GO ON A NOSTALGIC VACATION AT  VIRGINIA BEACH

By: Sorin Dutoiu | 1 June, 2025

As travel trends point toward a return to the vacations of our youth—think dripping ice cream cones, flip-flops on the boardwalk, and the crash of waves at dusk—Virginia Beach is riding the nostalgia wave right into the hearts of 2025 travelers.

But don’t be fooled by its old-school charm. This coastal gem is pairing vintage vibes with a modern upgrade, making it the perfect destination for memory-making across generations.

Nostalgia You Can Taste, Touch, and Hear

There’s something deeply comforting about familiar places, and Virginia Beach offers plenty. Order a swirl cone at the Dairy Queen on the Oceanfront, a sweet fixture since 1949. Or cast a line at the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, where families have gathered since 1950 for breezy ocean views and lazy summer afternoons.

Historic events also bring the past into the present. The Neptune Festival, turning 51 this year, still draws crowds for sandcastle contests and beachside parades. The East Coast Surfing Championships (ECSC), the world’s longest-running surf comp, continues to channel the carefree spirit of the 1960s. Even music gets a retro refresh at the Totally Tribute Fest, where classic hits fill the salty air during free oceanfront concerts.

Sleep in History—Literally

Virginia Beach’s mid-century cottages along Atlantic Avenue—newly listed with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources—are the ultimate throwback accommodations. Once beloved family vacation homes, these pastel-painted gems now invite guests to stay in living history. It’s not hard to imagine the rustle of postcards being written on the porch or the sound of Elvis crackling through a transistor radio.

For another dose of vintage charm, check out the Cutty Sark Hotel and its classic brochure, a love letter to the days of simple beach vacations and lifelong traditions.

Old Favorites, Fresh Flavors

You’ll still find the sandwiches and deli favorites that made TASTE a local institution, but Virginia Beach has expanded its culinary playbook in a big way. Today, visitors can dine on everything from smoky Southern BBQ and vibrant Hawaiian poke to handmade pasta and Irish pub fare—all just a flip-flop stroll from the shoreline.

New in 2025 is the Raven Carry-Out Café, a loving revival of the iconic Raven restaurant that served locals for five decades. The menu honors tradition while embracing now—with items like the “Ricky Bobby” crispy chicken sandwich paying homage to its founders.

Craving fine dining with a retro twist? Isle of Capri sets the mood with elegant Italian classics that would make mid-century travelers feel right at home. Or head to Baja Restaurant in Sandbridge, turning 50 this year and still known as “the last old beach bar,” where cold drinks, sunsets, and live music capture the essence of Virginia Beach’s timeless spirit.

Cap it all off with a scoop—or three—at Gerald’s Ice Cream Bar, a modern take on a 1960s scoop shop offering more than 30 house-made flavors.

New Attractions, Same Virginia Beach Soul

While much of the appeal here is rooted in the past, Virginia Beach isn’t standing still. The brand-new Atlantic Park, opening this summer, brings a surf lagoon and The Dome entertainment venue to life, reimagining a historic site for a new generation. And just in time for Memorial Day Weekend, the Nautilus Lookout Tower at Owl Creek Landing opens with sweeping treetop views and the longest stainless-steel slide in the nation—a thrill that promises to be just as unforgettable as childhood summers gone by.

Whether you’re returning to relive family traditions or discovering the charm for the first time, Virginia Beach in 2025 strikes the perfect balance between heartwarming nostalgia and new adventures. It’s a place where you can slow down, look back—and still look forward.