While most Brits planning a beach holiday in the US might immediately think of California or Florida, there’s a hidden gem that’s closer to home than you might think.
Virginia Beach, a coastal city with a rich British history, is often overlooked by UK tourists.
Mirror journalist Steve Purcell recently visited this stunning location, which he described as ‘one of America’s most desirable beach locations – and one of its best-kept secrets as far as Brits are concerned’.
The city boasts a three-mile boardwalk lined with golden sands, hotels, restaurants, cafes, and a thriving arts scene.
It also hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year. Beyond the city, there are 35 miles of beaches, major military bases, and the world’s largest naval port.
During his stay, Steve lodged at the ‘excellent’ Moxy Oceanfront Hotel, a Marriott Bonvoy brand that also operates Manchester’s Moxy hotel in Spinningfields. The Virginia Beach branch offers direct views of the beach and wooden pier on the boardwalk, along with a ‘funky’ bar.
“There’s a feeling of relaxed fun in the décor but the rooms are seriously comfortable,” Steve penned. “In Virginia Beach, the pool area spills onto the boardwalk and the early bird can watch a magnificent sunrise over the Atlantic. In the evening, you can enjoy cocktails and great food while watching the sunset at Orion’s Roof restaurant at the top of a Marriott hotel a few blocks down.”
Steve took to two wheels to explore the vibrant ViBe arts district, brimming with ‘awash with colourful street art projects and massive wall murals’ – a visual feast where visitors can see artists at work.
“You can even join in and leave your own mark on this lively free art show,” he added. The rejuvenated neighbourhood boasts quirky coffee shops and eateries such as Beach Bully barbecue and Java Surf Café and Espresso Bar, not to mention the crowd-pleasing Aslin Beer Company microbrewery.
Steve was thrilled to find that his visit coincided with two festivals: the Jackalope Festival, celebrating skateboarding culture and music, and the Point Break Music Festival, featuring an impressive lineup including Sublime, Wiz Khalifa, and Stephen Marley.
“Live music with the sand between your toes and a cold beer really does add to the atmosphere,” he reflected.
A multimillion-dollar surf park, backed by Virginia Beach’s own superstar Pharrell Williams, is currently under development. Located a few blocks from the beach, it is set to be completed next year and will offer permanent waves for adrenaline-seeking surfers even when the sea is calm.
Equally renowned as Pharrell are the oysters from the Chesapeake Bay area, which Steve discovered more about during an oyster farming experience on the Lynnhaven River.
“Believe me, there’s no fresher way to taste an oyster than one freshly shucked while your feet are in the waters where they grow,” he penned.
“After the tour we headed to Chick’s Oyster Bar on Shore Drive – a laid-back rustic clam shack with a waterside deck. It’s a place where the cool people hang out, and one favoured by off-duty US navy Seals who train in the Norfolk area.”
Besides Norfolk, Brits might recognise some familiar place names on signposts on the road from the airport – Suffolk, Portsmouth and Windsor can all be found in this corner of Virginia.
Visitors can explore where the first British settlers arrived in the First Landing State Park – a 2,888 acre area of hiking trails and campsites – and ascend the steps to the Cape Henry lighthouse which was authorised by President George Washington in 1792 following the revolutionary war with Britain.
You can follow in the footsteps of US Presidents such as John F Kennedy and Calvin Coolidge at the grand Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, a gem from the Roaring Twenties that has also welcomed icons like Frank Sinatra.
Steve relished his final dinner at the hotel’s Becca Restaurant and Garden, enjoying martinis and savouring a delicious rack of lamb with Yukon Gold potatoes drizzled in a strawberry-mint sauce.
For those keen on delving deeper into American history, Washington, the nation’s capital, is merely a three-hour drive from Virginia Beach.
Steve suggested: “One clever way to enjoy this great beach resort could be to incorporate a city break and beach stay. Numerous cities like New York and Philadelphia are just a short hop by plane. So whether you just want to relax or find adventure, why not follow in the historic footsteps of the first British settlers.”