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Can you think of nine things to do on and around the Virginia Beach Boardwalk? I scheduled a Chevy Suburban with Orange Peel Transportation to pick us up from the airport. We sat comfortably on our ride to the Hyatt House Oceanfront Virginia Beach Boardwalk Hotel. This post includes updates.
I asked about places to eat, and the driver recommended Catch 31. We dropped off our luggage and walked to the restaurant. Of course, we did not have a reservation, but the wait was only 15 minutes. We started with the spinach artichoke dip with crab appetizer, but the warm pita chips were my favorite of this dish. I ordered shrimp and scallops, Lynn ordered blackened catfish, and Kim wanted crab cakes. The food was well seasoned, portions were belly-friendly, and this was probably the freshest seafood I have had in a long time. If you dine here, you will not be disappointed. I picked up the $170 tab, and Kim and Lynn tipped. Whether you use rideshare or a taxi, ask your driver about dining options.
Because we did not order dessert, we stopped by Forbes for something sweet. One piece of turtle fudge was enough to share with my sisters. I also looked at souvenirs. If you have read a post or two, you know that I collect Christmas ornaments. I have become intentional about my collection, searching for engraved ornaments with the year I traveled. Visit Christmas Mouse to add something special to your tree. I bought an ornament for Myrtle Beach at the South Carolina location.
Ellie gave us the inside scoop on what to do on and around the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. She recommended Rudee’s On The Inlet Restaurant & Cabana Bar. Her inside tip about Ocean Eddies was pretty cool if you watch The Bachelor. In one episode, the cast wanted you to believe they were in Jamaica even though they were on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Ellie also told us about events in the parks. There are live performances throughout the Boardwalk starting around 7:30 PM. Finally, she told us about the hop-on-hop-off trolley. Yes, we could have made a reservation at a different hotel and spent a day on the Boardwalk. However, Ellie claimed one day is not enough time to visit Virginia Beach. Pay a little extra for the room, do not rent a car, and enjoy everything on and around the Virginia Beach Boardwalk.
If you stay on or around Virginia Beach Boardwalk, you can jump on and off the trolley as your mode of transportation. You can sit in the front of the air-conditioned trolley or the back and open the windows. Rudee’s and Orion’s are near the end of the route but opposite ends of the Boardwalk. You will walk a few blocks to each destination. We paid $6.75 for three all-day passes. Most drivers were professional, but you know there is always one. He told us to get off his trolley because we boarded #31 instead of #30. We did not make that mistake again.
6. Rudee’sThe food was delicious, and the cocktails were refreshing. I ordered the cauliflower and lobster roll. When it started to rain, we stayed for dessert. If you like key lime pie, this is a great place for dessert. Look in the Virginia Beach Visitors Guide for a coupon or pick up a coupon book at a stand on Atlantic Avenue. Kim picked up the $138 tab for the meal while Lynn and I tipped.
Okay, I love a good donut. Yes, I am a fan of Stan’s, Voodoo, and Old Fashioned Donuts. The difference between the other locations is that at Duck Donuts, employees make the donuts when you place your order. The Duck Donuts franchise started in Duck, North Carolina. I ordered one plain and one chocolate coconut donut covered in nuts. Because a donut can fit in the palm of your hand, you can devour two if you choose to indulge. Stop by a franchise near you for a different way to satisfy your donut craving.
We did not sit at the Bachelor table. Order the hush puppies and fried pickles. I ordered a burger with fries but sampled the fish taco. You will not be disappointed by any of the restaurants on this list. Lynn picked up the $128 tab while Kim and I tipped.
9. Orion’s RoofOrion’s Roof showcases Asian-fusion dishes located atop the Marriott. We started with the Grilled Corn Elote. The chef cut the ear of corn into five spear-like pieces. I also enjoyed the fried rice. Both dishes are shareable. We complemented our meal with the Signature Cavalier Mile High Cake for dessert. All I can say is dark chocolate. The cake reminded me of a mini version of my favorite German Chocolate Cake from Moody Tongue. Oh, the view is breathtaking. Although I shared nine things to do on and around Virginia Beach Boardwalk, there is more to see.
We also dined at Cactus Jack’s, Fisher’s Bar, Ocean 27, and enjoyed custard from Kohr Brothers for National Ice Cream Day. I enjoyed my vacation in and around the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Because I was with my sisters, we rotated paying the tab. There was no discussion, and it worked out well. Hopefully, when you travel with family or friends, you do not worry about separate checks every time you dine out. We are planning a trip back to Virginia Beach. I want to dine at Leaping Lizards Café and travel through time at The Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum. I also want to attend the Neptune Festival.
Although I did not use points to offset the cost of this vacation, I earned points as a World of Hyatt member and used my Hilton Honors Surpass card to earn points toward my Hilton Honors account. When we dined at Catch 31 in the Hilton Hotel, I collected more points (12X) for dining. In addition, I received a $5 credit and earned (6X) points when I used my Marriott Bonvoy card at Orion’s Roof to buy a round of drinks. Finally, because of my Discoverist status, we picked up a hot breakfast and water every morning. Check your travel credit card benefits. Visit my website for more information about how I earn and use points to travel.
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Because I earned a companion pass with Southwest, I traveled to Virginia Beach in February during All-Star weekend. However, Boardwalk activities are at a minimum. We did not see a trolley, and some businesses shut down, but there was plenty of room on the Boardwalk to walk, run, or bike. If you are looking for little to no crowds, February is the time of year to visit Virginia Beach. Instead of finding things to do, we headed to Norfolk. We enjoyed authentic Mexican food at Union Taco, libations at Gershwin’s, and watched the All-Star game at a local sports bar. By the way, I stayed at Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront and enjoyed lunch and dinner at Catch 31. As a Diamond Member, I receive a daily $30 food and beverage credit.
Virginia Beach Oceanfront in November 2023I took advantage of an opening at Oceanaire during Thanksgiving week. Only studios were available. Yes, another stay at my timeshare. On this trip, I participated in several activities on the property: Owner’s Breakfast, Bingo, Smores Night, and designed a beer mug. I also tried two local restaurants: Chicho’s and Dough Boy’s. If you crave fried pickles, stop by Chicho’s. Are you traveling with family? The pizza at Dough Boy’s is delicious. Take a walk. Watch the sunrise. Are you in the holiday spirit? Lights on the Beach runs from November 17 through January 1. Visiting Virginia Beach in the offseason is a great way to explore the area without the crowds.