how to have a perfect morning in virginia beach

looking for the perfect way to spend a peaceful morning at the virginia beach oceanfront? (yes, it's possible—even during tourist season.) keep reading for my curated itinerary that has a little something for everyone!

bright and early 

start off the perfect morning by catching the sunrise! i've always believed that seeing the sunrise is the best way to start the day. one of my favorite spots is the 1st street jetty. there are a few parking lots on 1st street, making it easy to find a parking spot.

The best part about this spot is that you don’t even have to step in the sand (unless you want to). you can stand on the boardwalk and still get a gorgeous view. but if you do venture into the sand, the views near the jetty are even better—something about the rocks, the water, and the sunrise together is unreal.

pro tip: keep an eye on the marina and watch for dolphins. there’s nothing more magical than seeing them at sunrise!

some morning espresso

after seeing the sunrise, there’s nothing i crave more than my morning coffee. and something about going to a coffee shop right when it opens just hits different.

my favorite coffee shop at the oceanfront right now (and it’s brand new!) is daybreak coffee. they’re located on 23rd street, and if you haven’t been yet, you haveee to try it. it’s woman-owned and has the best surf/skate vibes—they even give a 10% discount if you show proof of a board?? the music is so good i don’t even put my headphones in when i’m working there (and that says a lot).

their coffee is some of the best i’ve had in the area. i recommend the white chocolate coconut latte or their pour-over. they don’t have food yet since they’re focused on perfecting their coffee, but i’m sure they will eventually!

there’s plenty of street parking out front and a lot next to it, and i haven’t had any issues finding a spot yet. overall, the perfect post-sunrise stop.

if you're looking for another option, my go-to is three ships coffee roasters. located in the vibe district, it has a vintage nautical fisherman core feel. the quality of their coffee is ahhhmazing, and their food menu is just as good.

i recommend trying their seasonal latte or even just their drip coffee—both are top-notch. there’s plenty of space for bigger groups, so if you’re with more people, this is the spot. plus, it’s in the perfect location if you're planning to check out a market…

saturday morning markets 

if you're spending a saturday morning at the oceanfront, checking out the old beach farmers market / old beach art and eco market is a must. located on 18th street in the vibe district, this market has everything from fresh produce and flower arrangements to food trucks and local art and eco friendly vendors.

it's my go-to spot for stocking up on local produce and supporting small businesses. the market runs every 1st and 3rd saturday from 9–12 pm during the cooler months (november through march) and every saturday from 9–12 pm from april through october. whether you're grabbing ingredients for the week or just browsing, it's the perfect way to start your morning.

if fresh produce isn’t your thing, the vb flea market might be more your style. held every 3rd saturday of the month in “the alley” area of the vibe district, this curated vintage and antique market is a treasure trove of unique finds.

with dozens of vendors selling everything from vintage clothing and accessories to decor and furniture, there’s always something new to discover. it’s been one of my favorite things to do in virginia beach for years—the mix of styles, the creativity of each vendor, and the overall energy make it an experience like no other. i’ve found countless gems here, and if you do anything on this list, i highly recommend stopping by the flea market.

a bite for breakfast 

after hitting up the market, my go-to brunch spot is the pink dinghy. not only is it one of the cutest restaurants in the area, but the food and drinks are just as good as the aesthetic. their menu puts a unique twist on brunch, featuring creative dishes alongside tropical cocktails and delicious doughnuts that always hit the spot.

i love the bright, colorful decor, and the big communal table in the center makes it perfect for larger groups. when the weather is nice, their outdoor seating is a must—especially the picnic tables out front. if the vb flea is happening, it’s the perfect spot for people-watching. plus, with its great lighting and gorgeous interior, it’s super ~instagrammable~, which is perfect for a birthday brunch or any sort of special occasion. 

another one of my favorite breakfast spots is back on the beach at ocean eddie’s. located on the virginia beach fishing pier at 15th street, it’s the most “oceanfront” dining you can get.

their menu keeps it simple in the best way—think classic, no-frills breakfast, lunch, and dinner done right. whether you’re craving a hearty omelet, a stacked burger, or fresh seafood, they serve up the kind of comfort food that always hits the spot. but the real highlight is the patio. with a perfect view of the ocean, beach, and boardwalk, it’s an unbeatable spot to sit and take it all in.

even if you’re just stopping by for a drink, the view alone makes it worth it—there’s nothing like sipping your coffee or cocktail while watching the waves roll in. this hidden gem is great for groups or even a date, and best of all, you get one of the best views in virginia beach without breaking the bank.

and that wraps up my ideal morning at the oceanfront! hope y’all enjoyed following along, and maybe even found a new spot to check out. if you end up trying any of my recommendations, be sure to tag @visitingwithvega—i’d love to see your adventures. thanks for reading, and happy exploring!