Unlock Virginia Beach Vacation Packages Deals
Virginia Beach vacation packages start from $195 on Hotwire, $376 on Expedia, and $648 on Orbitz as of 2026, bundling hotel and sometimes flights or activities at a discount over booking separately. The city offers oceanfront hotels from $267/night on KAYAK, with the best value found during the off-peak season from October through December. This guide covers where to find real package deals, what to expect from beachfront accommodation, and what to do once you’re there.
Find the perfect beachfront accommodations
Choosing the right place to stay shapes the Virginia Beach experience significantly. Oceanfront hotels give you immediate beach access and Atlantic views, while hotels one or two blocks inland typically cost 20-30% less with similar amenities. Key oceanfront properties as of 2026 include the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, the Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront (which offers free parking, a meaningful saving given the area’s parking rates), and the Country Inn and Suites by Radisson at the Oceanfront (paid parking at approximately $15.90/day).
Beachfront options cover three main categories:
- Oceanfront hotels: direct beach access with amenities including pools, restaurants, and fitness centers. The Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront are the largest full-service options on the strip.
- Beachfront vacation rentals: condos and houses with extra space, kitchen access, and private settings. Suitable for families or groups of 4 or more staying 5+ nights.
- Beachfront campgrounds: First Landing State Park has 220 campsites, some near the Chesapeake Bay shore, from approximately $30-40/night. An accessible outdoor option for budget-conscious travelers.
Discover family-friendly activities
Virginia Beach has a strong range of family-friendly activities beyond the beach itself. The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center houses over 12,000 animals including sea turtles, sharks, and river otters, with interactive exhibits and touch tanks. Admission runs approximately $25-30 for adults and $20-25 for children as of 2026.
First Landing State Park covers 2,888 acres of coastal forest with 19 miles of hiking trails, fishing access, kayak rentals, and a Chesapeake Bay beach. Day use fees are approximately $7-10 per vehicle. The Military Aviation Museum near Princess Anne Road houses over 100 vintage aircraft, one of the largest collections of flyable World War I and World War II aircraft in the world, with admission around $18-22 for adults.
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk, which runs 3 miles along the oceanfront, is free to access and offers bike rentals, a free summer concert series, and easy access to the beach at multiple points.
Budget-friendly options
Virginia Beach vacation packages deliver the best value when booked through travel platforms during the shoulder and off-peak seasons. Hotwire’s “hot rate” hotel deals start from $195 for Virginia Beach properties as of 2026. Expedia bundles including hotel and flight start from approximately $376 per person from East Coast hubs. Orbitz packages run from $648 and often include room upgrades or resort credits.
October through December is consistently the cheapest period to visit Virginia Beach. Hotel rates drop 30-50% from summer peaks, beaches are less crowded, and most attractions remain open. Spring (March-April) is another strong value window before summer pricing kicks in.
| Booking platform | Package type | Starting price (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotwire | Hotel only (opaque) | From $195/stay | Best for flexible travelers; hotel revealed after booking |
| Expedia | Hotel + flight bundle | From $376/person | Transparent hotel choices; bundle discount applied at checkout |
| Orbitz | Hotel + flight bundle | From $648/person | Orbucks rewards program adds value for repeat users |
| KAYAK | Hotel only (compare) | Resorts from $267/night | Comparison across all major booking platforms |
Vacation rentals through VRBO and Airbnb often undercut hotel prices for groups of 4 or more, particularly for stays of 5+ nights. A 3-bedroom condo near the boardwalk can split to $80-100/person per night for a group of six, significantly below equivalent hotel pricing.
Explore the top attractions
Virginia Beach’s attractions range from natural sites to cultural institutions. The boardwalk and beach access are free; most paid attractions run $15-30 per adult. Planning 2-3 paid attractions per day with beach time in between is a manageable pace for families.
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk runs 3 miles along the Atlantic Ocean, from 1st Street to 40th Street. It’s lined with hotels, restaurants, and shops, with a dedicated bike lane running parallel to the pedestrian path. Bike rentals are available along the strip from approximately $10-20/hour. The city runs a free summer concert series on the boardwalk from June through Labor Day weekend.
First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park covers 2,888 acres of bald cypress swamp, maritime forest, and Chesapeake Bay beach. The park has 19 miles of trails, fishing piers, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and a campground with 220 sites. Day-use fees run approximately $7-10 per vehicle. The park is named for the 1607 landing of English settlers who stopped here before founding Jamestown.
Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center
The Virginia Aquarium houses over 12,000 animals across 800,000 gallons of exhibit space. Major exhibits include a 300,000-gallon Norfolk Canyon Aquarium with sandbar sharks, a sea turtle recovery center, and a marsh pavilion with river otters. Admission runs approximately $25-30 for adults and $20-25 for children (3-11) as of 2026.
Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
MOCA Virginia Beach (Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art) is a 45,000-square-foot contemporary art museum at 2200 Parks Avenue. The permanent collection spans painting, sculpture, photography, and studio glass, and the museum runs rotating exhibitions with national-caliber artists. Admission is approximately $10-14 for adults.
| Attraction | Description | Approx. admission (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach Boardwalk | 3-mile oceanfront promenade with free beach access, shops, and restaurants | Free |
| First Landing State Park | 2,888 acres of maritime forest with trails, a bay beach, and kayak rentals | $7-10/vehicle |
| Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center | 12,000+ animals, shark tank, sea turtle recovery center | $25-30 adults |
| Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) | Contemporary art museum at 2200 Parks Avenue | $10-14 adults |
Take advantage of summer specials
Virginia Beach hotel deals in summer are most accessible through bundled booking platforms, though it’s worth knowing that summer is the peak season and the city’s most expensive window. July and August see the highest rates. For genuine savings, consider the following summer-specific approaches:
Most major hotels along the oceanfront offer a “stay 4, pay 3” or similar promotion during specific summer weeks. Check the hotel’s direct booking page alongside third-party platforms, as some properties match or beat aggregator prices with added perks like free parking. The Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront offers free parking as a built-in amenity, which can add up to $150-200 in savings over a week’s stay compared to properties that charge separately.
| Strategy | Details | Est. savings |
|---|---|---|
| Book direct for parking perks | Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront offers free parking; Country Inn and Suites charges $15.90/day | $100-200/week |
| Off-peak summer (June, post-Labor Day) | June and post-Labor Day rates drop 15-20% vs. July-August peak | $30-60/night |
| Expedia bundle (hotel + flight) | Bundles from $376/person from East Coast cities in shoulder season | 10-15% vs. separate booking |
Plan your itinerary
A 3-day Virginia Beach itinerary covers the main attractions without feeling rushed. The boardwalk and beach should anchor each day, with paid attractions filling the afternoon when direct sun is strongest.
- Start the first morning at the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Walk or rent a bike along the 3-mile promenade, then settle on the beach for a few hours before visiting Cape Henry Lighthouse and First Landing State Park in the afternoon.
- Spend morning two at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, which takes 2-3 hours to cover thoroughly. In the afternoon, explore the Military Aviation Museum or MOCA.
- Reserve the third day for water sports or a dolphin watching tour (available from the Rudee Inlet marina), ending with dinner at a boardwalk seafood restaurant and the free evening concert series if visiting in summer.
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Virginia Beach Boardwalk and beach | Cape Henry Lighthouse and First Landing State Park | Dinner at a seafood restaurant |
| Day 2 | Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center | Military Aviation Museum or MOCA | Boardwalk entertainment and nightlife |
| Day 3 | Water sports or dolphin tour (Rudee Inlet) | Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge or beach | Live music at a beachfront bar |
Enjoy water sports and activities
Virginia Beach’s oceanfront location makes it one of the East Coast’s strongest destinations for water sports. Rudee Inlet, at the southern end of the boardwalk, is the main hub for boat tours and rentals. Multiple surf schools operate along the beach, offering lessons from approximately $60-80 for a beginner group session.
Surfing
Virginia Beach has consistent Atlantic surf, particularly in fall when hurricane swells push through. Several surf schools operate near the Croatan Beach area and along the main oceanfront strip. Beginner lessons run approximately $60-80 for a 2-hour group session including equipment rental. Board rentals without instruction are available from $15-25/hour.
Kayaking
Kayak rentals are available through outfitters near First Landing State Park and along the inland waterways of the Back Bay area. The calm waters of the Chesapeake Bay and the park’s lagoons are better suited to recreational kayaking than the open Atlantic. Rental rates run approximately $20-35/hour depending on kayak type.
Paddleboarding
Stand-up paddleboarding is available through multiple rental outfitters along the boardwalk and near Rudee Inlet. Boards rent for approximately $20-30/hour. The calm morning ocean conditions before 9am are the best window for paddleboarding on the Atlantic side; conditions tend to pick up through the afternoon.
Indulge in local cuisine
Virginia Beach is a seafood destination, built around Chesapeake Bay blue crabs, Atlantic flounder, and oysters from the Lynnhaven River. The boardwalk strip has the highest concentration of restaurants, ranging from casual seafood shacks to sit-down oceanfront dining. Moving one or two blocks off the boardwalk typically drops meal prices by 15-25%.
Some of the best family-friendly restaurants in Virginia Beach include:
- Waterman’s Surfside Grille: directly on the oceanfront, with a kids’ menu and live music in summer
- Pocahontas Pancake and Waffle Shop: a local institution for breakfast and brunch
- Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant: large all-you-can-eat seafood buffet on General Booth Blvd, a Virginia Beach tradition
- The Bee and The Biscuit: breakfast and brunch in the Sandbridge area, known for Southern-style dishes
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Waterman’s Surfside Grille | American, Seafood | Oceanfront |
| Pocahontas Pancake and Waffle Shop | American, Breakfast | North End |
| Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant | Seafood buffet | General Booth Blvd |
| The Bee and The Biscuit | American, Breakfast | Sandbridge area |
Enjoy the vibrant nightlife
Virginia Beach has a broad nightlife scene centered on the boardwalk strip and the adjacent 19th Street corridor. The options range from laid-back beach bars to live music venues and comedy clubs. The boardwalk’s free summer concert series runs through Labor Day weekend and provides entertainment without a cover charge.
