13 million people is a massive number any way you slice it, and that’s how many tourists visit one surprising beach town each year.
The East Coast is teeming with treasures, from urban icons to charming small towns to pretty beaches, often overshadowed by the allure of Florida’s coastlines.
Fall makes for a perfect time to explore beyond the household names because you never know what you’ll discover!
Many destinations embrace summer’s end with fun festivities oozing fall splendor. You could argue Virginia Beach is the best of both worlds, as it’s not only a festive fall getaway but also offers a beautiful backdrop of scenic shores.
Sun + sand + vibrant fall foliage isn’t your typical formula this time of year for an awesome escape, but that’s one of many reasons why this underrated beach town is so unique.
Autumn Sun & World Records: How’s Virginia Beach So Under-Hyped?
Sunsets on the beach are great year-round, but some coastal towns lose their appeal with nippy winds and gray skies.
That’s not the case for Virginia Beach, where the sun still shines bright come during the autumn months.
According to AccuWeather, you can expect an occasional rainy day mixed in with consistent sunny days topping 70 degrees.
Perfect for lounging, swimming, and blissful strolls along its 38 miles of record-breaking shorelines, Virginia Beach may fly under the radar, but it’s ready to delight you this fall.
Guinness World Records has crowned the year-round getaway as the ‘largest pleasure beach’ in the world, with a multitude of exciting activities for all ages.
Set where the vast Atlantic meets the picturesque Chesapeake Bay, certain viewing points will make you feel like you’re on the edge of the world.
Whether basking in the sun, taking in the scenery, or getting out on the water by kayaking, jet skiing, or paddleboarding, you’ll quickly realize you’ve stumbled upon perhaps the East Coast’s most under-hyped beach.
Endless Fall Flair
Virginia Beach embraces fall like it’s going out of style! ‘Leaf peepers’ will love exploring the region for picture-perfect photo-ops, plus an array of fun festivities planned for anyone and everyone.
From Halloween frights to local brew flights, Virginia Beach never disappoints with its endless fall flair permeating through town.
Of course, one of the most sought-after events anywhere is Oktoberfest, but here the experience is leveled up with their very own Virginia Beach Beer Trail (not to mention the VA Distillery Trail too!).
While it’s too late to squeeze in a last minute trip, the highly touted Virginia Beach Neptune Festival is held beachside each year with live concerts and over 200 food and shopping vendors, which if you didn’t know, Virginia Beach is the East Coast’s ‘oyster capital’.
Although, the get-together that stands out the most just may be VA Beach Jeep Fest, where nearly 1,500 of the popular SUV congregate for beach rides among other evening occasions.
While it’s on the opposite end of the spectrum from major East coast cities, exploring downtown is also a must, but not for any particular event.
If you’re hitting up the beach, you’ve probably already noticed the action-packed boardwalk, but don’t skimp out on the fascinating Historic District lined with photogenic old-timey Victorian homes and vibrant fall foliage, one of the most Instagram-able spots in town.
For a full list of the city’s fall events, check out the official event calendar.
Stunning State Parks
There are multiple ways to enjoy the outdoors in Virginia Beach.
Of course, there’s its namesake beach, but there’s also some enticing hidden gems worthy of visiting for a sense of peace amidst the area’s astounding scenery.
The first 2 that come to mind are both nearby State Parks:
- False Cape State Park
- First Landing State Park
If you want to witness gorgeous fall colors without the crowds – these are your spots!
Keep in mind, False Cape isn’t accessible by car – only boat, bike, or on foot – but it’s perfect for wildlife spotting and “leaf peeping”
First Landing, however, boasts nearly 20 miles of hiking trails, but many come here for its prime fishing location along scenic, wide-open beaches.
Tip: check out the hidden gem of Sandbridge Beach just south of Virginia Beach to escape the fall festivities for pure bliss along the coast
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