Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, and there’s no better place to celebrate your holiday weekend than the Virginia Beach area. With miles of sandy shoreline, a lively boardwalk, fun restaurants, and tons of outdoor activities, this is the perfect destination to squeeze in one last beach vacation for the summer. Here are a few of top reasons why Virginia Beach should be your Labor Day destination this year!
One of the main draws of Virginia Beach during Labor Day weekend is the fantastic weather and water conditions. In early September, you can expect daytime highs in the mid-80s°F and pleasant evenings in the low 70s°F. The humidity levels are also lower compared to the peak summer months.
The Atlantic Ocean remains warm, with water temperatures typically hovering around 75°F, ideal for swimming, surfing, and other water activities. The warm ocean breezes and sunny skies create the perfect setting for beachgoers to enjoy the water.
While Virginia Beach does see an increase in visitors over Labor Day weekend, it’s generally less crowded than during the peak summer months. Families with school-aged children often wrap up their vacations in August, resulting in fewer tourists in early September. This means you can enjoy the beautiful beaches, restaurants, and attractions without feeling overwhelmed by crowds.
Things to Do Over Labor Day
With early September being such a great time to visit Virginia Beach, there are plenty of activities to enjoy during this time of year:
Relax on the Beach
With 28 miles of public beach, there's plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the sun and sand. Sandbridge Blue offers over 30 oceanfront vacation rentals right on Sandbridge Beach, making it so easy to enjoy a day at the beach while visiting. Our semi-oceanfront vacation rentals are just one row back from the beach, offering ocean views and easy beach access as well! The beaches in Virginia Beach and Sandbridge Beach are are well-maintained and family-friendly, making them perfect for a day of fun in the sun. Whether you’re building sand castles or playing in the surf, a day at the beach is the perfect way to enjoy Virginia Beach over Labor Day weekend.
BBQ and Play at Your Vacation Rental
Many of our Sandbridge Beach vacation rentals offer expansive outdoor spaces that are ideal for entertaining, and nearly every one of our 110 rentals features a private pool. Sharing a vacation rental with friends of family is the perfect way enjoy the holiday weekend. Fire up the grill, lounge at the pool, play some yard games, and enjoy quality time at the beach. We really can't. think of a better way to spend Labor Day weekend!
Water Activities
Take advantage of the warm water temperatures and try your hand at various water sports. Rent a jet ski, go parasailing, or take a guided kayak tour through the area’s waterways. For those interested in surfing, this is a great time of year to catch a wave, and there are several surf schools and rental shops available along the boardwalk.
Explore the Boardwalk
The iconic Virginia Beach Boardwalk stretches three miles along the oceanfront, offering a scenic place to walk, bike and people-watch. Lined with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, there's always something to see and do. After dark, the nightlife scene comes alive with beachside bars, live music venues, and dance clubs. Don’t miss getting your picture with the King Neptune statue!
First Landing State Park
For a break from the beach, head to First Landing State Park. This historic park offers hiking and biking trails, opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding, and beautiful spots for a picnic. The park is named for the first landing of English colonists in 1607 and is a great place to explore the area’s natural beauty and rich history.
Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is great for families or animal lovers or all ages. With over 800,000 gallons of aquariums and live animal habitats, the interactive exhibits will capture your attention and immerse you in the underwater world. If you're looking for some adventure, head next door to The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium. With treetop trails, ziplines, and aerial obstacle courses, it's a thrilling way to spend an afternoon.
The Virginia Beach area is buzzing with holiday weekend excitement over Labor Day, including a variety of special events and activities.
Labor Day Weekend Music Performances
From Friday through Sunday of the Labor Day weekend, Virginia Beach features a number of free live music performances at different spots along the oceanfront. With a lineup of nationally recognized artists across various genres, this event is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy live music while soaking in the beach atmosphere. Pack your beach chair, blanket, and cooler (no alcohol allowed), and head to the beach to dance the night away. Music starts at 7:30pm each night.
Live! On Atlantic
Throughout the weekend, the Virginia Beach oceanfront area transforms into a vibrant entertainment zone with Live! On Atlantic. Street performers, magicians, jugglers, and musicians take over the sidewalks and streets, creating a festive atmosphere and a great way to spend an evening. With stages set up along the shoreline, you can enjoy live music and entertainment with the ocean as your backdrop.
Chartway Virginia Beach 10 Miler & 5K
For fitness enthusiasts, the Chartway Virginia Beach 10 Miler &5K is a great way to stay active on vacation. There's a kid's 1-mile run, a 5k, and a 10-miler, taking place over the Labor Day weekend on Saturday and Sunday. The route passes by iconic landmarks like the King Neptune Statue and the Atlantic Avenue Ferris Wheel. After the race, participants can enjoy a celebration featuring live music, cold beer, and delicious food. What a fun way to kick off the weekend!
With beautiful weather and plenty of things to do, Virginia Beach is the ideal destination for a memorable Labor Day getaway. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, participate in festive events, or explore the area's natural beauty and attractions, there's something for everyone. Book your vacation rental today and start planning your perfect Labor Day weekend in Virginia Beach!
