Our research is editorially independent but wemay earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Virginia
by
Madison is a content writer, editor, and small business owner living in Okinawa, Japan. She focuses primarily on Texas, Colorado, and Japan travel destinations as well as budget-friendly guidelines and hiking trips.Follow her adventures on Instagram @inanydirection_Read full bio
Trips to Discover Editorial Guidelines
Last updated on April 26, 2022
Virginia Beach is a popular travel destination during the summer months. However, the city shouldn’t be dismissed for travel during the winter months since there is still plenty to see and do here. Since the tourist season ends when summer ends, hotels are cheaper and the beach is less crowded in the winter. Have a great winter getaway when you experience these top things to do in Virginia Beach.
![7 Best Things to Do in Virginia Beach During Winter - Trips To Discover (3) 7 Best Things to Do in Virginia Beach During Winter - Trips To Discover (3)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/www.tripstodiscover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/258731134_10160023875919119_2214139703588144535_n.jpeg?resize=784%2c509)
Credit: Humpback whale breaches water off of Virginia Beach byVirginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Whale Watching
Humpback whales visit the Virginia coast every winter, so head out on a whale watching tour to catch a glimpse of these incredible creatures. Sponsored by the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, the tours typically run for 2.5 hours. You may not only see whales but also other marine animals too, like seabirds, seals, and porpoises. Tours run from late December to early March.
![7 Best Things to Do in Virginia Beach During Winter - Trips To Discover (4) 7 Best Things to Do in Virginia Beach During Winter - Trips To Discover (4)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/www.tripstodiscover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/125317623_10158593352613476_3558033650886711789_n.jpeg?resize=784%2c588)
Credit: Cape Henry Lighthouse byCape Henry Lighthouse
Cape Henry Lighthouse
Head to Fort Story to view Cape Henry Lighthouse, the first commissioned lighthouse by George Washington himself back in 1792. Guests to this lighthouse are able to walk up to the top, which is 72 feet tall. However, if you do make the trek up to the top, you’ll be able to catch great views of the surrounding area.
![7 Best Things to Do in Virginia Beach During Winter - Trips To Discover (5) 7 Best Things to Do in Virginia Beach During Winter - Trips To Discover (5)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/www.tripstodiscover.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Virginia-Beach.jpg?resize=784%2c588)
Credit: Virginia Beach bybigstock.com
The Boardwalk
The boardwalk is a bustling experience no matter if it’s summer or winter. Stretching three miles, it’s a great place to walk and gaze at the ocean. You’ll find entryways to the beach all along the boardwalk too. Take some time to watch the surfers or even grab a meal or coffee along one of the shops found here.
![7 Best Things to Do in Virginia Beach During Winter - Trips To Discover (6) 7 Best Things to Do in Virginia Beach During Winter - Trips To Discover (6)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/www.tripstodiscover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/271154511_10160104803559119_4514617470794180860_n.jpeg?resize=784%2c442)
Credit: Family Night at Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center byVirginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
When the weather is bad during a cold, winter day in Virginia Beach, head to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center for a day of learning and fun. Perfect for a family outing, the aquarium has plenty of hands-on exhibits for little ones. You’ll be amazed during your stay here, as there are sharks, river otters, jellyfish, and much more aquatic and marine life to view. Also during the winter the aquarium typically puts on new, temporary exhibits, so keep an eye out for those.
![7 Best Things to Do in Virginia Beach During Winter - Trips To Discover (7) 7 Best Things to Do in Virginia Beach During Winter - Trips To Discover (7)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/www.tripstodiscover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Holiday-Lights-1_3C2377D7-AB0E-4C28-A97E2B9C28DE6EC9_49f01d26-f2b5-44ed-bf6442222d065596.jpg?resize=784%2c588)
Credit: Holiday Lights on the Boardwalk byliveonatlantic.com
Holiday Lights on the Boardwalk
In the winter season, head to the Virginia Beach boardwalk to view the annual BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights Merry Mile. The lights are conveniently placed, so you don’t even need to get out of your car to view them. A perfect way to get into the holiday spirit, the lights are up from late November to early January.
