How Much Does It Cost to Vacation in Virginia Beach?

By Robert Palmer

Virginia Beach is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful sandy beaches, vibrant boardwalk, and exciting nightlife. If you’re planning a vacation to Virginia Beach, you may be wondering how much it will cost. In this guide, we’ll break down the costs of a typical Virginia Beach vacation and provide some tips for saving money.

Accommodations

One of the biggest costs of any vacation is accommodations. In Virginia Beach, you can find a range of options to fit any budget.

If you’re looking for something budget-friendly, consider staying at a motel or hotel that’s located further away from the beach. You can also look for vacation rentals on sites like Airbnb or VRBO.

If you want to stay closer to the beach and are willing to spend more money, there are plenty of luxury hotels and resorts in Virginia Beach that offer oceanfront views and amenities like pools and spas.

Budget Option:

  • Motel/hotel: $50-$100 per night
  • Vacation rental: $75-$150 per night

Luxury Option:

  • Luxury hotel/resort: $200-$500 per night
  • Oceanfront rental: $300-$800 per night

Food and Drink

Another significant expense during your trip to Virginia Beach will be food and drinks. If you’re on a budget, consider cooking your meals in your accommodations or packing snacks for the beach. There are also plenty of affordable restaurants in the area that offer delicious seafood dishes.

If you want to splurge on food and drinks during your vacation, there are plenty of upscale restaurants in Virginia Beach that serve fresh seafood and other gourmet dishes.

Budget Option:

  • Grocery store: $50-$100 per week
  • Affordable restaurant: $10-$20 per meal

Luxury Option:

  • Fine dining restaurant: $50-$100 per person
  • Cocktail bar: $10-$15 per drink

Activities and Entertainment

There are plenty of free and low-cost activities to enjoy during your trip to Virginia Beach. The beach is the main attraction, and it’s free to access. You can also take a stroll on the boardwalk or visit some of the nearby parks and nature preserves.

If you want to splurge on activities, there are plenty of options available, such as fishing charters, parasailing, and dolphin watching tours.

Budget Option:

  • Beach/parks: Free
  • Museums/galleries: $5-$15 admission fee

Luxury Option:

  • Fishing charter: $500-$1,000 for a half-day trip
  • Parasailing: $100-$150 per person
  • Dolphin watching tour: $50-$100 per person

Transportation

Getting around Virginia Beach is relatively easy, but if you’re flying into the area or need to rent a car, it can add to your vacation costs. If you’re on a budget, consider taking public transportation or using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.

If you prefer the convenience of having your vehicle during your vacation, there are plenty of car rental options available at the airport and throughout the city.

Budget Option:

  • Public transportation: $2 per ride
  • Ride-sharing service: $5-$20 per ride

Luxury Option:

  • Car rental: $50-$100 per day
  • Limo service: $100-$200 per hour

Tips for Saving Money

– Consider traveling during the off-season to save money on accommodations and activities. – Look for deals and discounts on hotels, restaurants, and activities before you arrive.

– Cook your meals in your accommodations to save money on dining out. – Take advantage of free activities like the beach and parks. – Use public transportation or ride-sharing services instead of renting a car.

The Bottom Line

The cost of a Virginia Beach vacation will depend on your preferences and budget. By considering the costs of accommodations, food and drinks, activities, and transportation, you can plan a trip that fits your needs. With some careful planning and budgeting, you can enjoy all that Virginia Beach has to offer without breaking the bank.