Virginia Beach On A Budget

Many people postpone beach vacations when the budget gets tight. Not necessary! You can do a great beach vacation without breaking the bank. You first need to avoid the peak season. You can get amazing hotel deals during the off season. Virginia Beach is a great spot in April, May or September. (It’s actually great year round but not for the beach.) If you aren’t looking to swim look to book in May. The Atlantic water will be too cold for swimming but you’ll normally be able to get some good sun on the beach. The normal May high temperature is around 74 degrees. On the other hand, if you want to take a dip, hold off until September. The normal high is still around 80 degrees and the water will be warm. Either way, use the search box to the right to search for the best deal on the week or weekend you choose. You’ll be amazed at the price difference between the in peak and off peak time frame.

Now you have a room, what do you do now? Well, the beach and boardwalk are the best and most obvious free activities. You’ll find that there are often free concerts at the various band shells along the boardwalk. And there are many street performers like jugglers and magicians. (Thanks to jinar55 on Twitter for some great tips.) I live close to the beach and still go to the boardwalk to see the sites. What if the weather doesn’t cooperate? The Virginia Aquarium is a great place to spend an afternoon. There is an admission fee but it’s well worth it. Our friends at Insiderspassport.com have a coupon booklet that includes a coupon for a discount at the Aquarium and several other local venues. Click here to get the Virginia Beach Passport. While you’re at it, click here to check out the rest of their great site.

If you want some non-beach activity check out Mount Trashmore. Yes, Trashmore. This park is 165 acres, 60 feet high, over 800 feet long, and was created by compacting layers of solid waste and clean soil. Recognized for its environmental feat, the park features the Water Wise demonstration garden that boasts xeriscaping where you can learn how to create a beautiful garden with minimal water requirements.

The park opens at 7:30 a.m. and closes at sunset. Facilities include picnic shelters, playground areas, basketball court, volleyball areas, parking, vending machines and rest rooms, plus an extensive street course Skate Park which includes a seven-foot deep bowl and a massive 13.5 ft tall vert ramp. The park also has a walking trail that measures approximately 1.45 miles. Trail maps are available at Park Office. While no private boats are allowed on this lake, fishing is allowed. Click here to find it on Google maps. You can get driving directions or just check out the satellite photos.

Those are just a few of the inexpensive ways to spend your vacation at Virginia Beach on a tight budget. Hope this makes you decide to come out to see all that this resort town has to offer!