Virginia Beach City Guide

Seafood like crab cakes and oysters is popular. The city offers Italian, Mexican, Asian, and Mediterranean food. Vegan and vegetarian options are growing. Late-night food is found near oceanfront and town center.

Nightlife centers on the oceanfront with bars, clubs, and live music. Town Center adds upscale bars and restaurants.

The coffee scene is growing with local shops and chains. Specialty roasters are emerging and community vibe is casual.

Tipping around 15-20% is standard for restaurants, taxis, and other services.

SIM cards are sold by Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile stores. eSIM options depend on carrier and device. A valid ID may be needed for contract plans.

Streets are generally clean, especially in tourist areas. Waste services and recycling are handled well by the city.

Some pharmacies and convenience stores are open 24/7. Emergency rooms operate around the clock. Night clinics are rare.

Supermarkets like Kroger, Food Lion, Harris Teeter, and Publix cover basic needs. The Farmers Market offers local produce. Stores open early and close late, with most open Sundays.

Most places accept credit and debit cards. Cash isn’t usually needed for daily expenses.

ATMs are easy to find in banks, grocery stores, and convenience shops. Banks like Bank of America and Wells Fargo are common. Using out-of-network ATMs costs about $2.50 to $5.00.

Public schools cover most educational needs in English. International schools are not common.

Remote work is growing but not well organized. Some meetups happen via local groups. Nomad-friendly cafes are common in Oceanfront and Town Center.

Parks like Mount Trashmore and First Landing offer lots of green space for outdoor activities.

Popular running spots include the boardwalk and parks. Running groups exist and safety is generally good.

Multiple gym chains and specialty gyms like CrossFit are available.

Tennis courts are common in parks and clubs, mostly hard courts. Some offer rentals and coaching; memberships are popular.

Padel courts exist at some private clubs but are less widespread than tennis courts.

Many yoga studios with various styles and English-speaking instructors. Drop-in and memberships available.

Training facilities offer BJJ, Muay Thai, Boxing, Karate, and Taekwondo. English-speaking instructors are common.

No skiing nearby; closest resorts are several hours away in western Virginia or neighboring states.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing are common. Rentals and tours are available in the Chesapeake Bay area.

Surfing is popular near the jetties and Croatan Beach. Fall offers the best waves. There are options for all skill levels and surf schools available.

Diving focuses on artificial reefs and shipwrecks offshore. Certification and equipment rentals are offered mostly in warmer months.

Hospitals like Sentara Princess Anne and Sentara Virginia Beach General have English-speaking staff. Pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens stock common meds and some are open 24/7. Healthcare quality is high.

Tap water meets federal and state safety standards and is safe to drink.

Parks like Mount Trashmore and Red Wing have playgrounds. Attractions include the aquarium and waterpark. Baby supplies are easy to find.

Virginia Beach is generally accepting with inclusive venues and pride events. Legal protections exist at the state level.

The city is pet-friendly with many parks, accommodations, and vets. Dog parks and supplies are easy to find.