As you make your plans to attend 2025 IPF, be sure to leave time to experience the city’s vibrant coastal charm, delicious cuisine, and rich cultural attractions that make Virginia Beach a popular East Coast destination. In addition to the recommendations below, check out our IPF map that that has all conference events as well as our food and sight-seeing recommendations.
Southern, Coastal, and Global Cuisine
Virginia Beach’s culinary scene highlights fresh seafood and coastal flavors. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Bay Local Eatery, known for creative brunch dishes and a laid-back beach vibe. In the Pungo area to the south, Bee and the Biscuit is a cozy farmhouse-style eatery famous for its giant biscuits and Southern hospitality. Near the Oceanfront, Doc Taylor’s serves classic breakfast dishes in a relaxed, retro-style setting.
After a day of exploring, enjoy dinner at one of the city’s standout spots. Waterman’s Grille is a classic Oceanfront restaurant known for its fresh seafood and the signature Orange Crush cocktail. For an upscale experience with panoramic ocean views, head to Orion’s Roof, which offers high-end Asian-fusion cuisine. At Rudee Inlet, Rockafeller’s serves locally sourced seafood with stunning water views. If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, The Porch in the Chesapeake Bay area focuses on farm-to-table dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
Tasty Treats for Tourists
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to Lolly’s, which offers homemade ice cream in creative flavors at locations in the Oceanfront, Inland, and ViBe districts. For something refreshing, head to the ViBe District, the city’s creative district, to try the shaved ice at Get Lost VB. If you’re craving rich, creamy ice cream, Gelati Celesti is a local favorite known for its small-batch flavors. Pastries more your style? Be sure to visit the Sugar Plum Bakery , which serves up delicious baked goods and also offers employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
The heart of Virginia Beach is the iconic three-mile-long Virginia Beach Boardwalk, which offers plenty of space for walkers, runners, and bikers. Lined with restaurants, shops, and live entertainment, the boardwalk provides stunning ocean views and easy access to the beach. Don’t miss the famous King Neptune statue at 31st Street.
For a different beach experience, take a short ride to Sandbridge Beach for a more private and relaxed setting. The quieter atmosphere is perfect for unwinding, and nearby outdoor spots like Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park offer additional opportunities for hiking, birding, and exploring Virginia Beach’s natural beauty.
Explore Beyond the Boardwalk
Virginia Beach’s rich history and culture extend well beyond the beach. Visit First Landing State Park, where the Virginia Company colonists landed in 1607 before moving on to establish Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America. The park offers over 19 miles of trails for hiking and biking, along with opportunities for swimming and boating.
History buffs will also enjoy the Military Aviation Museum, home to one of the world’s largest collections of historic military aircraft in flying condition. The collection includes planes from the early 1900s through the 1950s.
For a unique cultural experience, stop by the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). MOCA features rotating exhibitions of modern art and offers workshops and special events throughout the year. And for a bit of maritime history, climb to the top of the Cape Henry Lighthouse — the fourth oldest lighthouse in the country and the first federally funded public works project of the United States government.
