10 Best Places for Weekend Getaways from Virginia Beach, VA

10 Jun 2026Updated last time

Weekend Getaways from Virginia Beach: An Unforgettable Itinerary

Embark on a journey of discovery with these ten incredible weekend getaways from Virginia Beach, each offering its own unique charm and attractions. Start your adventure with the living history town of Williamsburg, where colonial reenactments and vibrant shops evoke America’s past. Continue to the Outer Banks, NC, where pristine beaches and wild horses await. Explore Richmond for its dynamic arts, food, and historic sites, or head to Chincoteague Island to witness wild ponies and serene wildlife refuges.

Travel to Shenandoah National Park for breathtaking mountains, scenic drives, and abundant trails, or immerse yourself in national history at Washington, DC’s iconic monuments and museums. Discover Charlottesville’s lush vineyards, Jefferson’s Monticello, and a lively college town vibe. Visit Assateague Island National Seashore for unspoiled beaches and free-roaming wild horses. Relax in Cape Charles, a charming bayside town with beautiful sunsets and friendly faces, and finish your adventure in Norfolk, a vibrant waterfront city with world-class museums and botanical gardens. Each destination promises refreshing experiences and memorable moments, perfect for a rejuvenating escape from Virginia Beach.


Recommended Activities

  • 1

    Williamsburg, VA

    Experience living history at Colonial Williamsburg, enjoy unique shops and traditional taverns, and explore nearby attractions like Busch Gardens amusement park and Jamestown Settlement.
  • 2

    Outer Banks, NC

    Relax on beautiful, uncrowded beaches, discover charming coastal towns, see the Wright Brothers National Memorial, and enjoy outdoor activities like kite flying, lighthouse tours, and wild horse watching.
  • 3

    Richmond, VA

    Explore a vibrant arts and food scene, tour Civil War-era historic sites, stroll through scenic parks and gardens along the James River, and visit renowned museums like the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
  • 4

    Chincoteague Island, VA

    Visit for its charming small-town atmosphere, unique wild ponies, beautiful beaches, and the chance to explore Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge with its diverse wildlife and scenic trails.
  • 5

    Shenandoah National Park

    Ideal for hiking, breathtaking mountain vistas, scenic Skyline Drive, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife—all within a tranquil and picturesque natural setting.
  • 6

    Washington, DC

    Explore world-class museums and monuments on the National Mall, vibrant neighborhoods with diverse dining, the historic Capitol, and free entry to many renowned attractions.
  • 7

    Charlottesville, VA

    Visit for its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, including Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, scenic vineyards, the University of Virginia campus, and a lively downtown area.
  • 8

    Assateague Island National Seashore

    Experience pristine beaches, swim in the Atlantic, see wild horses roaming free, and enjoy outdoor adventures like kayaking, hiking, and bird watching in a unique coastal ecosystem.
  • 9

    Cape Charles, VA

    Enjoy the laid-back charm of this bayside town with its lovely beaches, historic downtown, fresh seafood, golf courses, and beautiful sunsets over the Chesapeake Bay.
  • 10

    Norfolk, VA

    Discover a vibrant waterfront city with attractions like the USS Wisconsin battleship, engaging museums, beautiful botanical gardens, lively arts and dining scenes, and easy access to beaches.

Restaurants

  • Picture for Food For Thought

    Food For Thought

    1647 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185, United States
    Located in Williamsburg, this restaurant features thought-provoking quotes on the walls and a diverse menu with creative twists on classic American dishes.
    4.7
    $$$$
  • Picture for The White Dog Bistro

    The White Dog Bistro

    68 Church St, Mathews, VA 23109, USA
    Set in an 1840s mansion in Mathews, this bistro offers inventive cuisine and an eclectic, dog-themed decor for a whimsical dining experience.
    4.8
  • Picture for The Shack on 8th

    The Shack on 8th

    712 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, USA
    In Virginia Beach, The Shack is an open-air spot with tropical vibes, games, and local seafood served in a lively, beachy atmosphere.
    4.4
    $$$$
  • Picture for Leaping Lizard Cafe

    Leaping Lizard Cafe

    4408 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23455, USA
    A quirky, farm-to-table cafe in Virginia Beach, this spot is in a charming cottage filled with antiques and offers locally sourced, seasonal cuisine.
    4.7
    $$$$
  • Picture for The Grilled Cheese Bistro

