A summer travel trends report identifies “nostalgia vacationing” as a driving force for travelers seeking to recapture the magic of yesteryear – those carefree, sun-soaked days of family trips, ice cream dripping cones and the sound of waves crashing against the shore. Virginia Beach, spotlighted in the report, emerges as a quintessential destination, offering a coastal escape where the past feels alive and tangible, yet reimagined with a modern twist.

For your next vacation, the coastal destination beckons with its timeless charm – think classic boardwalk hangouts, historic milestones and a legacy of summer traditions – while weaving in fresh updates that make it a place to create new memories, craft breweries serving inventive flights, elevated culinary experiences far beyond the burgers and dogs of your childhood, and open-air galleries designed to inspire and delight at every turn.

Here's why Virginia Beach is the ultimate nostalgia vacation spot in 2025:

• Classic Coastal Experiences Meet Milestone Celebrations
  • Virginia Beach delivers a lineup of nostalgic attractions and events that resonate with travelers looking to relive the past. The Dairy Queen on the oceanfront (serving scoops since 1949) has been a go-to for soft-serve cones for years, a sweet reminder of family vacations by the sea. Nearby, the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier open since 1950, invites guests to cast a line or enjoy the ocean views, just as families have for more than seven decades. These classic spots deliver the familiar comforts that nostalgic travelers seek – places that feel unchanged from their own childhood vacations.

The city's calendar adds even more retro appeal with significant anniversaries and traditions in 2025. The Yuengling Shamrock Marathon  recently celebrated its 53rd year, a St. Patrick's Day weekend event staple since the early 1970s. The Neptune Festival, celebrating its 51st anniversary this year, continues to draw crowds with boardwalk activities like parades and sand sculpting contests, a tradition launched in 1974. The East Coast Surfing Championships (ECSC), known as the world's longest-running surf competition, keeps the 1960s beach vibe alive with surfers and spectators flocking to the shore. The Totally Tribute Fest celebrates the music of yesteryear with a full weekend of free, oceanfront concerts.

• A Historic Coastal Lodging Legacy
  • Virginia Beach's nostalgic appeal expands with recent historic lodging updates: a set of Atlantic Avenue cottages has been added to the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) roster. These mid-century cottages, once family vacation homes, now preserve the city's coastal past alongside other DHR-designated properties available for booking. The vintage Cutty Sark Hotel brochure offers a window into the area's classic lodging history.

• Updated Flavors for Today's Visitors
  • Handcrafting some of the best sandwich and deli items for more than 50 years, TASTE is still the go-to spot to pack a killer picnic basket. And while the coastal city is revered for its fresh seafood selections, a host of fresh and flavorful dining options have emerged from BBQ and Hawaiian to fresh pasta and Irish pub fare. Saunter into oceanfront establishments in flip-flops for a quick refuel or celebrate a special occasion at top-rated and fine dining restaurants. The Raven Carry-Out Café, newly opened in February, revives the legacy of the original Raven restaurant – beloved for 50 years until its 2019 closure – with a carryout menu featuring updated classics like the “Ricky Bobby” crispy chicken sandwich which honors founders Ricky Black and Bobby Hoggard. For a taste of upscale nostalgia, Isle of Capri offers an elegant Italian dining experience with meticulously crafted dishes that evoke the sophistication of mid-century seaside getaways. Baja Restaurant, dubbed “the last old beach bar” in Sandbridge, celebrates 50 years in 2025, serving up laid-back vibes, cold drinks and sunset views that channel the spirit of Virginia Beach's vintage coastal scene. For a sweet finish, try Gerald's Ice Cream Bar, a reboot of a traditional '60s scoop shop serving up more than 30 fresh-churned flavors.

• Balance New with Nostalgia in Virginia Beach
  • Looking ahead, new attractions add fresh experiences to a beloved beach getaway: Atlantic Park opens this summer with a surf lagoon and The Dome entertainment venue, reimagining a historic site for today's travelers. Nautilus Lookout Tower at Owl Creek Landing also debuts by Memorial Day Weekend, featuring treetop views and the longest stainless-steel slide in the nation. These additions ensure Virginia Beach remains a nostalgia vacation favorite while building exciting new memories – book your 2025 trip to see it all come together.

If you're interested in experiencing Virginia Beach first-hand, please reach out to coordinate a potential trip to the destination, and we'd love to hear about any stories you're working on that could be a fit for Virginia Beach.