August 16th, 2011 at 9:24 PM ^
If you want a little less commercial spot, stay about 10 miles south at Sandbridge. Mostly beach houses. Good for families and for beaches (not so crowded).
August 16th, 2011 at 9:27 PM ^
When it comes to sand, avoid the area of your ass.
August 16th, 2011 at 9:28 PM ^
....but I was a mere undergraduate at the time and could only afford Newport News. I know, not much help.
August 16th, 2011 at 9:28 PM ^
Sandbridge is the best to stay as far as the beach is concerned, but be prepared to drive if you want to go to the nightlife. Be more specific on what you're looking for, I can surely help you out.
August 16th, 2011 at 9:47 PM ^
It is going to be a trip for 7 (Grandparents, parents, myself/wife/baby)
<br>House with quiet(er) beach available on Aug 20-22. But with how last minute this is, beggars can't be choosers.
<br>
<br>Thank you for your thoughts/ideas
August 16th, 2011 at 10:25 PM ^
Is a good amount south of the strip and very secluded. It's almost north carolina. If you want to stay closer to the civilized world I'd look at Croatan. It's just south of the strip and has it's own beach that is all locals. Just a mile on the other side of the jetty is the strip with several great restaurants. Also be cautious on your travel to the area. The only way to get here is through a bridge tunnel so don't even think about hitting this area near rush hour.
August 16th, 2011 at 9:48 PM ^
Hotel wise youll probably end up along the boardwalk around Atlantic ave. I avoid that area like the plague due to tourists, although there is some good nightlife such as Catch 31. Chix beach is my stomping grounds, nice beach, good nightlife but unfortunately not many hotels. Sandbridge is more vacation home area and good for families.
August 16th, 2011 at 9:54 PM ^
Get away from Quantico. I've spent plenty of time there and advise you to not do the same.
I'd go to DC (if you haven't been) and then over to Chesapeake Bay or Annapolis, MD.
August 16th, 2011 at 10:02 PM ^
House and condo rentals at VA beach are typically for the week. The VA beach Hilton is a little expensive... but you get what you pay for: Great beach access. Great restaurants nearby and within hotel.
August 16th, 2011 at 10:02 PM ^
You know Quantico's a solid 2 hours, at least, from Va Beach, right?
August 16th, 2011 at 10:40 PM ^
I've been going to the area (Hampton, VA) quite a bit this summer, and the drive from Quantico to Hampton has been averaging 2 Hours (3 on Fridays with traffic)...and that's BEFORE the tunnel. If you are trying to go through the tunnel on a Friday night, forget it, the drive from Quantico to Virginia Beach will be closer to 4 or 5 hours.
I agree with someone above, you're much better off going to DC/Annapolis for the weekend. Tons to do in DC, and Annapolis can be a cool city as well. If you go over the bay bridge, St. Michaels can make for a fun day. If you like crab, hit up the Crab Claw...great times to be had by all
August 17th, 2011 at 12:47 AM ^
Psh, yeah, I should've definitely added the "without traffic" caveat. 64 between Richmond and Newport News sucks ass with traffic, and the tunnel is just the biggest PITA in the world.
August 16th, 2011 at 10:07 PM ^
August 16th, 2011 at 10:35 PM ^
I'd say hit the beach and DC if you can...unless the inlaws have seen Our Nations Capitol many times before. In that case throw down a few beers and bake in the sun.
August 16th, 2011 at 10:38 PM ^
Literally just got back from a week vacation in Va. Beach with 11 friends at our beach house (59th Street) went ape shit for a week. Was Dope for sure
August 16th, 2011 at 10:44 PM ^
Make sure to eat at some of the seafood places on Lynnhaven Inlet - Chick's Oyster Bar, Dockside Inn, etc... There is some serious fresh fish selection in that part of the world.
August 16th, 2011 at 11:26 PM ^
August 17th, 2011 at 12:49 AM ^
Other people have mentioned this but I want to re-emphasize for total comprehension: Do anything, anything, anything you can to avoid going through a tunnel during rush hour times of day.
August 17th, 2011 at 1:26 AM ^
...but the stretch of I-95S between Quantico and Fredericksburg enjoys major league congestion during afternoon rush hour and often during weekend mornings and afternoons. I-64E from I-295 all the way until you reach Newport News is two lanes only. Do not be surprised to experience long delays on that stretch (unless you're driving in the early morning). When you reach Newport News, I-64E opens up to 4 or 5 lanes. You will be moving along nicely until you're 2-3 miles from the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel (HRBT). If you are anywhere near rush hour, you will experience major delays. The stretch of I-64E from the HRBT to I-264E (to Virginia Beach beaches) does get jammed during morning and afternoon rush hours.
Moral of the story: if traveling from Quantico to Virginia Beach on a weekend day, leave by 0700. If traveling on a weekday, leave around 0900.
Also, consider yourself fortunate that this is not a holiday weekend.
Finally, consider visiting some of the historic sites in northern and cental Virginia instead.
Houses of Presidents Tour: Washington/Mount Vernon (Fairfax County), Monroe/Oak Hill (Loudon County), Madison/Montpelier (Orange County), Jefferson/Monticello (Albemarle County), Monroe/Ash Lawn-Highland (Albemarle County)
George Washington Tour: Mount Vernon (Fairfax County), Ferry Farm (GW's Boyhood Home) (Stafford County right next to Fredericksburg), Mary Washington's Home (Fredericksburg), Kenmore (Betty Washington Lewis/Fielding Lewis Home) (Fredericksburg), Washington's Birthplace (Westmoreland County)
Civil War Battlefields Tour: First and Second Manassas (Manassas/Prince William County), Fredericksburg (Fredericksburg), Chancellorsville (Spotsylvania County), Spotsylvania Courthouse (Spotsylvania County), The Wilderness (Orange/Spotsylvania Counties), Stonewall Jackson Shrine (Guinea Station/Caroline County)