A Day at the Boardwalk

If you go to Virginia Beach, visit the Boardwalk on the oceanfront.  Late September is a great time to go.  At 73 degrees, it’s warm enough to wear a swimsuit on the beach yet cool enough to take a brisk walk or bike ride without becoming overheated.  I took my dad to Virginia Beach to visit my son and daughter-in-law, see their newly purchased home and help them get the nursery ready for the baby.  We took a play day during our stay and ventured to the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. 

Once we arrived at the Boardwalk area, it was easy enough to find a parking place.  If you can’t find a side street parking spot, park in the $5 all day beach parking - we parked in a lot near 21st and Atlantic.  My dad has an arthritic ankle so the walk was close to the Boardwalk.  We weren’t there too long before Dad spotted a surrey for rent.  We hopped into the surrey and peddled up and down the boardwalk, stopping to take pictures of beautiful scenery and look at the magnificent sculptures such as King Neptune and the memorials.   Loved the nice two hour “cycling” workout!!  It’s not Cyclebar, but it will do! 

The Boardwalk has a multitude of activities, including horseback riding, kite flying, biking and walking.  There is a jungle gym if you have young children with you and a fitness park for older children and adults.  Additionally, you will find the usual beach activities such as surfing, kiteboarding, wakeboarding, etc.  

Although an abundance of cafés with outdoor seating line the boardwalk, our choice was to grab a sandwich from the DQ “Grill and Chill” and sit on the park bench near the beach and have lunch as we enjoyed the surf.  Shopping near the Boardwalk consists mainly of tourist type shops, of which I am not a fan, so we did no shopping.  

After visiting the Old Coast Guard Station, we concluded our day with a “Cherry Garcia” from Ben and Jerry’s, located on Pacific Ave.  If you are staying in Virginia Beach, there are dozens of oceanfront hotels on Pacific Avenue with easy access to the Boardwalk.  The people on the Boardwalk were extremely friendly and the atmosphere was exceptionally relaxing.  It’s worth a visit.