12 INSANE Things to Do in Virginia Beach at Night (Don’t Miss #6!)

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During the day, Virginia Beach belongs to the sunbathers. But after sunset? This coastal city absolutely comes alive. The boardwalk glows against the Atlantic, music spills onto the streets, and the whole oceanfront buzzes with energy.

I’ll show you the best things to do in Virginia Beach at night, from waterfront feasts to local ghost tours that’ll give you chills. Stick with the tourist crowd during the day if you want, but trust me – this beach town really shines after dark!

• 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend this sunset dolphin kayak tour in Virginia Beach! They take you paddling along the coast to spot bottlenose dolphins and the Cape Henry Lighthouses, plus all equipment is provided for any skill level. This kayak tour is absolutely a must-do on a Virginia Beach itinerary in my opinion!

Best Things to Do in Virginia Beach at Night (Updated 2025)

Are you ready to explore the most unique things to do in Virginia Beach at nighttime? As mentioned earlier, there’s a wide range of exciting activities in Virginia Beach after dark. Keep reading to find where to go in Virginia Beach at night.

Whatever you’re planning to do once the sun sets, Virginia Beach, one of the top places to live and visit in Virginia, can accommodate your needs. Here are all the best things to do in Virginia Beach at night that you should know about.

1. Dance at Neptune’s Park oceanfront venue

Neptune’s Park is where you want to start your Virginia Beach night. This 72,000-square-foot oceanfront venue right at 31st Street hosts free concerts all summer long, and honestly, the lineup is way better than you’d expect from a free show. I’ve caught everything from alternative rock bands to the Virginia Symphony Orchestra here, and the Atlantic Ocean backdrop makes every performance feel special.

The park just reopened in late May 2024 after getting a brand new $2.5 million stage canopy, so the sound and lighting are top-notch now. Shows typically start at 7pm, and you’ll want to get there early because the good spots on the lawn fill up fast. The Neptune statue towering over everything makes for some pretty epic selfies too. Even when there’s no scheduled concert, there’s usually something happening on the smaller gazebo stage. It’s free admission, free to park during your visit, and you can grab drinks and snacks from nearby 31 Ocean.

2. Get scared at Nightmare Mansion haunted house

Nightmare Mansion has been scaring people for 36 years now, and they’ve got the whole haunted house thing down to a science. This isn’t some cheesy Halloween store setup – it’s a legitimate terror experience that’ll have you questioning why you paid to be terrified. The actors are live, the scares are real, and yes, people actually do run out screaming.

I’ll be honest, it’s not for everyone. They literally tell you it’s not recommended for children and they reserve the right to refuse entry based on your mental health. The whole experience takes about 5-10 minutes of pure adrenaline as you navigate narrow hallways and ultra-dark corridors. They also have an escape room called “ESCAPE! Nightmare Mansion” that combines puzzles with live actors and haunted situations. Tickets are sold at the door, and hours vary by season and weather, so check their website before heading over. Located right on the resort strip at 2008 Atlantic Avenue.

3. Eat along Virginia Beach Boardwalk

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk at night is actually when the food scene really comes alive. Catch 31 Fish House and Bar is still the go-to for upscale seafood. Their crab cakes are legitimately amazing, and the oceanfront views from their patio are unbeatable. I always recommend starting there if you want something a bit fancier.

But to be honest, some of the best eats are at the more casual spots. You’ll find everything from fresh fish tacos to gourmet burgers, and the boardwalk stays busy until late. The whole 3-mile stretch lights up after dark, and there’s something pretty cool about walking from restaurant to restaurant with the ocean right there. Prices range from $10 street food to $40+ entrees at the higher-end places. Most places stay open until at least 10pm, and many of the bars keep serving food until midnight or later during peak season.

4. Walk the night trails at First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park after dark is completely different from the daytime experience. The park offers guided night hikes and stargazing programs, especially during summer months. The trails take on this mysterious quality when the sun goes down, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot some of the nocturnal wildlife that calls this place home.

I’ve done the night programs here a few times, and you’d be surprised how active the marsh areas get after dark. The park rangers are actually pretty knowledgeable about the local ecosystem and they’ll point out things you’d never notice on your own. Away from the boardwalk lights, the stars are genuinely impressive here. The park charges a small parking fee (around $7), and the guided programs typically run $5-10 per person. Check their website for seasonal schedules since the night programs aren’t offered year-round. It’s about a 10-minute drive from the main oceanfront area.

5. Take a moonlit boat cruise with Rudee Tours

Rudee Tours has been running dolphin and whale watching cruises for over 35 years, and their sunset/moonlit cruises are some of the best value entertainment in Virginia Beach. The 90-minute dolphin watching cruises cost around $30-35 for adults, and they actually guarantee dolphin sightings – if you don’t see any, your next trip is free.

Their boats are legit – multi-level decks with climate-controlled cabins, full bars, and 360-degree viewing areas. I always recommend the Rudee Rocket if you want more excitement – it’s a high-speed thrill ride where dolphins actually surf in the boat’s wake. The regular Rudee Flipper is better for a relaxed cruise with drinks and snacks. During winter months, they run whale watching tours to spot migrating humpbacks. Cruises depart from the Virginia Beach Fishing Center at 5th Street and Pacific Avenue. Pro tip: arrive 30-45 minutes early because parking can get tight.

6. Try indoor skydiving at iFLY Virginia Beach

iFLY Virginia Beach is one of those experiences that sounds gimmicky but actually delivers. The wind tunnel generates 1,400 horsepower to create real free-fall conditions, and after about 30 seconds, you forget you’re not actually jumping out of a plane. It’s surprisingly addictive – I’ve seen people book additional flights immediately after their first session.

