Memorial Day Weekend is fast approaching, and Virginia Beach is gearing up for three days of celebration, remembrance, and summer fun. From military tributes to beachfront festivities, the coastal city offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement for the holiday weekend. Whether you’re a local resident looking for new experiences or planning a weekend getaway, Virginia Beach presents numerous options to kick off the unofficial start of summer with style.
Kicking Off Summer: Virginia Beach Memorial Day Weekend
The Virginia Beach Oceanfront transforms into a center of activity during this patriotic holiday weekend. With temperatures warming up and crowds beginning to flock to the shore, businesses throughout the area are preparing special events and offerings to welcome visitors and locals alike. The extended weekend provides an excellent opportunity to explore the natural beauty, military heritage, and unique culture that make Virginia Beach a premier destination.
Salute to Summer: Music, Memories & Celebration
The centerpiece of Memorial Day Weekend festivities in Virginia Beach is the highly anticipated Salute to Summer event at the Oceanfront. This three-day celebration features free live music performances by local and regional bands, creating a lively atmosphere along the famous boardwalk. The event strikes a great balance between summer celebration and thoughtful commemoration of our military heroes, drawing thousands of attendees to kick off the season in style.
Heroes Walk: Honoring Sacrifice With Local Voices
A particularly moving element of the Salute to Summer is the “Heroes Walk” display that stretches north from 16th Street. This meaningful installation features original essays written by local high school students honoring service men and women who have sacrificed for our country.
The heartfelt tributes create a powerful reminder of the true meaning of Memorial Day, even as beachgoers enjoy the festivities that mark the beginning of Virginia Beach’s busiest season. The combination of reverence and celebration makes this event a standout tradition for both visitors and community members.
Adventure Awaits: Explore by Land and Sea
For those seeking outdoor adventure during the holiday weekend, Virginia Beach offers numerous recreational activities that showcase the area’s natural beauty. The iconic 3-mile boardwalk becomes a cyclist’s paradise, with visitors pedaling beach cruisers or family-friendly surreys along the oceanfront path. Beach Bike Tours even offers specialized experiences, including leisure rides and brunch tours, providing a unique way to experience the boardwalk’s sights and sounds while enjoying the refreshing sea breeze.
Paddle With Dolphins, Hike the Trails, and Touch History
Water enthusiasts can head to the Chesapeake Bay District for unforgettable wildlife encounters through kayaking experiences with Tula Adventure Sports. The calm inland waterways frequently welcome pods of dolphins, creating perfect opportunities for peaceful paddling alongside these magnificent marine mammals.
Meanwhile, nature lovers can explore First Landing State Park’s preserved marshlands, where the Bald Cypress Trail winds 1.5 miles through lovely swampland dotted with Spanish moss-draped trees and scenic boardwalks. The Military Aviation Museum in Pungo adds another dimension to weekend adventures, housing the largest private collection of flying WWI and WWII aircraft, perfectly timed with peak strawberry season in the area.
Sip, Savor, and Soak It In: Oceanfront Eats & Drinks
Virginia Beach’s dining and entertainment scene comes alive during Memorial Day Weekend, with options ranging from casual beachside bars to upscale restaurants. The Oceanfront district features popular open-air venues perfect for soaking up the summer vibes.
The Shack on 8th and Ocean 27 draw crowds with their relaxed atmosphere, where visitors can challenge friends to lawn games like cornhole and giant beer pong while sipping the city’s signature summer cocktail – the Orange Crush – a refreshing blend of fresh-squeezed orange juice, vodka, triple sec, and a splash of sprite.
From Local Flavor to Fine Dining: A Culinary Journey
For those seeking more refined dining experiences, Virginia Beach doesn’t disappoint. Start your day with comfort food at Doc Taylor’s, a beloved local breakfast spot housed in a former doctor’s residence, where menu items are named after regular patrons, creating a true community feel.
For an elegant evening, Terrapin Restaurant offers a James Beard-recognized dining experience under Chef Rodney Einhorn, who pioneered the farm-to-table movement in Virginia Beach. The restaurant’s warm atmosphere and innovative use of seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients – including their famous “salad of love” beet salad – provide the ideal setting for a memorable holiday weekend meal.
