All photos: Bryan Dearsley / LuxuryVirginia
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The world’s longest pleasure beach, the 35-mile stretch of sand that separates Virginia Beach (VB) from the Atlantic Ocean is wonderful to explore on foot… or by bike. By far the most popular section of VB’s magnificent beach is accessible from the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, a wide and extremely pleasant, paved path that runs adjacent to the beach. Constructed with dedicated lanes for walking and cycling, this three-mile strip lets riders pedal at their own pace without worrying about weaving around pedestrians or dodging cars.
My exploration of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk by bike began at The Historic Cavalier Hotel & Beach Club, a 1927 landmark at the boardwalk’s northern end. One of the perks of a stay here is having access to their complimentary three-hour bike service (if you need it longer, a reasonable hourly fee applies). And I’m very glad I took them up on the offer.
Collecting my bike from the concierge services at The Cavalier’s partner hotel, the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort, was a breeze, and just minutes later I was off to visit the major landmarks and attractions on the Boardwalk. This elegant Virginia Beach hotel is an easy launch pad to pick up the Oceanfront Bike Path, a parallel route that runs alongside the main boardwalk for its entire length. That means three whole miles of beautiful beachfront to explore. And don’t go too fast, as there’s plenty to see here.
Virginia Beach Boardwalk by Bike
Navy SEAL Monument and Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is where you’ll find several interesting and evocative memorials dedicated to America’s military and police heroes. You don’t have to go too far along the bike path before you come across the first of these, the Navy SEAL Monument. This simple yet impressive statue, dubbed “The Naked Warrior, serves as a reminder of the city’s military connections, made even more striking against the coastal backdrop.
Not too far further along the bike path, you’ll find the Virginia Beach Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Dedicated to fallen officers, it stands as a quiet testament to those who have served the community.
Neptune’s Park and Neptune Statue
Adjacent to Neptune’s Park between the beach and the boardwalk, the towering King Neptune statue is Virginia Beach’s most iconic landmark. Completed in 2005, this impressive 30-foot-tall bronze figure brandishes a trident in his right hand while his left is placed protectively on a sea turtle.
Handy benches are placed directly opposite Neptune and are a perfect place to sit and watch the world go by. Better still, grab a Starbucks and a sweet treat from Duck Donuts just a few steps away from the beach. The park also hosts concerts and events, so it’s worth checking the city’s events calendar to see what’s on.
The Norwegian Lady and Naval Aviation Monument Park
Refreshed, carry on pedalling south until you come to the Norwegian Lady, a remarkable statue of a woman gazing out to sea. One of the most intriguing monuments on Virginia Beach Boardwalk, it commemorates a tragic shipwreck in the late 19th century that occurred just off the coast here and stands as a symbol of friendship between Virginia Beach and Moss in Norway, Europe.
I was especially excited to see the statue as my Norwegian uncle hails from Moss south of Oslo, and he had told me that a second Norwegian Lady stands there looking towards the United States. Take the time to read that plaque that details the history of the shipwreck and how it led to this international bond.
Naval Aviation Monument Park is tucked away just behind the Norwegian Lady and features a series of sculptures depicting milestones in aviation history, focusing on the region’s long connection to the military and flight. Bronze figures represent early aviators, modern pilots, and flight crews who trained or served near Virginia Beach. The location is particularly apt as you’ll often hear or see jets from the nearby Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana pass overhead.
Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum
Housed in a former US Life-Saving Station dating to 1903, the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum preserves an important aspect of coastal life. Inside, you’ll find antique surfboards, photographs of dramatic rescues, and exhibits detailing how equipment evolved.
Public restrooms are located just behind the museum in case you need a pit stop.
Virginia Beach Fishing Pier
Nearly a mile further along the bike path, you’ll find yourself at the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier. A favorite spot for locals and visitors hoping to catch anything from spot to Spanish mackerel, you’ll want to leave your wheels at the nearby bike rack where you can lock up and walk the 1,000 feet to the pier’s end for great views over the Atlantic and back at the beachfront.
The pier is also where you’ll find one of Cherie’s Bike & Beach Rentals’ 12 locations. VB’s oldest bike rental company, it’s a great spot with friendly staff. If you don’t have access to a complimentary hotel bike or didn’t bring one of your own, they offer classic beach cruisers, kid-friendly bikes, and even surrey bikes for families.
Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum
Located in the DeWitt Cottage directly opposite the pier, built in 1895, the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum focuses on the diverse bird species that migrate through this region each year. Exhibits include carved waterfowl decoys, historical records of hunting practices, and displays about conservation efforts.
The building’s vintage architecture certainly adds to the educational experience, and the small gift shop sometimes features the work of local artists.
Virginia Legends Walk
Tucked slightly off the main path and just a few minutes cycling from the pier, the Virginia Legends Walk is a place VB residents are particularly proud of. I was fortunate enough to bump into a very helpful city employee who gave me the low-down on some of the individuals from across the state who have made significant contributions to history, art, science, and more.
He was particularly proud to tell me of the city’s connection to local boy made good, Pharrell Williams. Spend the time reading the plaques and you’ll find out more about other notable Virginians including poet Edgar Allen Poe and President George Washington, just to name a few.
Grommet Island Park
Your three-mile ride along the superbly fun Oceanfront Bike Path ends at Grommet Island Park. Set overlooking Owl Creek where it meets the Atlantic, here you’ll find playgrounds for the kids as well as picnic areas, as well as superb ocean views.
And it’s here that your exploration of Virginia Beach Boardwalk by bike ends. Well, it would if you didn’t have to cycle back to your starting point at The Cavalier. But hey, you get to see these wonderful places in Virginia Beach all over again…
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Bryan Dearsley is the Editor of LuxuryVirginia and a huge fan of the “Old Dominion.” He’s also Co-Founder of Riley and its luxury lifestyle websites, leading sources of news and reviews relating to luxury lifestyles and travel around the world, including the UK, Europe, and the United States.
