When it comes to coastal getaways, Virginia may not immediately come to mind.
As Virginia Beach, the state’s most popular vacation spot battles a PR refresh, travelers have scoped out other waterfront wonders.
With a revamped flight portfolio, fewer crowds, and splendid summer weather inviting for patio cocktails and scenic harbor cruises, it’s safe to say there’s a new sheriff in town — and we’re not talking about the release of Toy Story 5.
Welcoming a record number of visitors last spring, this trendy city, boasting a lively downtown, walkable marina district, and easy access to the Chesapeake Bay, is an underrated destination to kickstart summer, one you won’t regret burning through your PTO for.
Virginia Beach Is Old News
Did you know Virginia Beach is practically begging for more tourists to visit?
It’s true.
After a sudden spurt of violent crime, the usual beachgoers have had second thoughts about staking their umbrellas in the sand.
That leaves more room to explore other coastal destinations — maybe not known for miles of resort-lined beaches, but still more than capable of carrying a summer escape.
While Virginia Beach attempts to shoehorn its image as a family-friendly vacation spot, Norfolk doesn’t need to put in the effort.
This Chesapeake charmer feels very safe, unlike nearby Newport News and the state’s most popular beach city.
Travelers are giving Virginia Beach an 80/100 on our Safety Index — technically a passing score, but hardly a glowing endorsement, kind of like my college homework.
Meanwhile, Norfolk is seeing record-breaking tourism numbers — and that wouldn’t be the case if travelers felt the need to keep their head on a swivel.
This lesser-known city may not come with the usual beach-town starter pack of gleaming sand, souvenir shops, and a classic boardwalk, but Norfolk still has more than enough going for it — especially with a wave of new flights putting it within easier reach.
New Flights & New Hype
Norfolk isn’t a household name, but it’s certainly on the rise thanks to names like American Airlines, JetBlue, and now one of the last true budget airlines, Frontier.
The latest data reveals a small, yet record-breaking margin for May arrivals, meaning Norfolk is hotter than ever heading into summer.
With full features from us, Time Out, Matador Network, and Outlook Travel Magazine already putting Norfolk on travelers’ radars, the city is barely clinging to “hidden gem” status at this point — more so sitting in that sweet spot between underrated and overdue for its moment in the spotlight.
But even lesser-known airlines like Breeze are now flying to Norfolk.
Heck, I could fly nonstop from my hometown paradise of San Diego to Norfolk if I wanted to, and with the craze of secondary cities making their mark, I just might check it out, and here’s why:
It has its own thing going on, from a legit food scene and craft breweries to the NEON District, where the city leans more artsy than beachy, which is refreshing since it doesn’t shy away from its identity by promoting crystal-clear waters only to disappoint travelers.
However, Norfolk does have scenic bayside beaches — just don’t expect Atlantic-level swells for the perfect photo op.
Norfolk’s Underrated Beaches
Norfolk is undeniably better known for its epic eats and arts scene, where the Chesapeake Bay keeps seafood menus stacked and the NEON District gives the city way more personality than your average coastal vacay.
We’d compare Norfolk’s shoreline to Mississippi’s Gulf coast — trendy, but not exactly postcard-perfect.
That said, beaches here may not top your list, but they are definitely an option for sunny days along the Chesapeake Bay, especially at Ocean View Beach Park, Norfolk’s go-to stretch of sand.
Second best may be Community Beach Park as well as East Beach, but if you want a real local secret, one I won’t reveal how I’m disclosing, you’ll want to hit up Sarah Constant Beach Park, a place the record-breaking amount of tourists likely aren’t rushing to first, which is exactly why you can actually enjoy the bay views, soft sand, and a little extra breathing room.