The facility is open daily with varying hours (typically 10am-7pm weekdays, later on weekends), and first-time packages start around $70-80 per person for two flights and instruction. The instructors are IBA-certified and they’re patient with beginners. Ages 3 to 103 can fly, though there’s a 259-pound weight limit. Located at 2412 Pacific Avenue, it’s about a 5-minute walk from the boardwalk. They offer birthday party packages and group discounts too. I’d recommend booking online since walk-ins aren’t always accommodated, especially during busy seasons.

7. Relax at Lago Mar Back Bay waterfront

Lago Mar Back Bay gives you a completely different vibe from the busy oceanfront scene. This waterfront area is quieter, more upscale, and perfect when you need a break from the tourist crowds. The restaurants here focus on Back Bay views instead of ocean views, and honestly, the sunsets can be just as spectacular.

The dining scene here tends toward seafood and American cuisine, with places like Lago Mar Restaurant offering both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the water. It’s about a 10-minute drive from the main strip, but the change of scenery is worth it. Prices are similar to oceanfront restaurants but you get more space and a more relaxed atmosphere. I particularly like this area for late dinners when you want to actually have a conversation. Most restaurants here stay open until 10pm or later, and several have full bars with craft cocktails.

8. Party at Peabody’s Nightclub

Peabody’s Nightclub has been Virginia Beach’s main party destination since 1967, and they’ve perfected their formula. Open Thursday through Saturday (7pm-2am), this place gets absolutely packed with a young, energetic crowd ready to dance. The sound system is legitimate, the lighting is on point, and the dance floor is huge – easily the biggest in Virginia Beach.

Thursday is Ladies Night (ladies get in free), Friday is College Night (free with student ID), and Saturday is their biggest party night. “Hammer Time” happy hour runs 7-9pm with $1.50 drinks, shots, and beers, plus free cover for 21+. The dress code is strictly enforced – no t-shirts, flip-flops, or cut-offs. I’ve had some legendary nights here, but fair warning: it’s 18+ for women and 21+ for men, so the crowd skews younger. Located at 209 21st Street, it’s walking distance from most oceanfront hotels. Cover charges vary by night and season.

• Read next: Hidden Gems in Virginia

9. Drink craft beer at Back Bay Brewing Co.

Back Bay Brewing Co. is the real deal for craft beer lovers. This locally-owned brewery started in a duck blind in Back Bay (hence the name) and they’ve stayed true to their Virginia Beach roots. Their tap list changes weekly, so you’ll always find something new to try. Flight tastings run around $12 and give you a good sampling of what they’re pouring.

I really like their Orange Crush IPA and False Cape Ale, but their experimental stuff is where they shine. The atmosphere is casual and outdoorsy, with a second level for events and live music. Hours are Tuesday-Thursday 3-10pm, Friday-Saturday noon-midnight, and Sunday 2-9pm. They also have a second location called Back Bay’s Farmhouse Brewing Co. that focuses on farm-style beers and sours. Food trucks are often parked outside, and they host regular events like “Tap it Tuesday” for new releases. It gets busy on weekends, so expect to wait for a table.

10. See a show at Sandler Center for the Performing Arts

The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts is Virginia Beach’s premier cultural venue, and the intimate setting makes every show feel personal. With fewer than 100 feet between the stage and the furthest seat, the acoustics are flawless and you really feel connected to the performance.

The lineup includes everything from Broadway touring shows to Virginia Symphony Orchestra concerts, comedy acts, and contemporary music. I’ve seen jazz performances, rock shows, and theatrical productions here, and the quality is consistently high. Ticket prices vary widely depending on the show – anywhere from $25 for local performances to $75+ for major touring acts. Box office hours are Monday-Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday 10am-2pm. Located at 201 Market Street in Town Center, there’s plenty of parking and restaurants nearby for dinner before shows. Check their website for the current season lineup and book early for popular shows.

11. Visit Hunt Club Farm after dark

Hunt Club Farm transforms into something special after sunset. During regular season, you can visit their petting zoo under the stars, which creates this unexpectedly peaceful experience away from the beach crowds. The farm animals are friendly, and there’s something therapeutic about feeding goats and petting sheep under moonlight.

But the real action happens during their seasonal events. Halloween brings the “Haunted Hunt Club” with themed attractions that are more fun-scary than terrifying (unlike Nightmare Mansion). They also host other evening events throughout the year. I took my family here during their Halloween event and it was actually perfect – scary enough to be exciting but not traumatizing for kids. Admission varies by event, typically $10-15 per person. It’s about a 15-minute drive from the oceanfront, so factor that into your plans. Check their website for seasonal hours and special events.

12. Explore street art in ViBe Creative District

The ViBe Creative District is Virginia Beach’s arts hub, and it’s actually more vibrant at night when the galleries host events and the street art gets properly lit up. This area has some seriously impressive murals – not just random graffiti, but curated art pieces that tell stories about the local community.

I love wandering through here after dinner because you’ll often stumble onto art walks, live performances, or gallery openings. Local artisans and craft shops stay open late during events, and there’s usually something happening on weekends. The district hosts regular “First Friday” art walks and other community events. It’s about a 5-minute drive from the main oceanfront area, and parking is generally easier than at the beach. The whole area has this creative energy that feels authentic, not manufactured for tourists. Best part? Most of the outdoor art viewing is completely free, and you can explore at your own pace.