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Print Friendly MapThe Virginia Beach Boardwalk is among one of the most popular trails in the Virginia Beach area. Throughout the summer the boardwalk hums with pedestrians taking in the shops and beach along this scenic, ocean-front trail. A paved, separated lane paralleling the boardwalk is provided for bicyclists.
The trail runs between 40th Street on the north and Rudee Inlet on the south with access to the Atlantic Ocean the whole way. You'll find plenty of things to see and do, so take your time and enjoy the scene.
Downtown Virginia Beach has numerous places to park. Fees apply.
I personally love running on the boardwalk and enjoying the views of the beautiful hotels and amazing ocean. Not to mention the smell of the salt in the air. I always feel safe while down there. Sunrises are special and then you can easily walk or Drive to a local coffee shop afterwards.
Nice 3 mile ride, has a bike lane next to the oceanfront. Early morning rides are the best as it might get crowded later on in the day
The only reason to not give it 5 stars is that it is very busy but it is scenic with lots of restaurants nearby. Smooth, well kept surface.
This is a quick and easy ride with the beautiful sights and sounds of the beach on one side and hotels and shops on the other. Be vigilant though, there are several heavily used pedestrian crossing areas as well as novices on rented tourist bikes.
A delightful ride paralleling the Oceanfront boardwalk, with views of the ocean and surf the whole way - but save this for the “off” season between Labor Day and Memorial Day or you’ll spend the whole time ducking tourists! For a longer tour, you can continue from the northern end of the boardwalk path to the little-used Shore Drive access road and pedal your way to 64th St and access First Landing State Park trails or continue on the southern end down a short stretch of Shore Drive (can use sidewalk and/or bike lane) to catch the nice multi-use path down to the Virginia Aquarium and all of its paths.
This is a fun, short bike ride in the summer if you're in the mood for a leisurely pace and some people-watching.
If you're looking for legit exercise, though, the boardwalk is too crowded for that. It's like an obstacle course, filled with pedestrians, roller-bladers, four-seated bike carts, etc. You have to be vigilant.
In the off-season, though, you can keep up a brisker pace.
The boardwalk can also function as just a segment of a longer ride. It can be merged with two other trails: To the north, the Cape Henry Trail (join by going through the North Shore neighborhood for a while); or to the south, the General Booth Blvd. Trail. (And with the latter option, you can actually loop back to the boardwalk by continuing on the Norfolk Avenue trail.)
So much fun riding along the Oceanfront!! Looking forward to checking out Nantucket trail as well in September.
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