    The Grilled Cheese Bistro

    345 Granby St Suite B, Norfolk, VA 23510, United States
    Located in Norfolk, this eatery specializes in creative, gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches in a hip, eclectic setting.
    4.7
    $$$$

Hotels

  • Wedmore Place

    5810 Wessex Hundred, Williamsburg, VA 23185, United States

    Located at Williamsburg Winery, this boutique hotel offers uniquely themed European-style rooms with vineyard views, perfect for wine lovers.
  • Quirk Hotel Richmond

    201 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220, United States

    A converted historic department store, this boutique hotel features art galleries, a rooftop bar, colorful modern decor, and curated exhibits.
  • Historic Cavalier Hotel

    4200 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, United States

    Situated in Virginia Beach, this grand hotel dates back to 1927 and boasts elegant architecture, a hidden speakeasy, and a distillery on site.
  • The Inn at Onancock

    30 North St, Onancock, VA 23417, USA

    A charming B&B on Virginia's Eastern Shore, each room is themed after a different country and the inn offers luxury linens, wine hour, and gourmet breakfasts.
  • The Graduate Charlottesville

    1309 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22903, United States

    Retro collegiate-themed hotel in downtown Charlottesville, blending quirky décor and academic nostalgia with modern comforts and a lively rooftop bar.

Local Events & Happenings

  • Picture for 2026 WHELEN MODIFIED TOUR GENERAL ADM

    2026 WHELEN MODIFIED TOUR GENERAL ADM

    Richmond Raceway in Richmond (40.88 mi)13 Aug 2026
    The event will take place at Richmond Raceway in Richmond.
  • Picture for 2026 Modified Suite View

    2026 Modified Suite View

    Richmond Raceway in Richmond (40.88 mi)13 Aug 2026
    The event will take place at Richmond Raceway in Richmond.
  • Picture for 2026 NCTS SEAT CUSHIONS

    2026 NCTS SEAT CUSHIONS

    Richmond Raceway in Richmond (40.88 mi)14 Aug 2026
    The event will take place at Richmond Raceway in Richmond.
  • Picture for 2026 Richmond NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES Admiss

    2026 Richmond NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES Admiss

    Richmond Raceway in Richmond (40.88 mi)14 Aug 2026
    The event will take place at Richmond Raceway in Richmond.
  • Picture for 2026 Truck Series Suite View

    2026 Truck Series Suite View

    Richmond Raceway in Richmond (40.88 mi)14 Aug 2026
    The event will take place at Richmond Raceway in Richmond.
  • Picture for 2026 CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES TORQUE CLUB

    2026 CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES TORQUE CLUB

    Richmond Raceway in Richmond (40.88 mi)14 Aug 2026
    The event will take place at Richmond Raceway in Richmond.
  • Picture for 2026 CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES VICTORY LANE CLUB

    2026 CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES VICTORY LANE CLUB

    Richmond Raceway in Richmond (40.88 mi)14 Aug 2026
    The event will take place at Richmond Raceway in Richmond.

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Weekend trip recommendations?

    /r/VirginiaBeach

    10 votes, 23 comments. Anyone have any recommendations for good weekend trips? The only criteria is that its within a 5-6ish hour drive maximum, and

  • Weekend Getaway

    /r/VirginiaBeach

    A place for all residents and visitors of Virginia Beach to discuss the area, ask questions, make announcements, and etc. ... I'm looking for a couple of good weekend get...

  • Fun weekend trip from Virginia Beach?

    /r/VirginiaBeach

    Hi everyone! I live in New York and will be visiting friends from Virginia Beach, and while I'm there we're interested in spending a few days in

  • What's the best weekend vacation spot in Virginia that's not Virginia Beach?

    /r/Virginia

    Hey guys, so me and 5 others (3 couples) have decided to visit Virginia in July for vacation, and I was just wanting some suggestions on where to

  • Looking for suggestions for a weekend trip to Virginia

    /r/Virginia

    Hi hi! I'm planning a weekend trip for two to Virginia. I'd appreciate any recommendations you can share. These are the Virginia cities I'm