10 Best Nightlife Districts in Virginia Beach

Oceanfront is the central nightlife hub of Virginia Beach. Stretching along the beachfront, Atlantic Avenue, in particular, is where you'll come across an endless array of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. The strip is renowned for its colourful street performers and street food stands, which keep the area bursting with energy throughout the day and night.

Head to the Calypso Bar & Grill for a hearty American meal before hitting the dance floor overlooking the picturesque beachfront beyond. Further down Virginia Beach's famous boardwalk, you can indulge in Beatlemania at the Abbey Road Pub & Restaurant, while nightclubs like Peabody's and Chemistry keep the party going into the early hours.

Chesapeake Bay is found along the northern tip of Virginia Beach, providing visitors with a more laidback alternative to the bustling nightlife of Oceanfront. Set between Chesapeake Beach and the Cape Henry Lighthouse, there are numerous lively nightlife venues positioned along Shore Drive.

Drop by Hot Tuna for delicious seafood cuisine and drinks at the terrace bar, where you can huddle around a soothing fire pit. For beer lovers, Chesapeake Bay has several top-notch breweries waiting to pour you some irresistible pints, including the Pleasure House Brewing Company and the Deadline Brewing Project.

The Town Center District is situated away from the coastal landscapes of Virginia Beach and heaves with activity most nights. It's where visitors to Virginia Beach can discover a wealth of high-end restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, all located within close proximity to each other.

Twist Martini & Associates is open late serving vibrant cocktails alongside casual pub food like tacos and burgers, while Keagan's Irish Pub & Restaurant offers sports on the big screen, pool tables and an undeniably lively atmosphere. Also, make sure you include a visit to Funny Bone on your itinerary – you'll catch some of the biggest names in comedy doing what they do best.

Located south of Virginia Beach's famous waterfront, Dam Neck is a leafy retreat away from the busy crowds. The region features a variety of lakeside communities, stellar golf courses, and a selection of summertime waterparks. But if you decide to leave the promenade behind for the day, there are still some lively spots to slink into.

Big Woody's Bar & Grill is a choice after-dark place, serving stacked plates of comfort food, cheap beer, and live entertainment. Nearby, Lendy's Cafe is renowned for its combination of chicken wings, hot sauce, and a fine selection of local craft beers poured from the tap. Visit on Saturday nights for fun-loving karaoke events.

The coastal community of Sandbridge is an idyllic kind of place. The pristine beachfront stretches continuously for miles along the coastline, while there are countless spots for world-class fishing, kayaking and hiking. Fortunately, Sandbridge is also a great destination for drinking and dining, with many venues lined up along the beautiful shoreline.

Baja Restaurant is one of the most popular spots in the district, in part thanks to its sprawling lawn setting that spills out into the water. Baja offers regular karaoke nights and happy hours, ensuring it's crammed with locals on the weekends. Another regional highlight is the Sandbridge Island Restaurant, serving oysters, pizza and drinks on its relaxing terrace.

Chic's Beach is a nature lover's dream, situated between lakes, forested landscapes and, of course, an exceptional beachfront. For visitors who can't get enough of the coast, there are an array of bars and restaurants to enjoy long after the sun goes down.

Buoy 44 Seafood Grill showcases high-quality surf 'n' turf meals, a well-stocked bar, and panoramic ocean views. Set just behind the sand, the Green Parrot Grille is open late serving customers burgers, tacos and tropical-inspired cocktails. Around the corner, HK on the Bay is where you should go if you're after live music and welcoming pub vibes.

Pungo might be one of Virginia Beach's regional communities, but there's no shortage of nightlife venues that showcase the area's best attributes. After you've spent the day picking fresh fruit on active farms or explored the Virginia Military Aviation Museum, there are a variety of great ways to close out the day.

Blue Pete's Restaurant is one of Virginia Beach's most enduring eateries. Head along and enjoy tasty seafood and sandwiches paired with local beers and cocktails as you look out upon the surrounding creek. For something a little louder, the Pungo Sports Bar & Grill is ideal for kicking back and watching the game alongside scores of excited fans.

Rudee Inlet is set between Oceanfront and Dam Neck and is a charming waterfront community famous for its watersports activities and sought-after fishing spots. Bounded by Lake Wesley, Lake Rudee and the North Atlantic Ocean, this lush district features numerous waterfront restaurants and bars that are still close to the action but kept clear of the crowds.

Big Sam's Raw Beer is celebrated for its incredible seafood dishes, which you feast upon as you look out across Rudee Inlet. Featuring fun, tiki-inspired décor, visitors can relax until the early hours. Meanwhile, the local landmark of Rudee's Restaurant & Cabana Bar has been operating for almost 40 years. Serving fresh seafood meals, you can kick back on the sundeck of a funky replica Coast Guard station.