Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a 3-mile paved path along the Atlantic Ocean with free public access
Virginia Beach Boardwalk runs from 1st Street to 40th Street along the oceanfront. The entire boardwalk is open to the public at no cost. You can walk, run, bike, or sit on benches and watch the water without paying an entrance fee or buying anything.
The boardwalk itself is concrete and asphalt, wide enough for foot traffic and bicycle riders to move in both directions. The ocean is on one side and shops, restaurants, and hotels on the other. The path is flat and well-lit at night, which makes it accessible for people of different fitness levels.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia Beach Boardwalk is free and open to the public year-round, with no entrance fee or reservation needed.
- The boardwalk stretches 3 miles and includes benches, public restrooms, and water fountains at regular intervals.
- Biking is allowed on designated lanes, and the path is flat enough for wheelchairs and strollers.
- Parking near the boardwalk costs money and fills up quickly in summer; arriving early or using public transit can save time and cost.
- The boardwalk has restaurants and shops, but you can bring your own food and drinks to avoid those expenses.
Parking and getting to the boardwalk
Parking near Virginia Beach Boardwalk is metered or in paid lots. Meter rates and lot prices vary by location and season. Summer months (June through August) have higher rates and shorter availability. Parking fills fastest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
The city operates several parking garages and surface lots along the boardwalk. You can pay by credit card or mobile app at most meters. Some lots offer daily rates that are cheaper than hourly meters if you plan to stay more than a few hours.
Public transit is an option if you live in or near Virginia Beach. The Pulse bus system runs routes to the boardwalk area. Using the bus costs less than parking and removes the stress of finding a spot, though it takes longer than driving.
What you can do on the boardwalk
Walking and running are the most common activities. The path is smooth and wide, and you can walk the full 3 miles or just a section. Many people use it for exercise early in the morning or at sunset when it is less crowded.
Biking is allowed on the boardwalk, but there are rules. Bicycles must stay in designated bike lanes, and riders must yield to pedestrians. E-bikes and scooters are also permitted in the bike lanes. Rental shops near the boardwalk offer bikes, e-bikes, and scooters by the hour or day if you do not have your own.
Sitting and watching the ocean is free. Benches line the boardwalk every few hundred feet. You can bring a book, watch the sunrise or sunset, or just sit with family and friends. The boardwalk is also a popular spot for photography, especially during golden hour (the hour after sunrise or before sunset).
Food and drinks on the boardwalk
Restaurants and food stands are scattered along the boardwalk. Prices are higher than restaurants away from the water, as is typical for tourist areas. A casual meal or snack can cost $12 to $25 per person depending on what you order.
You can bring your own food and drinks to save money. There are no rules against picnicking on the boardwalk. Trash cans are available, and you are expected to throw away your own waste. Bringing a cooler with sandwiches, fruit, and water is a common way to spend a day without restaurant costs.
Some restaurants have outdoor seating right on the boardwalk, so you can eat while watching the water. These tend to be pricier than indoor dining. Happy hour specials and early-bird menus may offer lower prices if you eat at off-peak times.
Weather and seasonal changes
Virginia Beach has four seasons, and the boardwalk is used year-round. Summer (June to August) is warmest and most crowded. Water temperature is comfortable for swimming in July and August, though the Atlantic is cold the rest of the year.
Fall and spring are mild and less crowded. Winter is cold, and the boardwalk is quieter but still open. Snow and ice occasionally close sections temporarily, but this is rare. Wind can be strong in winter and spring, which affects biking and makes sitting uncomfortable.
The boardwalk has no shade except near buildings and trees at the edges. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water if you plan to spend hours there. The sun reflects off the water and sand, so protection is important even on cloudy days.
Rules and safety on the boardwalk
The boardwalk has rules to keep it safe and pleasant for everyone. Alcohol is not allowed on the boardwalk itself, though restaurants can serve drinks at their tables. Smoking is banned on the boardwalk, though designated smoking areas exist nearby.
Skateboarding is not allowed on the boardwalk, but it is permitted on some nearby streets and parks. Rollerblades and roller skates are not allowed either. Bicycles must follow traffic rules and yield to pedestrians.
The boardwalk is patrolled by Virginia Beach Police, especially during busy times. It is generally safe during the day and early evening. Late night (after 10 p.m.) sees fewer people and less police presence, so many visitors avoid it then.
Nearby attractions and facilities
The Virginia Beach Aquarium is at the north end of the boardwalk (17th Street). Admission costs money, but you can see the building and some outdoor exhibits from the boardwalk for free. The First Landing State Park is also nearby and has trails and beach access.
Public restrooms are located at regular intervals along the boardwalk. They are free and usually open during daylight hours. During summer, they stay open later. Some are cleaner than others, so you may want to use restrooms in nearby restaurants or shops if the public ones are crowded.
Water fountains are available for refilling bottles. Benches, trash cans, and some covered areas provide shelter from sun and light rain. The boardwalk is wheelchair accessible along its entire length, with ramps at street crossings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Virginia Beach Boardwalk really free?
Yes. Walking on the boardwalk costs nothing. You only pay if you buy food, rent bikes, or visit paid attractions like the aquarium. Parking near the boardwalk is separate and costs money, but the boardwalk path itself has no entrance fee.
Can I bring my dog to the boardwalk?
Dogs are allowed on the boardwalk but must be leashed at all times. During summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day), dogs are not allowed on the beach itself, but they can walk on the boardwalk. Off-season, dogs can go on the beach before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
How long does it take to walk the whole boardwalk?
The full 3-mile walk takes about 45 minutes to an hour at a normal pace. If you stop to sit, take photos, or visit shops, plan for 2 to 3 hours. Running the full distance takes 25 to 35 minutes depending on your speed.
What is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?
Early morning (before 9 a.m.) and weekdays are quieter than afternoons and weekends. Fall and spring are less crowded than summer. Winter is the quietest season, though the weather is cold. Sunset time draws crowds, so if you want solitude, visit mid-morning or mid-afternoon.
Are there lifeguards on the boardwalk?
Lifeguards are stationed on the beach during summer months, not on the boardwalk itself. The boardwalk is a walking and biking path, not a swimming area. If you want to swim, lifeguards are present on the beach from late May through early September.