25 Virginia Beach Bachelorette Party Ideas That Will Make You The MVP Maid of Honor

Hi, Friend! Jen Glantz here. I’m a bestselling author, the first ever bridesmaid for hire and have been hired by hundreds of brides all over the world. Let’s talk about Virginia Beach Bachelorette Party Ideas.

Fun fact: Virginia is actually the sixth largest wine producer in the US, with something like 280 wineries according to Norfolk Sailing. I honestly had no idea until I stumbled on that stat while frantically trying to plan a bachelorette weekend that wasn’t just another sash-wearing march down Broadway in Nashville. We wanted wine, we wanted the ocean, and we didn’t want the bridal party to go broke.

Quick Resources:

• Build a full weekend plan with the Bachelorette Party Planner

• Explore everything available with All Wedding Tools

That trip totally changed my mind about the mid-Atlantic coast. It’s surprisingly versatile compared to other top East Coast spots.

But here’s the thing: planning a trip to Virginia Beach isn’t just “book a hotel and buy sunscreen.” You have to have a game plan for the humidity (it’s real), the tourist crowds, and the specific vibe your bride is going for. I learned the hard way that this city feels like two or three different towns depending on which street you sleep on.

If you don’t pay attention to the geography, you’re going to blow half your budget on Ubers. A successful weekend here is honestly 50% vibes and 50% logistics.

TL;DR

Short on time? Here is the “cheat sheet” version. If you read nothing else, read this section before you book anything.

Planning a Virginia Beach bash is all about balancing expectations with reality:

• Pick Your Personality: VB has a split personality. You either want the high-energy party vibe at the Oceanfront, or the “rich mom coastal” relaxation of the North End/Sandbridge.

• Watch the Calendar: “In-Season” (Memorial Day to Labor Day) means everything is open, but it’s expensive and crowded. “Shoulder Season” (May/Sept) saves money, but some fun stuff might close early.

• Budget vs. Convenience: Oceanfront hotels mean you can walk to bars (saving Uber money) but pay more for the room. Sandbridge rentals are cheaper per person, but you are stranded without a car.

• Know Your Group: Mix in free stuff (beach days) with the paid activities so you don’t alienate the bridesmaids on a tighter budget.

The Game Plan: Don’t Book Blindly

Please don’t just throw a dart at a map of Virginia Beach and hope for the best. The area is super spread out. A rental house in one zip code is a completely different trip than a hotel three miles away. Before you put down a credit card, you need to look at four things: vibe, season, wallet, and group dynamics.

If you’re new to the MOH gig, check out our bachelorette planning 101 guide first. Getting the location wrong is the fastest way to derail the weekend.

Start organizing everything with the Bachelorette Party Planner

The Vibe Check

You have to decide: are we clubbing or chilling? The Oceanfront is loud, touristy, and packed with bars. The North End and Sandbridge are quiet neighborhoods with big houses. Pungo is basically farm country. If you book a quiet house for a bride who wants to dance on tables, she’s going to be bummed. If you book a loud hotel for a bride who wants to read by the pool, she’s going to be stressed.

Here is a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Neighborhood	Vibe Score	Best For…	The Trade-off
Oceanfront (1st-40th St)	High Energy / Loud	Walking to bars, people watching, being in the mix.	Expensive parking, noise, and crowded sand.
North End (40th-89th St)	Relaxed / Residential	Quiet beach days, upscale homes, privacy.	Parking is a nightmare; you must drive/Uber to nightlife.
Sandbridge	Chill / Secluded	Huge rental houses, pool parties, disconnecting.	Isolated; 25+ min drive to main bars (expensive Uber).
Pungo	Rustic / Cottage-core	Farm stands, cute photos, wholesome vibes.	Far inland; no beach access within walking distance.

Map out where to stay and play using the Bachelorette Party Planner

Weather and Wallet

Summer brings the humidity (seriously, bring anti-frizz spray) and peak pricing, but it guarantees every bar and boat tour is running. Visiting in April, May, September, or October can save the group a ton of cash and the weather is usually milder, but you risk the boardwalk being a little sleepy. You have to weigh the importance of “peak summer energy” against everyone’s bank account.

Logistics and Transport

Staying at the Oceanfront means you can stumble home from the bar. Renting a massive house in Sandbridge sounds dreamy until you realize you’re 15 miles from the action and need a designated driver.

The “Rideshare Reality Check”:
I knew a group that booked a stunning, affordable rental in Sandbridge to save money. But they wanted to party at the boardwalk every night. Since standard Ubers only fit 4 people, they had to order three cars (or two XLs) every single time they left the house. They spent about $150 per night just on rides. By Sunday, they had spent more on transport than they saved on the house.

