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When it comes to coastal getaways, Virginia may not immediately come to mind.
As Virginia Beach, the state’s most popular vacation destination, grapples with a PR overhaul, travelers have discovered other wonders on the waterfront.
With a revamped flight portfolio, fewer crowds and beautiful summer weather that invites 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 one record number The number of visitors last spring makes this trendy city, with a lively downtown, walkable marina district and easy access to the Chesapeake Bay, an underrated kick-staring destinationCome summer, you won’t regret burning out your PTO.
Virginia Beach is old news
Did you know that Virginia Beach is practically begging for more tourists?
It’s true.
After a sudden surge in violent crime, usual beachgoers have had second thoughts about sticking their umbrellas in the sand.
That leaves more room to explore other coastal destinations – perhaps not known for miles of resort beaches, but still plenty suitable for a summer getaway.
While Virginia Beach is trying to boost its image as a family-friendly vacation spot, Norfolk doesn’t have to struggle.
This Chesapeake charmer feels very safe, unlike nearby Newport News and the state’s most popular beach town.
Travelers give 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 tourism numbers – and that wouldn’t be the case if travelers felt the need to keep their wits about them.
This lesser-known city may not have the usual beach town starter pack of gleaming sand, souvenir shops and a classic boardwalk, but Norfolk still has more than enough to offer, especially with a wave of new flights making it easier to get to.
New flights and 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 shows a small but record-breaking margin for May arrivals, meaning Norfolk is hotter than ever heading into summer.
With all our features, Time Out, Matador Network and Outlook Travel Magazine having already put Norfolk on travellers’ radar, the city is barely clinging to ‘hidden gem’ status at the moment – and even more so, it’s in that sweet spot between underrated and overdue for its moment in the spotlight.
But even lesser-known airlines like Breeze now fly to Norfolk.
Heck, I could fly non-stop from my home paradise of San Diego to Norfolk if I wanted to, and now that the secondary city craze is making its mark, I might give it a try, and here’s why:
It has its own thing, from a legit food scene and craft breweries to the NEON districtwhere the city leans more artsy than beachy, which is refreshing because it doesn’t shy away from its identity by promoting crystal clear waters just to disappoint travelers.
However, Norfolk does have picturesque beaches on the bay; just don’t expect Atlantic-level waves for the perfect photo.
Norfolk’s underrated beaches
Norfolk is undeniably better known for its epic food and arts scene, where the Chesapeake Bay has the seafood menus lined up and the NEON District gives the city a lot more personality than your average coastal getaway.
We compare Norfolk’s coastline to Mississippi’s Gulf Coast: trendy, but not exactly postcard perfect.
That said, the beaches here may not be at the top of your list, but they are certainly an option for sunny days along the Chesapeake Bay, especially in Ocean view beach parkNorfolk’s favorite stretch of sand.
Second best can be Community beach park as well as East beachbut if you want a real local secret, a secret that I won’t reveal how I’ll reveal, you should get in touch Sarah Constant Beach Parka place that the record number of tourists probably won’t rush to first, and that’s exactly why you can really enjoy the bay views, the soft sand and a little extra breathing room.
