10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Virginia Beach

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a busy tourist favorite, stretching 3 miles long from 2nd to 40th street, down at the oceanfront. Throughout the summer months, the Boardwalk hums with live performances on its four seaside stages. Shop for vacation souvenirs and holiday essentials at one of the many beach boutiques selling seashore-themed bric-à-brac, gifts, and clothing.

Rent a bike from one of the Boardwalk vendors and pedal your way along the waterfront on the separate bike path. Also, don’t miss snapping a selfie with King Neptune, the 24-foot, 12-ton bronze statue that stands at the gateway to Neptune Park.

The ViBe Creative District at Virginia Beach’s oceanfront is a hub for local artists, packed with unique creations for shoppers. Discover one-off artworks, spectacular souvenirs, and memorable finds from the makers and artisans of this hip neighborhood.

Meet local artists and enjoy live music and performances on the first Friday of each month, browse collectibles, vintage pieces, and antiques at the ViBe’s VB Flea Market each third Saturday of the month, take a free walking tour of the area’s murals each second Saturday of the month, and stock up on traditionally made leather craft pieces, woodwork, jewelry, and other treasures along the way.

Old Beach Farmers’ Market is a long-running Virginia Beach tradition offering fresh, seasonal produce, artisanal bakes, cheeses, seafood, and savory goodies from local chefs, just six blocks from the ocean. Meet growers and makers from local farms and other small independent businesses while snacking on tempting treats.

Enjoy live music from local performers and pick up unique souvenirs to take home, from locally roasted coffee beans and home-made jams to artisan soaps. You’ll find the market in the parking lot of Croc’s 19th Street bistro —just follow the crowds —and bring your own eco-friendly shopping bag.

Atlantic Avenue in the Virginia Beach Oceanfront District is the city’s most lively shopping area with year-round events and live music in the summer from Memorial Day weekend onwards. Pick up beach gear, vacation wear, souvenirs, and gifts from the many small boutiques dotted along the 3-mile stretch of beachfront on the Avenue.

Make a day of it and stroll the full length of Atlantic Avenue, stopping for coffee and snacks along the way, or make a meal of it and try the local specialty, Chesapeake Bay soft-shell blue crab, at a beachside seafood spot near the fishing pier.

The Shops at 31 Ocean is an indoor mall at the heart of Virginia Beach’s resort area and only a block from the ocean, offering visitors big-name brands and local boutiques. Stock up on surf gear and resort wear, browse the latest styles in men’s and women’s fashion, and hunt for one-off treasures as you cool off after a day at the beach.

Relax at one of the sidewalk cafés and spot people snapping selfies with the giant statue of Neptune, god of the sea, across the street at Neptune Park.

Lynnhaven Mall is just seven miles from the beach, boasting more than 120 stores, ample shaded outdoor plazas, and plenty of entertainment options. As one of the largest malls on the East Coast, Lynnhaven Mall has big international brands including Apple, Sephora, and H&M, as well as many local stores to discover.

Relax and enjoy a blockbuster on the big screen at the on-site multiplex cinema. Then, give in to temptation and snap up one of the aromatic, fresh-baked soft pretzels on sale at Auntie Anne’s.

The Shops at Hilltop is a large strip mall with more than 120 shops and restaurants just five minutes from the oceanfront. A popular fixture for destination shopping in Virginia Beach for over 50 years, you can browse the latest fashion trends, pick up homeware, shop for groceries, and pamper yourself with some spa time, all in one handy location.

Pick up the ingredients for a delicious beach picnic at the many specialty food stores at Hilltop, from European-style breads and cakes, artisan cheeses, and local honey.

La Promenade Distinctive Shops has chic shopping, casual dining, and spa and beauty outlets all in one handy stop in North Virginia Beach. Enjoy a pamper day indulging in retail therapy at one of the exclusive boutiques at La Promenade, or shop for men’s and women’s fashions, lingerie, fabrics, and furniture. Meet friends for an award-winning Italian meal, or splurge on a stuffed Bundt cake at Nothing Bundt Cakes.

Get active with a Pilates class or relax and choose a treatment at one of the many on-site wellness centers. Maybe try something new and experience the ancient art of Mehndi with a henna session at Savarna’s Spa for beautiful, natural, and—temporary—body art.

Landstown Commons is a neighborhood mall in Virginia Beach, which offers some of the area’s best shopping and dining, and hosts fun seasonal events for all the family. You’ll find international big-name brands alongside local boutiques at Landstown Commons, and as it’s a little way away from the beach, it’s a good place to avoid the touristy crowds in the summer.

Check listings for special events such as the ‘Hepcats and Hotrods Light the Night’ car and light show, or the regular summer Saturday ‘Cruise-in’. Dining in a hurry? Head to the mall’s Dam Neck entrance where you’ll find various restaurants to suit your tastes.

Virginia Beach Antique Mall is Southside Virginia’s largest antique mall, spread over 2 stories, in the heart of Virginia Beach. Prepare to lose hours browsing aisles packed with vinyl records, DVDs and CDs, art, retro kitchenware, collectables, comics, and more. Hosting some 125 dealers, the Virginia Beach Antique Mall covers 32,000 sq. ft. and houses a treasure trove of goodies for fans of kitsch and nostalgia.

Don’t miss the Toymeister games and toys section upstairs, with everything from action figures and old games to pop culture comics and figurines. If you like Star Wars or Marvel, you’ll love the vast selection of memorabilia on offer.