Popular bars
The Blind Rabbit is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar popular for craft drinks. Wasserhund Brewing Company serves German-style craft beers alongside food in a casual setting. Croc’s 19th Street Bistro is a well-established beachfront bar with a wide drinks menu and regular live entertainment.
Exciting clubs
Peabody’s Nightclub is Virginia Beach’s longest-running dance club, with multiple music formats. The venue has hosted national touring acts alongside local DJs. The Shack is another option for live music and dancing near the boardwalk area.
Live entertainment
The Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater is an outdoor venue hosting major touring artists in summer. Capacity reaches 20,000 and the season runs May through September. For comedy, The VB Funny Bone Comedy Club at the Pembroke Mall area books national touring acts year-round, with shows typically Friday and Saturday evenings.
| Venue | Type | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| The Blind Rabbit | Bar | Speakeasy-style cocktail bar |
| Wasserhund Brewing Company | Brewery/Bar | German-style craft beers and food |
| Croc’s 19th Street Bistro | Bar | Beachfront bar with live music |
| Peabody’s Nightclub | Dance club | Longest-running dance venue, multiple music formats |
| Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater | Concert venue | 20,000-capacity outdoor amphitheater for major touring acts |
| The VB Funny Bone Comedy Club | Comedy club | National touring comedians, year-round shows |
Experience the natural beauty
Virginia Beach’s natural assets extend well beyond the main oceanfront strip. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge covers 9,250 acres at the southern end of the city, providing critical habitat for migratory birds on the Atlantic Flyway and supporting populations of loggerhead sea turtles that nest on the beaches between May and August. Entry is approximately $5 per vehicle.
First Landing State Park (2,888 acres) and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge together form one of the larger protected natural areas on the mid-Atlantic coast. Kayaking the calm interior waterways of either area reveals bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons that are rarely seen from the main beach.
| Natural attraction | Description | Entry fee (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach oceanfront | Wide sandy Atlantic beach accessible from the 3-mile boardwalk | Free |
| Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge | 9,250 acres; migratory birds, sea turtle nesting beaches, trails | ~$5/vehicle |
| First Landing State Park | 2,888 acres; maritime forest trails, bay beach, kayak rentals | ~$7-10/vehicle |
| Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center | 12,000+ marine animals, interactive exhibits, dolphin cruises | ~$25-30/adult |
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to book a Virginia Beach vacation package?
Hotwire’s opaque hotel deals start from $195 for Virginia Beach as of 2026, the lowest starting price among major platforms. Expedia bundles including hotel and flight start from $376 per person from East Coast departure cities. For the best rates, target travel in October through December (off-peak season), when hotel rates drop 30-50% from summer highs while most attractions remain fully operational.
Which hotels in Virginia Beach have free parking?
The Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront offers free self-parking as a built-in amenity, which is significant given the area’s parking costs. Most oceanfront hotels charge for parking; the Country Inn and Suites by Radisson at the Oceanfront charges approximately $15.90/day for parking. Booking a hotel with included parking can save $100-200 over a week’s stay compared to properties that charge separately.
When is the best time to visit Virginia Beach for a cheap trip?
October through December consistently offers the lowest hotel rates and least crowding in Virginia Beach. Rates drop 30-50% compared to the July-August peak, and the weather remains mild through October with sea temperatures warm enough for swimming. The shoulder seasons of March-April and September are also strong value windows with good weather and more manageable beach crowds.
What is the best area to stay in Virginia Beach?
The boardwalk strip between 1st and 40th Streets puts you within walking distance of the beach, restaurants, and the free summer concert series. Oceanfront hotels on this corridor are the most convenient but most expensive. The Sandbridge area, about 8 miles south of the main strip, offers a quieter, more residential beach experience with vacation rentals typically 20-30% cheaper than comparable boardwalk-area properties.
What family activities are available in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach’s top family activities include the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center (over 12,000 animals, admission $20-30 per person), First Landing State Park (hiking, kayaking, bay swimming, from $7-10/vehicle), the Virginia Beach Boardwalk (free, 3-mile walkway with bike rentals), and the Military Aviation Museum (over 100 vintage aircraft, admission approximately $18-22 for adults).
How long should I plan for a Virginia Beach vacation?
Three to four days covers the main Virginia Beach attractions comfortably. Two days is enough for the beach and a couple of paid attractions. A full week works best for families wanting to split time between beach days, water sports, nature areas (Back Bay, First Landing), and day trips to nearby Norfolk or the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Most visitors stay between 3 and 5 nights.
Is Virginia Beach worth visiting outside of summer?
Yes. September and October offer warm-enough water temperatures for swimming (still above 70°F through September), fewer crowds, lower hotel rates, and active surf conditions. The Virginia Beach Neptune Festival runs in late September with free events. November through February sees the most dramatic rate drops but cooler temperatures; the attractions, restaurants, and nightlife remain largely open year-round.
