun, enjoy the humid subtropical climate, and snap some photos of the King Neptune Statue, it’s a perfect memory!
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to drop me a comment below, I’ll answer as soon as I can!
Safe travels,
Victoria
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