Avoid costly mistakes with a structured plan from the Bachelorette Party Planner

Sun-Soaked and Sandy: The Chill Route

For groups who prioritize tanning, swimming, and recovering from the real world, these ideas focus on the natural beauty of the coast. These work best for brides who want to avoid the neon signs and just breathe in the salt air. Make sure the squad packs right—check out our bachelorette swimsuit ideas for inspo.

If the bride prefers a book over a bartender, start here.

1. North End Beach Day

Skip the tourist jam between 1st and 40th streets. Head north (streets 45 through 89) for a residential vibe. You get wider sands and way fewer people. Just a heads up: parking is street-only and gets competitive, so get there early.

2. First Landing State Park Hike & Swim

This park is on the Chesapeake Bay side, meaning the water is calm (no waves knocking you over) and there are trails through Spanish moss forests. It’s a great morning activity if you want to sweat a little and then cool off without dealing with ocean swell.

3. Sandbridge Rental House Retreat

Sandbridge is basically “The Outer Banks of Virginia.” It’s all massive rental houses with pools. Located 15 miles south of the resort area, this is the spot to disconnect. You need a car, but having a private pool for a slumber-party vibe is unmatched.

4. Sunrise Yoga on the Beach

There are studios that offer drop-in classes right on the sand, or you can hire a private instructor to come to your rental. It sets a nice wellness tone, but read the room—don’t book this for 7 AM if you guys plan on staying out until 2 AM.

5. Pleasure House Oysters “Chef’s Table” Tour

This is honestly so cool. You put on waders and stand in the river at a table set up in the water. You tour the farm and eat oysters pulled right out of the mud in front of you. You have to book this months in advance though, and it’s strictly tide-dependent.

The Orange Crush Circuit: Nightlife Essentials

You literally cannot visit this city without encountering the “Orange Crush.” It’s freshly squeezed OJ, orange vodka, triple sec, and sprite, and it is dangerous. This category covers the essential party stops. Be sure to check venue requirements beforehand, and consult our bachelorette party dress code guide because some spots are stricter than others.

When the sun goes down, the energy shifts. Here is where to go.

6. Waterman’s Surfside Grille

They claim to have invented the Orange Crush. Whether that’s true or not, drinking one on their patio is a rite of passage. They don’t take reservations for the patio, so expect a wait, but it moves pretty fast.

7. The Shack on 8th

Think of this as an adult playground. It’s entirely outdoors with cornhole, giant Jenga, and buckets of drinks. It’s super casual (flip-flops are fine) and great for large groups to spread out.

8. The Hunt Room at The Cavalier

Located inside the historic Cavalier Hotel, this is a speakeasy-style distillery lounge. It’s dark, moody, and sophisticated. If you want a “classy toast” moment, do it here. Dress up a bit for this one.

9. Lunasea Key West Grill

This is a multi-level open-air bar that feels like a mini-festival at night. DJs, dancing, confetti—the works. Go here if the bride wants to dance, but just know it gets very crowded and very loud.

10. Calypso Bar & Grill

Known for great live music and a huge covered patio on the boardwalk. It’s social and fun without being as intense or “clubby” as Lunasea. Easy walking distance from most oceanfront hotels.

Bar / Venue	Party Vibe	Dress Code	Reservation Policy
Waterman’s	Tourist Essential / Patio	Casual / Beachy	No patio reservations; first come, first served.
The Shack	Outdoor Festival / Games	Very Casual	No reservations; open seating layout.
Hunt Room	Sophisticated / Speakeasy	Smart Casual / Upscale	Highly recommended 2+ weeks out.
Lunasea	High Energy / Clubby	Trendy / Night Out	VIP tables available for booking.
Calypso	Live Music / Social	Casual	First come, first served.

Balance beach days and nightlife with the Bachelorette Party Planner

Saltwater Thrills: On The Water Adventures

If the group is getting restless just laying on towels, get out on the water. It changes the whole dynamic of the trip (and the photos are better).

11. Rudee Inlet Jet Ski Rentals

Rent skis and ride out into the ocean to jump waves. You’ll often see dolphins right next to you. Fair warning: this is a workout. Not suitable for pregnant guests or anyone with back issues.

12. The Virginia Beach Tiki Boat

It’s exactly what it sounds like—a floating tiki bar cruising the calm waters of the inlet. Usually BYOB or onboard bar depending on who you book with. You have to book the whole boat for private parties, so get your headcount sorted early.

13. Dolphin Watching Cruise (Rudee Tours)

The big double-decker boats guarantee dolphin sightings. It’s a 90-minute cruise and they sell drinks on board. It’s chill, easy for all ages, and nobody is going to get seasick in the calm inlet waters. Sunset cruises have the best lighting.

14. Parasailing

Get a bird’s eye view of the boardwalk. You take off and land right from the boat, so you don’t even have to get wet if you don’t want to. Just remember: wind holds are real.