![7 Best Things to Do in Virginia Beach During Winter - Trips To Discover (8) 7 Best Things to Do in Virginia Beach During Winter - Trips To Discover (8)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/www.tripstodiscover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Chesapeake-Bay-Distillery.jpg?resize=784%2c588)
Credit: Chesapeake Bay Distillery bychesapeakebaydistillery.com
Chesapeake Bay Distillery
Warm up on a winter day with a smooth vodka drink at the Chesapeake Bay Distillery. The distillery has a vodka tasting room where you can pick from a variety of craft vodkas. The Blue Ridge vodka is a fan favorite, but if you’re looking for something a bit different then try the ghost pepper flavored vodka, which goes well in a bloody mary. If you drink responsibly, visitors of drinking age will have a great time here at Chesapeake Bay Distillery.
![7 Best Things to Do in Virginia Beach During Winter - Trips To Discover (9) 7 Best Things to Do in Virginia Beach During Winter - Trips To Discover (9)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/www.tripstodiscover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/28235497_1747666295292617_5596964646823355037_o.jpg?resize=784%2c588)
Credit: Virginia Beach & Outer Banks -OBX Horseback byVirginia Beach & Outer Banks -OBX Horseback
Horseback Riding on the Beach
The beach may be too cold for sunbathing, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t enjoy it. Instead of wearing a bathing suit, head to the beach for horseback riding with Virginia Beach Horseback. Book a 30 minute or hour-long horseback riding session, where you’ll trot down the beach with an experienced guide. During the winter, horseback riding is offered four days a week.
You May Also Like
10 Coolest Hotel Pools in Charleston, SCBy K.C. Dermody
Share this story
- Share on FacebookShare this story
- Share on Twitter
- Share on Pinterest
Thank you!
We'll send you our newsletter with travel destinations,inspiration, and more!
Well-Deserved
20 Best Mom Getaways in the U.S.
Splash & Play
Top 15 Orlando Resorts with Water Parks
Prime Location
10 Best Hotels Close to Amalie Arena, Tampa
Girls Getaway
8 Best New Orleans Hotels for a Bachelorette Party
Family Fun
Top 12 Water Park Resorts in the U.S.
15 Best Beach House Rentals on the East Coast
Maine to the Keys
byK.C. Dermody
Oct 25, 2023
16 Cozy Cabin Rentals in Virginia
Nature Stays
byAlyssa Ochs
Oct 4, 2023
Vino Lovers
9 Best Wine Trails in Virginia
byAlyssa Ochs
May 22, 2023
Scenic Settings
9 Best Beaches in Virginia
byMadison Davis
Apr 18, 2023
Best Of The Best
Top 10 Resorts in Virginia Beach
byPavlo Fedykovych
Nov 1, 2022
Travel Deals
$150 Off Ireland Packages w/ Airfare & Rental Car
$858+
Air & 9-Day Solo Türkiye Tour | Save $400
$2499+
7-Day Italian Countryside Culinary Retreat | 50% Off
$2149+
Air & 16-Day Glories Of Türkiye Tour | Save $500
$4149+
Ireland | 9-Nt Custom Golf Trip - Play the Best Courses
QUOTE
$250 Off | 9-Day Portugal Guided Tour w/ 13 Meals
$1449+
11-Day Irish Cities & Castles Private Chauffeur Tour
$5975+
Limited time 50% Off Roundtrip Flights to Athens
$307+
Air & 11-Day Classical Türkiye Tour | Save $300
$1999+
Explore Anchorage's Local Flavor: Dining, Pubs, more
FREE
Air & 14-Day Small Group Tour of Rajasthan | $400 Off
$1699+
Air & 3-Nt All-Inclusive Jamaica Resort w/ Transfers
$899+
$500 Off | Air & 7-Day Dubai Special Guided Group Tour
$999+
Fourth Night Free this Summer in Delray Beach, FL
BOOK
United Airlines Sale | Roundtrip Worldwide Flights
$165+
Popular Stories
Hidden Gems
13 Underrated Beaches on the Gulf Coast of Florida
byCharity De Souza
Jul 31, 2018
Island Getaway
Top 20 Beach Resorts in Thailand
byAlyssa Ochs
Feb 20, 2015
Room with a View
10 Unique Resorts with Incredible Ocean Views Around the World
byK.C. Dermody
Feb 18, 2020
Luxe Living
Top 16 Luxury Mansion Airbnb Rentals in Orlando
byGeorgie Darling
Aug 20, 2021
Making Memories
15 Best San Diego Vacation Rentals for Large Groups
byAlyssa Ochs
Feb 2, 2022
Best of the Best
Top 14 Resorts in the Northeast
byK.C. Dermody
Sep 21, 2022