The Virginia Beach Boardwalk runs about 3 miles from 2nd to 40th streets: King Neptune, Grommet Island, museums, free summer stages, parking and dog rules.

Last checked Oct. 19, 2026. Sources: Visit Virginia Beach, the city’s tourism office; Beach Events VB, the city’s events program; Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation; and the City of Virginia Beach.

The Oceanfront is Virginia Beach’s signature district: the Resort Area of hotels, restaurants and beach along Atlantic Avenue, with the Boardwalk running about 3 miles from 2nd Street to 40th Street, the city’s tourism office says. Here is what is on it, how to get there and park, and the rules that change with the season.

Who to call

  • City information and Resort Area parking: VB311, 757-385-3111
  • Buses and trolleys: Hampton Roads Transit, 757-222-6100
  • Police non-emergency: 757-385-5000; emergency 911

Along the Boardwalk, south to north

  • Grommet Island Park, Boardwalk and 2nd Street: a 15,000-square-foot beach park and playground built to be fully accessible, with free beach wheelchairs and, from April 1 to Oct. 1, a limited supply of beach chairs in the park area. Attendants are on call 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., May through October, per Parks and Recreation.
  • Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum, 1113 Atlantic Ave.: decoys, carvings and wildfowling history in the historic de Witt Cottage, which Visit Virginia Beach describes as an 1895 cottage. See the museum’s site for hours.
  • Virginia Beach Fishing Pier: the Oceanfront’s fishing pier, reaching out from the beach.
  • Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum: the history of lifesaving on these beaches, listed by Visit Virginia Beach among the Boardwalk’s attractions.
  • King Neptune statue, 31st Street: the giant bronze sea god at the gateway to the 31st Street park, which Visit Virginia Beach calls the perfect photo op.
  • 31st Street Park: one of four beachfront stages for Live! On Atlantic, the city’s summer music series, where most events are free. It also hosts Santa’s Seaside Cinema in November and December.
  • The north end: the Historic Cavalier Hotel and the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront, at 4200 and 4201 Atlantic Ave., with restaurants including Becca and the rooftop Orion’s Roof.

Events

Beach Events VB runs the city’s Oceanfront events: summer concerts on the beachfront stages, the Fourth of July fireworks, Santa’s Seaside Cinema, Fear No Ice and, this year, the new Holiday Trail of Lights at the Virginia Aquarium. The Neptune Festival weekend brings music, art and competitions to the Boardwalk. See our Fourth of July fireworks and Christmas parade and tree lighting pages.

Getting there and parking

  • Trolley and buses: Hampton Roads Transit’s Route 30 Atlantic Avenue Trolley runs every 15 minutes in season; Route 20 is an express from downtown Norfolk. See our getting around guide.
  • Parking: in the off-season, Nov. 1 to March 31, on-street meters are free except on the 300 blocks of 24 1/2 and 25th streets, and municipal surface lots are free with two exceptions. The rest of the year, garages, lots and meters charge. Residents can buy a $50 Resident Parking Voucher good at participating Resort Area garages, lots and metered spaces, per the city’s Resort Area parking page.
  • Bikes: city ordinance bans riding on sidewalks in the Resort Area. The built eastern section of the Virginia Beach Trail runs 1.5 miles on the north side of Norfolk Avenue between Birdneck Road and Pacific Avenue.

Beach rules that change with the season

  • Dogs: from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, no dogs on the sand or in the water between Rudee Loop and 42nd Street, and leashed dogs on the Boardwalk only from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. The rest of the year, dogs are welcome on the beach and Boardwalk at any time. See our dog-friendly Virginia Beach guide.
  • Lifeguards: stands from 1st to 41st streets are staffed in season; on Memorial Day 2026 they were staffed until 6 p.m., with patrols until sunset.

Nearby

  • Rudee Inlet at the south end, and the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, 717 General Booth Blvd., just beyond it.
  • Restaurants: our brunch, date night and live music and nightlife guides list Oceanfront spots with their own hours.

What this means for you

  • Park free in the off-season; in summer, residents can buy the $50 parking voucher.
  • Walk or ride the trolley along Atlantic Avenue; do not ride a bike on the sidewalk.
  • Take the dog to the beach after Labor Day weekend, not before.

Related: history and landmarks and free things to do.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Virginia Beach Boardwalk?

About 3 miles, from 2nd Street to 40th Street along the Oceanfront, according to Visit Virginia Beach, the city’s tourism office.

Where is the King Neptune statue in Virginia Beach?

On the Boardwalk at 31st Street, at the gateway to the park where the Neptune Festival and many free concerts are held.

Is parking free at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront?

In the off-season, Nov. 1 to March 31, the city makes most on-street meters and municipal surface lots free. In summer, garages, lots and meters charge; residents can buy a $50 annual Resident Parking Voucher.

Can you ride a bike on the sidewalk at the Oceanfront?

No. City ordinance allows bikes on sidewalks everywhere except Town Center and the Oceanfront Resort Area.

Are dogs allowed on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk?

Yes, on a leash. From Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend they are allowed from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and banned from the Resort Area sand; the rest of the year they can be on the Boardwalk and beach any time.