Ann and Roy Crawford at Dockside Restaurant, Virginia Beach, VA. Photo courtesy of RJ Crawford.
Beach Access The best places to swim in Virginia Beach are where you can park your vehicle for free. If you travel north of the boardwalk on Rt 60 which hugs the Atlantic, you will find a residential section of homes that runs from 44th St to 88th Street. You can park there for free and enjoy the day at the beach, usually just a 50 yard walk to the surf. You should bring your own drinks and food as there are just residential homes at these beaches.
Food & Activities After a swim, stop by Dockside Restaurant located at 3311 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. This is our “go to” seafood restaurant whenever we are in town. Check out the website (www.docksideva.com) or give them a call at C-757-481-0372. Dockside is less expensive than those fancy seafood restaurants and the food is wonderful. Try the shrimp by the half pound or pound. You’ll be glad you tried this one.
Another favorite, Rudee’s On the Inlet Restaurant and Cabana Bar (www.rudees.com) is at the south end of the strip located at 227 Mediterranean Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. Tucked away alongside the Rudee’s Inlet Marina, it’s a favorite of the locals with its more relaxed Cabana Bar and unique glider tables outside with comfortable air-conditioned seating available inside. Parking can be a challenge, but Rudee’s offers valet parking if you want to avoid the parking spot hunt altogether. Check out their website or call C-757-425-1777.
Roy Crawford Sr. At the North Beaches of Virginia Beach, VA. Photo courtesy of RJ Crawford.
If you like free music, check out the events at the Town Center (www.vabeachtowncenter.com). You will also find many great restaurants, theaters, a comedy club and free parking. If you are looking to attend church on Sunday when you’re in town, try the Trinity Church (www.trinitychurchvb.com) that conveniently meets at Westin Hotel at the Town Center.
If you end up on the south end of Virginia Beach at Sandbridge, you will need to pay to park but the the ocean is great here. You can also visit Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (www.fws.gov) at the south end of the Sandbridge community. They offer Wild Boar hunts among many other activities. I have yet to see one, but there are plenty of birds and other wildlife.
Pungo Pizza at Sandbridge. Photo courtesy of RJ Crawford.
If I get anywhere near Sandbridge, my kids make me stop at Pungo Pizza, a family tradition for us. You will enjoy it too. Bring your change for the video arcade in the back. Pungo Pizza (www.pungopizza.com) is located at 1824 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 and can be reached at C-757-721-4900.
Author: RJ Crawford, Military Living® Publications
Reprint from July–August 2016 • Volume 46, No. 4
