Day Trips & Weekend Getaways
Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach sits at the edge of the Atlantic with access to the Outer Banks, Chesapeake Bay, and Virginia's historic triangle.
The Outer Banks and Colonial Williamsburg make perfect pairing trips with Virginia Beach.
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or browse all10 destinations near Virginia Beach
Ghost Crab Quest, LLC
213 Woodland Dr, Southern Shores
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · well rated (5.0 stars) · 1 hr 38 min from Virginia Beach · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Dare County Arboretum and Teaching Garden
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · well rated (4.8 stars) · 1 hr 42 min from Virginia Beach · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Island Farm
Manteo, NC 27954
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Family destination · highly rated (4.8 by 0.3k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 2 min from Virginia Beach · fits $20 - $60 budget
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
Manteo, NC 27954
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Family destination · highly rated (4.7 by 8.7k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 5 min from Virginia Beach · fits $20 - $60 budget
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Currituck Beach Lighthouse
Corolla, NC 27927
Why this destination?
Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.7 by 6.9k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 6 min from Virginia Beach · fits $10 - $25 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Pemberton Historical Park
Salisbury, MD 21801
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.5k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 48 min from Virginia Beach · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Virginia Living Museum
Newport News, VA 23601
Why this destination?
Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.7 by 4.9k+ visitors) · 46 min from Virginia Beach · fits $10 - $25 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Elizabethan Gardens
Manteo, NC 27954
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.6 by 2.0k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 5 min from Virginia Beach · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
The Lost Colony
Manteo, NC 27954
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.5 by 1.7k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 5 min from Virginia Beach · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Williamsburg, VA 23185
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Family destination · well rated (4.4 stars) · 55 min from Virginia Beach · fits $20 - $60 budget
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trips from Virginia Beach, VA?
The best day trips from Virginia Beach include state parks, historic towns, scenic drives, wineries, and outdoor recreation. Our page shows top-rated destinations with real drive times, Google ratings, and budget estimates so you can pick the right trip for your schedule and interests.
How far should I drive for a day trip from Virginia Beach?
Most great day trips from Virginia Beach are between 1 and 3 hours away. Under an hour gets you local parks and nearby towns. Two to three hours opens up state parks, lakefront destinations, and small cities worth a full day of exploring.
What are cheap things to do near Virginia Beach?
Many of the best day trips near Virginia Beach are free or low-cost. State parks, hiking trails, scenic drives, and small-town Main Streets are all great options. Check the budget estimates on each destination card above to plan a trip that fits your wallet.
What is the best time of year for day trips from Virginia Beach?
Spring and fall are ideal for most destinations near Virginia Beach, with mild weather and smaller crowds. Summer is great for beaches and water activities. Winter works well for indoor attractions like museums, historic sites, and food-focused trips. Check the seasonal notes on each card for specific timing tips.
Are there weekend getaways near Virginia Beach?
Yes. Many destinations within 2-4 hours of Virginia Beach make excellent overnight trips. Look for spots with multiple activities, good dining, and nearby lodging. Use the "Plan This Trip" button on any card to start building an itinerary, or check our drive-time pages for destinations at specific distances. If you need a car, compare rental options to find the best deal.
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