The “Wind Hold” Pivot:
I had a group book parasailing for Saturday at 2:00 PM. At 1:00 PM, the captain canceled because the wind picked up. They hadn’t planned a backup and spent an hour frantically Googling. Pro Tip: If you book weather-dependent stuff, always have a “Rain Plan” reservation at an indoor spot like Topgolf or iFly for the same time slot, just in case.

15. Surf Lessons

Book a group lesson at the Virginia Beach Surf School. The summer waves are usually small mushballs, perfect for beginners. It’s physically tiring though, so maybe don’t plan a marathon night of dancing immediately after.

Beyond the Boardwalk: Unique Experiences

Sometimes you need a break from the sun and the sticky bar floors. These activities add a little variety to the itinerary.

16. Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E. Spa

This is a historic holistic health center in the North End. They do massages, reflexology, and even ESP testing. It’s a very specific “VB” spiritual experience. Book way in advance.

17. Pungo Strawberry/Blackberry Picking

Drive 20 minutes inland to Pungo to pick berries. It’s super wholesome and rural. You’ll need a car, and obviously, berries need to be in season (Strawberries in May, Blackberries in July).

18. Topgolf Virginia Beach

Climate-controlled bays, food, and drinks delivered to you. You do not need to be good at golf to have fun here (honestly, it’s funnier if you’re bad). Great backup plan for rainy days.

19. Drag Brunch at Croc’s 19th Street Bistro

A local staple. High energy, great show, lots of mimosas. It is strictly 21+, so leave the junior bridesmaids at home. Tickets sell out weeks in advance.

20. iFly Indoor Skydiving

Located near the oceanfront. It’s a vertical wind tunnel that simulates freefall. It’s quick (1-2 hours total) so you can easily fit it in before dinner.

Feasts and Photos: Dining & Brunch

You gotta eat. Virginia Beach has everything from upscale rooftops to hipster cafes. Here are the spots that have good food and good aesthetics.

Restaurant	Price Point	Best For…	Reservation Difficulty
Orion’s Roof	$	Sunset views & upscale sushi	High (Book 1 month out)
Bay Local	$	Boozy brunch & huge portions	Walk-in only (Long waits)
Bee & The Biscuit	$	Cottage-core aesthetics	Walk-in only (Very long waits)
Pink Dinghy	$	Small plates & natural wine	Medium (Small groups only)
Mermaid Winery	$	Classy dinner & wine tasting	Low/Medium

21. Orion’s Roof

Asian-fusion on the roof of the Marriott. It has the single best view of the coastline. It’s upscale and highly instagrammable. You absolutely need a reservation if you want to catch the sunset.

22. Bay Local Eatery

Famous for “soft shell crab benedict” and massive mimosas (and I mean massive). It’s got a trendy “local” vibe. They usually don’t take reservations on weekends, so expect a wait.

23. The Bee & The Biscuit

Located in Pungo, this place is adorable. Think massive biscuits and fancy lattes in a garden. But they don’t take reservations and the wait can be two hours on a Saturday.

The “Waitlist Strategy”:
Since The Bee & The Biscuit doesn’t take reservations, a smart MOH sends two people from the group ahead in an Uber at 8:30 AM to put their name on the list. The rest of the group sleeps in and arrives an hour later when the table is nearly ready. Don’t make 10 hungover girls stand in a parking lot for two hours.

Build backup plans easily with the Bachelorette Party Planner

24. Pink Dinghy

Small spot in the ViBe Creative District. Natural wines, small plates, hipster vibe. It’s tiny though, so it’s better for smaller bachelorette groups (under six people).

25. Mermaid Winery

A local winery with a tasting room and full restaurant. It feels sophisticated and is a nice break from the boardwalk noise.

Pull the entire weekend together with the Bachelorette Party Planner

Saving the Party (and Your Sanity)

Look, managing a trip for 10+ people is hard. You’re dealing with budgets, personalities, and that one friend who is always late. The role of Maid of Honor can quickly feel like a full-time unpaid internship. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, Bridesmaid for Hire can actually help. Check out our ultimate Maid of Honor guide to help navigate the drama.

The Unbiased Planner

When the group fights over expensive dinners versus budget eats, Bridesmaid for Hire can step in. You get access to itineraries and advice that help you make decisions based on experience rather than emotion.

The Itinerary Savior

Jen Glantz and her team offer “insider” knowledge that prevents rookie mistakes, like booking a boat tour during hurricane season. Use their resources so you aren’t drowning in spreadsheets at 2 AM.

Maid of Honor Support

Whether you need a professional bridesmaid to attend and keep the peace or just digital tools to plan the weekend, Bridesmaid for Hire offers coaching. It allows you to unclench and actually enjoy the party you worked so hard to create.

Final Thoughts

Virginia Beach is honestly what you make of it. You can have the quiet dunes of Sandbridge or the neon chaos of Atlantic Avenue. Just choose the right vibe, plan for the weather, and respect the budget. Take a breath, use the resources available to you, and get ready for a crush—the orange kind, of course. You’ve got this!