Never imagined I’d be learning to surf outside of the ocean but so happy I did! 🏄🏾♀️ This park is located in @visitvabeach and we had the best time in the beginners class. It took me 5 tries and then I was able to stand up 🙌🏾 If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to surf make sure to add this to your list next time you’re visiting VA Beach! #ad #visitvabeach #virginiabeach
Big news: Virginia Beach was named a Place to Travel in 2026 by The New York Times @nytimes – and honestly, it checks out.
From hosting the Super Girl Festival (the world’s largest women’s surf competition 👏 @supergirlpro ) to bold new murals in the ViBe Creative District @thevibecreativedistrict , plus Atlantic Park Surf’s @atlanticparksurf wave pool backed by Pharrell (!!), VB is having a MOMENT.
And beyond the beach, there’s history, culture and stories worth exploring. If you’re planning future trips, this one’s officially on the list.
👉 Tap the link in our bio to read the full feature and see why the NYT is paying attention.
In Virginia Beach, voted one of the happiest cities in the U.S., happiness isn’t hard to come by. For the surfer, it’s the sweet waves and chill culture. For outdoor lovers, it’s all the ways to get out and explore. For the foodies, it’s the freshest seafood around. For the families, it’s the sense of community and belonging.
We took to some of the most popular places all around this coastal city and asked locals and visitors alike “What is happiness to you in Virginia Beach?” Here’s what they had to say.
Welcome to the “Happiness is a Real Place” social series. What’s your “happy?” ☀️⬇️
(P.S. Keep your eyes peeled- you just may see someone you know in this series! 👀) #happinessisarealplaceVB #happinessisarealplace #happinessis #VisitVaBeach
Come for the festival, stay for the vibe 🎶 From the crowd to the culture, @jackalopefest brings it all in Virginia Beach. | May 29 – May 31
#VBplay #virginiabeach #eventvibes #travelnow #visitva #goodenergy
i got to attend sharks after dark at the @vaaquarium and i truly cannot recommend a more fun date night activity 🦈✨
this event is 21+ and has different themes each month, which makes it even more fun. this month’s theme was weenies + tinis 🌭🍸
it is such a different experience than visiting during the day in the best way:
🍸 drinks to sip while you explore 🍽️ food + drinks by @groovingourmets 🎶 a dj setting the vibe 🌙 lights dimmed throughout the aquarium 🐠 after-hours access to stroll through the exhibits
there is just something so fun about walking through the aquarium at night with good food, drinks, and music. it felt like the perfect different-than-usual date night.
the next sharks after dark is june 4th, so definitely add this one to your list 🐠🍸🌙
#virginiabeach #datenight #va #757 #aquarium
virginia beach is officially getting its first-ever @playabowlsatlanticpark and it opens this friday at 11am 🥥🌊
located on the corner of pacific ave + 20th street, directly next to @atlanticparksurf and only one block from the beach, this spot could not fit the area more perfectly. the space has such a fun coastal feel and is honestly the perfect stop before or after a beach day or surf park visit 🏄♀️
even cooler, this is playa bowls’ 400th location and the owner was born + raised right here in virginia beach, which makes it even more special 🫶
grand opening details: 🌴 friday at 11am 🥣 first 100 guests in line get a free bowl + merch 🎧 dj 🎁 giveaways ✨ guaranteed good vibes
they have bowls, smoothies, juices, cold brew and so much more, and i am so excited to finally have one in virginia beach! make sure to stop by and check it out 💛
we tried:
🧜🏼♀️mermaid mood bowl
🥭goldie mango bowl
🥥coconut craze bowl
#virginiabeach #vabeach #playabowls #757 #atlanticparkvb
Mentally already in summer mode. Checklist loading…
✅ soak by the water all day (mandatory)
✅ finally read that book (or just carry it around)
✅ beach day with the group chat
✅ late nights, early swims
✅ repeat until further notice
#virginiabeach #visitvirginiabeach #summerinvb #beachlife #thingstodoinvb
📸: @wellnesstravelled
Somewhere over the Atlantic, @visitvabeach Virginia Beach decided to show off last night 🌈
The day after Mother’s Day brought one of the most beautiful rainbows we’ve seen stretching right over the ocean — the kind of moment that makes everyone stop, stare, and smile. And with “Pocketful of Rainbows” playing in the background? Perfect timing. 🌊
Just another reminder that coastal Virginia sunsets (and skies) really are something special. ✨
@visitvirginia
#visitvabeach #loveva #vabeach #coastalva
Where to Find the Best Fish Tacos in Virginia Beach
From Baja-style classics to creative local spins, these standout spots serve some of the best fish tacos in Virginia Beach, each one worth adding to your must-try list.
🌮 Tortugas Cafe & Tiki Bar @tortugasvb : Crispy Fish Tacos
🌮 Pelon's Baja Grill @pelonsbajagrill : Pelon's Famous Fish Tacos
🌮 Gringos Taqueria VB @vbtaqueria : Gringo's Baja Fish Tacos
🌮 Waterman's Surfside Grille @watermansvb : Fried Fish Tacos
🌮 Quemar Wood-Fired Cocina @quemarcocina : Fish Tacos or Grilled Mushroom Tacos
🌮 The Back Deck @thebackdeck : Classic Fish Tacos
🌮 Hot Tuna @hottunavb : Mahi Mahi Tacos
🌮 Bro's Fish Tacos @brosfishtacos : The Truth Taco
Taste them all:
/trip-ideas/4-fish-tacos-you-have-to-try-in-virginia-beach/
The fam and I went to our first rodeo and it was so fun… and I’m still not over it
I expected dust, boots, and a whole lot of “yeehaw,” but the Bulls & Barrels Beach Rodeo in Virginia Beach completely flipped that idea. The energy, the crowd, the bulls bucking on the sand, it was unreal. So yeah… our first rodeo set the bar HIGH. Such a cute event @beacheventsvb
What I love most? Virginia Beach isn’t just a summer destination, it’s alive all year long with experiences like Stars, Stripes, and Spurs that bring the whole city together in the best way. It felt like I got a real, local glimpse of the culture, not just a visit. (And everyone is sooo nice)
If you’re looking for something different, something fun, something you didn’t even know you needed… this is your sign. But don’t wait for “summer plans” so you can experience moments like this anytime of year.
✨ Plan your trip: visitvirginiabeach.com
@visitvabeach
#VirginiaBeach #BeachRodeo #FamilyTravel #visitVAbeach
Who's winning this race? Find out at @apexentertainmentt 🏁 🏎️ Virginia Beach just turned family time into game time.
#VBplay #virginiabeach #raceday #funcompetition #visitva #indoorgames
👀 made a trip to @visitvabeach with no set itinerary…. And honestly, it was the best weekend 🙌🏽 #ad
📌 we stayed at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront
@hiltonvabeach
🚗 3-4 hours from Northern VA & the DC area
💗LOVE the @hiltonvabeach for its oceanfront location & heated indoor & outdoor rooftop pools
🛝 3 beach playgrounds along the boardwalk
🐠 walked the pier ($) or rent a surrey bike (we’ve done this before)
🐴 Virginia Beach hosts TONS of festivals and music performances throughout the year which makes it easy to just explore
🍴 plenty of places to dine - this trip we did Catch 31 at the Hilton, Chix on the beach and Mellow Mushroom 😋
