Fun things to do in the summer in Hampton Roads (Chesapeake: for sale, oceanfront)

[sarajoy]

I know the obvious summer attractions in the area, but I wanted to know what locals enjoy. What do you really like to do in the summer in the Hampton Roads area?

My husband, 3 year old and I have been given use of my parents old rental property off of Shore Drive. We plan to spend lots of time there over the summers.

Also, any no so secret secrets anyone would like to share about parking at the boardwalk? We will be close, but not close enough to bike. I've always stayed at hotels before where parking was included. I don't mind paying for parking, but is there a lot that's more convenient, cheaper than others or just whatever's open?

Thanks.

[Erma]

We really don't go to the boardwalk. That is more of a tourist area during the summer. There are many private, less crowded beaches that locals go to. We have an RV that we keep out in Sandbridge. We escape there on the weekends whether long or short. We relax, swim, cookout, watch movies...whatever takes us away from the week we just experienced. I love fishing and boating. We also have become seasonal friends with other people who keep their RV's out there as well. It's always good to see them and once in awhile we have little get togethers. Our children are grown and there aren't many kids that come out there. It's very quiet in the evenings and early mornings and just a great way for us to enjoy our free time.

[xGrendelx]

Originally Posted by Erma

We really don't go to the boardwalk. That is more of a tourist area during the summer. There are many private, less crowded beaches that locals go to. We have an RV that we keep out in Sandbridge. We escape there on the weekends whether long or short. We relax, swim, cookout, watch movies...whatever takes us away from the week we just experienced. I love fishing and boating. We also have become seasonal friends with other people who keep their RV's out there as well. It's always good to see them and once in awhile we have little get togethers. Our children are grown and there aren't many kids that come out there. It's very quiet in the evenings and early mornings and just a great way for us to enjoy our free time.

Sandbridge is a nice area. It's kinda far from where I live though, so I usually go to Chick's Beach. It's all locals (as far as I can tell, at least). I like to go down there on nice days when it's not too hot and sit under the Chesapeake Bay Bridge with some friends. Or maybe bring my dogs and let them run around. There's some pretty nice little restaurants in the Chick's Beach area too in case you get hungry. I recommend the Green Parrot. They've got some of the best fish tacos around and they're only $3. Overall, Chick's Beach is a really laid back area and I like that a lot.

Also, on summer nights, hanging out by the Lesner Bridge on the Lynnhaven Inlet is the best! And if you're on Shore Dr you're probably pretty close to both the Lesner Bridge and Chick's Beach.

Like Erma said, locals try to avoid the Boardwalk area during summer. The North End of the Oceanfront is nice all year-round however (That's 89th to 45th streets). You don't have to worry about navigating around tourists for the most part and parking isn't nearly as bad.

[Erma]

When I lived near Weslyan College, I was at Chicks Beach all the time. I've said it a couple times, that if there were any homes for sale at the time I was buying, I would have purchased one in a heartbeat. We have friends who are renting a quaint little house on the inlet. I told em' if they ever get a chance to buy, to grab it. It's well worth the beauty and quietness as well as the nice early morning walks on the beach and watching the sun rise and set.

[ToughLuv]

Atlantic Avenue, VA Beach strip. I love it during the Summer, so live.