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Baltimore’s central location offers residents many opportunities to take quick trips by train, plane, and car in just a few hours. But how do you decide where to go? And—most importantly—how do you decide to get there, where to stay, and what to do? We spoke with the experts of Visit Virginia Beach, who shared some advice on making the perfect itinerary for a fall weekend getaway in the coastal town of Virginia Beach.
When to start planning where to stay:
When planning a visit to Virginia Beach during the fall season, it’s best to plan several weeks out to ensure availability, given it’s a popular time of year to visit, with the great weather and lowered seasonal rates.
Virginia Beach boasts a diverse, extensive collection of accommodations to suit different travel preferences and budgets. From beach-house rentals and full-service oceanfront resort hotels, to campgrounds and cabins, you can find the ideal place to stay for your weekend getaway.
First step, arriving at your destination:
Virginia Beach is an accessible getaway from Baltimore, reachable through several transit options that will meet all travelers’ preferences. With a station in the neighboring city of Norfolk, Amtrak offers a seamless mode of travel via train. If you prefer flying, there are several flights from BWI to Norfolk International Airport to get you to your destination in under two hours. And—of course—driving is always a great option.
The drive from Baltimore is roughly five hours via I-95 S and I-64 E, but for those looking for a more leisurely, scenic drive, taking US-13 S down the Eastern Shore allows you to take in spectacular views of the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, a 17.6-mile bridge-tunnel crossing, is revered by many as a modern engineering wonder and offers an idyllic panorama of the bay.
For the Wilderness Worshippers
The possibilities seem endless when it comes to choosing a place to camp in Virginia Beach. State parks, cabins, and cottages are available to any type of camping enthusiast. Whether an experienced camper or a glamper, there are options for all.
First Landing State Park boasts 200 campsites, offering everything from the tent-sizeed spaces and cabins with water and electricity to RV parking. Some of the most popular excursions are visits to the local restaurants and breweries like Hot Tuna, Mermaid Winery, and Deadline Brewing.
At False Cape State Park never miss a beach sunrise or sunset. Only reachable by hiking, biking, boats, or tram-service, the mile-wide barrier spit is a place of untouched beauty perfect for avid campers. Excursions include primitive camping, hiking, biking, and all of the natural wonders of the beachfront.
Virginia Beach KOA Campground is a great spot for the glampers. It includes deluxe cabins with hotel-like amenities and RV parking. For those seeking a more rustic experience, they can take advantage of the tent-camping sites or camping cabins. This location offers free wi-fi, dog parks, bike rentals, paintball, and much more.
For the Resort Aficionados
Virginia Beach is comprised of seven districts, all offering their own unique experiences and special places to stay. From hotels and resorts, to bed and breakfasts, and vacation home rentals, there are options to make all happy.
Since its opening in 1927, the Cavalier Hotel has hosted the likes of FDR, JFK, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Bing Crosby, and even Al Capone. Newly renovated and incredibly true to its storied past, this historic building located on the Virginia Beach oceanfront offers guests a stay of unparalleled luxury. With fine dining at Becca, cocktails in the Hunt Room, using craft spirits made in-house by Tarnished Truth Distilling Company, the SeaHill Spa, and stunning indoor Plunge Pool, this spot will satisfy even the most tough-to-please resort aficionados.
Spa-thusiats can enjoy a day of pampering and primping at the Flowering Almond Spa, Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E., the aforementioned SeaHill Spa, and Green Leaf & Pebble Tea Spa. All offer five-star amenities, treatments, and special services that make their spas unique.
The oceanfront isn’t the only attraction to enjoy at Virginia Beach. It’s home to America’s first lighthouse, the Virginia Military Aviation Museum, Virginia Aquarium, ViBe Creative District, colonial museums, and much more. You can even get in the spooky spirit this Halloween and take a ghost tour of Virginia Beach’s most haunted places.
Something for Everyone
Whether looking to take advantage of the nature, relax in the spa, or hit the trails—the beer, bike, or hiking trails—there’s something for everyone. The coastal city is a great fall getaway with its wide array of experiences, from outdoor adventures in its beautiful state parks to pristine, uncrowded beaches, and an eclectic collection of locally owned eateries, breweries, cafes, and shops.