5 Tips for Vacationing in Virginia Beach This Summer

The great thing about Virginia Beach is that it's within driving distance for many urbanites. Of course, the bad news is it's within driving distance for so many people. If you're looking for a long weekend get-away this summer, here are some tips on how to get more beach time, less traffic time and find the right lodging.

3. Get up at 5 a.m.

I know that's painfully early for a day that's supposed to be your vacation day, but it will literally save you up to six hours of driving time if you beat the traffic. We made it from Silver Spring, MD to 3001 Atlantic Avenue in less than four hours on a Friday of Memorial Day weekend. We were on the road by 6 a.m. We were on beach lounge chairs at 10 a.m. and in the pool by 4 p.m. listening to other hotel guests complain about the six hours they just spend sitting in traffic in Richmond. He, he, he.

2. Get a good hotel room months in advance.

Frankly, I'm shocked at how expensive a good hotel is in Virginia Beach during the summer, but I'm comparing them to Florida beach hotels, which get year-round revenue. These hotels don't so they're making it up in a matter of three months, understandably. The nicest hotels on this beach go for around $250-$350 a night. The middle range is averages $200 a night and the cheapest are charging at least $150. There's a La Quinta Inn a few blocks from the beach that will give you a bed, a lockable door and a bathroom. It's perfectly fine for what it is. If you want to go all-out, stay at the Hilton at the previously mentioned address. This is as close to a five star experience as I've ever had at a beach hotel. Their service is top notch. The facilities are beautiful and the restaurants are crowded for a reason. Right on the beach, they have the most comfortable lounge chairs. On their rooftop, the infinity pool and bar is worthy of South Beach, but get their by 10 a.m. if you want a chair and leave before 2 p.m. if you want to avoid lots of children. While we didn't book it this time, we visited the Ocean Beach club just a few steps up the beach. This beautiful new condo building lets you book rooms for a few nights stay. We were scared away by some of its reviews on Trip Advisor, which turned out to be very misrepresentative of the facilities. They've manicured their beach front pool and restaurant/bar to truly transport you to the islands.

3. Pre-plan your dining.

For some people, this is as painful as a 5 a.m. wake up call, but it's worth it for this area. If you're a foodie like I am, Wendy's just won't cut it for dinner. You don't necessarily need to have reservations, but if you show up around 7 p.m., be prepared to wait about 30 to 45 minutes for a table at some of these suggested places. Enjoy a healthy portion of glazed salmon over a bed of crispy seaweed salad paired with a white wine from the local vineyards of Williamsburg Winery at Tautogs on 23rd Street. The most popular dinner destination by far is Hilton's Catch 31, which offers a lively bar scene and outdoor seating with fire pits. Special occasion dinners should be celebrated at Selacia, also at the Hilton, where the white table cloth outdoor, beach view dining serves up the most romantic setting in this area. For a local beach hotel, I was impressed with the surf and turf entr©e, large Caesar salad and wine selections. During the day, if the food stands are set up along the boardwalk, stopping for hush puppies is a must, not to mention an Italian ice. Virginia Beach goers must love their ice cream because there's a soft serve, Dairy Queen or Ben & Jerry's on every single corner.

4. Be aware that it's a family beach.

Not that you're expecting a thriving nightlife, but the best spot for this is SkyBar atop the Hilton, which requires that you be a guest or have your name on "the list" before you arrive. Dance under the stars to house music orchestrated by a live DJ. The pool lounge chairs are pushed together to created white "beds", and the pool water rotates a rainbow of colors. The view from this 21st floor is probably the best in the city. But if you want to start with a round of warm up cocktails, begin the evening at the Ocean Beach Club's tiki bar, Tortugas, where no pour is too large. Their menu offers everything from rum-induced banana flavors to straight up martini madness, but it's the balmy setting that really puts you in a vacation mood. Of course, Virginia Beach is also a biker destination so you'll find a selection of dark, rockin' establishments one block off the beach front as well. The giant statue of Neptune next to the Hilton will lead you to the grass-filled amphitheater where weekend evening performances from bands like Virginia Coalition draw crowds of all ages for their free performances.

5. Rentals can be fun, not just dorky looking.

If you've maxed out your pool time, there are bicycle rentals up and down the boardwalk. It's a great way to beat the heat and my applause goes to the developers for creating a separate bike path, which allows you bypass all the foot traffic. Next to the Ocean Beach Club, a small stand rents surfboards by the hour. If you've never tried before, this is a somewhat easy beach to start on out. Get out before 10 a.m. if you can. (That's usually when the best waves are, and you can only surf inside designated areas until 6 p.m.) And plan to stay out for at least two hours. Novices will spend most of their time just paddling around, but it's so much fun and a great work out.