Virginia Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk is a free, three-mile oceanfront promenade running from 2nd to 40th Streets along Atlantic Avenue in the Oceanfront district of Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451. First established in 1888, it pairs Atlantic views with a broad concrete walking route, a dedicated cycling lane, public art, beach access, restaurants and seasonal outdoor entertainment—making it the city’s central shoreline walk.
What to Expect at Virginia Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk
The boardwalk’s 28-foot-wide concrete path is designed for unhurried strolling as well as active travel: walkers use the ocean-side promenade while cyclists, surreys and rollerbladers follow the parallel bike path. Atlantic Avenue, immediately inland, supplies the practical side of a beach day with casual seafood restaurants, ice-cream stops, souvenir shops and hotels. Public beach entrances and shower stations punctuate the route, while benches offer regular places to pause above the sand.
Start around 2nd Street and work north, stopping at the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier near 15th Street and the three landscaped event spaces at 17th, 24th and 31st Streets. The route’s defining landmark is the 34-foot bronze King Neptune statue at 31st Street, created by sculptor Paul DiPasquale for the Neptune Festival. Near 25th Street, the Norwegian Lady monument commemorates the 1891 wreck of the Norwegian barque Dictator; its counterpart faces the sea in Moss, Norway.
- King Neptune Statue: The monumental bronze figure at 31st Street is the boardwalk’s most recognizable photo stop and the focal point of Neptune Festival events.
- Dedicated bike path: A separate paved lane runs alongside the pedestrian promenade, making the full three-mile stretch easy to cover by bicycle or surrey.
- Virginia Beach Fishing Pier: Near 15th Street, this long ocean pier adds anglers, sea views and a classic coastal-boardwalk perspective.
- Norwegian Lady: The 25th Street memorial connects Virginia Beach to Norway through a moving shipwreck story and a direct sightline to the Atlantic.
- Grommet Island Park: At the south end near 1st and 2nd Streets, this oceanfront playground includes surfacing and equipment designed for children of differing abilities.
Virginia Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Oceanfront, along Atlantic Avenue from 2nd to 40th Streets |
| Operating Hours | Open 24 hours daily; individual piers, shops and seasonal programs keep separate hours |
| Admission / Price Range | Free to walk, cycle or enjoy the public boardwalk; dining and pier access are additional |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 3 hours; allow longer for beach time, cycling or meals |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Seasonal VB Wave trolley stops along Atlantic Avenue; city parking garages are available near 9th and 31st Streets |
| Official Website & Phone | Virginia Beach official tourism website; 800-822-3224 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Come early for a quieter walk and easier garage parking, especially on summer weekends and during festival periods. Sunrise brings open horizons and joggers; late afternoon is better for a beach-and-dinner pairing, though the promenade becomes busiest after sunset. The seasonal VB Wave trolley is useful for moving between the boardwalk’s north and south ends without shifting a car. Drivers should use municipal garages or signed paid lots rather than looking for scarce curb spaces on Atlantic Avenue.
The main boardwalk is broad, level and step-free, with curb ramps at cross streets and room for wheelchairs and strollers; conditions can be busier around concerts and the Neptune statue. Grommet Island is a particularly useful family stop for accessible play. Within a 5-to-15-minute walk, visit the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum in the 1895 de Witt Cottage near 11th Street, walk the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, or follow Atlantic Avenue’s dining strip. North of 31st Street, the sand and broad beach continue toward the quieter 40th Street end.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the boardwalk hours, and when is the best time to go?
The public boardwalk is open 24 hours a day, every day. For the most comfortable walking and cycling conditions, arrive around sunrise or in the morning; summer evenings are lively but substantially more crowded, particularly near 17th through 31st Streets.
Does Virginia Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk charge admission?
No admission is charged to use the boardwalk, beach access points or public viewing areas. Budget separately for parking, bicycle or surrey rentals, pier entry, food and any ticketed seasonal entertainment; restaurants range from casual beach fare to full-service seafood dining.
How much time should I budget for the boardwalk?
Allow 1.5 to 3 hours for a walk with stops at the Fishing Pier, Norwegian Lady and King Neptune. Plan half a day if you want to swim, rent a bike, use the playground, browse Atlantic Avenue or settle in for lunch.
Is the boardwalk accessible and suitable for families?
Yes. Its flat paved surface, curb ramps and generous width work well for wheelchairs, mobility devices and strollers, and Grommet Island offers inclusive playground equipment near the south end. Families should keep children close in the bike lane and on busy summer evenings, when the promenade has heavy pedestrian traffic.
When planning your Virginia Beach travel guide or comparing verified attractions and parks in Virginia Beach, pair this stop with standout local spots including Commune, Boardwalk Resort and Villas, Navy SEAL Monument, and Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront (nearby).
