Bikes, Brews, and History Tour
Tour Distance: 31 Miles
Active Ride Time: About 2h 40m
Ride Level: Intermediate - Advanced
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(757) 385-4700
2101 Parks Ave, Suite 500, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, the vibrant coastal city of Virginia Beach is home to a flourishing local culinary scene, rich history, a variety of arts and entertainment and family-friendly attractions that keeps our locals and visitors entertained year-round. Located in the Coastal Virginia region, our unique districts are open and thriving year-round with residents ready to show you how we happily live the life. From the lively oceanfront area to remote Sandbridge, the calming Chesapeake Bay to bustling Town Center, or the eclectic ViBe creative district to our surrounding inland areas, your well-earned Virginia Beach vacation awaits you.
Destination #1
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk, at the Oceanfront, is a 28-feet wide marvel that stretches three miles from 2nd to 40th Street and features a separate bike path, ideal for strolling, rollerblading and biking. Entertainment is offered nightly during the summer months and four oceanfront stages at 7th, 17th, and 24th and 31st Streets provide live musical acts. Along the boardwalk, there's a variety of quaint outdoor restaurants and vendors offering bike and surrey rentals. Nautical sculptures adorn many of the side streets which lead to Atlantic Avenue. While there, don't forget to swing by and see King Neptune - a twenty-four foot, twelve-ton bronze statue that stands at the gateway to Neptune Festival Park on 31st Street. This is perhaps one of the most popular photo opportunities in the resort area.
RIDE TO: Becca Restaurant & Garden
(2 miles, about 11 minutes)
1. Head north on boardwalk's bicycle path
2. Cross Pacific avenue at the Cavalier Hotel (40th street) and stop by for a self-guided tour of the historic hotel and breakfast at Becca Restaurant
Destination #2
Becca
(757) 965-9899
4200 Atlantic Ave
Whether staying at the Oceanfront's newly-restored Cavalier Hotel or not, don't miss out on dining at Becca, the hotel's modern farm to fork restaurant offering decadent American fare crafted from the freshest local ingredients. In fact, many of Becca's ingredients are grown in their on-site garden, which also features a grand stone fireplace and views of the Atlantic Ocean, making for a spectacular outdoor dining experience. The name is a nod to the namesake for the hotel's original signature restaurant, Pocahontas, who changed her name to Rebecca when she converted to Christianity. The hotel's rich history, which began in 1927, is seamlessly blended to the modern day, with rich finishes and clean lines, as well as uncanny attention to detail in amenities like clawfoot tubs and marble baths.
RIDE TO: Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story & Cape Henry lighthouse
(3.2 miles, about 15 minutes)
1. Head back on multi-use path and bike all the way to 83rd street- bear a right onto 88th street
2. Enter Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story - you must show your passport to enter and join the shuttle tour. You can find a bicycle rack at the entrance
Destination #3
Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story
First Landing is named for the historic landing of three small ships from England: the Discovery, the Susan Constant, and the Godspeed. These ships brought the first English settlers to America in 1607. They landed right next door to the park at what is now called Cape Henry (located within the Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story). The 100 Englishmen and women aboard these ships, commanded by Captain Christopher Newport, went on to establish the first permanent settlement in the new world at Jamestown after exploring what is now Virginia Beach for several days.
Cape Henry Lighthouse
These beacons of safe harbors and welcoming shores have long spoken of the romance between sea and land. Now you can learn about the history of the original octagonal brick Cape Henry Lighthouse. The lighthouse was authorized by George Washington and completed in 1792, along with its slightly more modern cast iron sibling. Climb to the top of the earliest lighthouse and enjoy a spectacular view. The Cape Henry Lighthouse is located on the Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. Access to military bases may be restricted for public tours, and a valid picture ID and vehicle search is required.
RIDE TO: Chesapeake Bay Beach
(5.2 miles, about 25 minutes)
1. Head back south and turn right on Shore Drive (road bike or hybrid bike preferred - experienced bikers)
2. If you prefer a more leisure path, head back south to 64th street
3. Take a right on 64th street and enter First Landing State Park and take a right on Cape Henry Trail (dirt road)
4. Take a right at the campground's exit and cross Shore Drive to enter First Landing State Park campground
5. Take a left at the entrance and park your bike at the Visitor Center where you can learn more about the first encounter between the native Americans and the first permanent English Settlers
6. Take a walk on the wood path leading to the Chesapeake Bay beach and enjoy the calm waves of the Chesapeake Bay
Destination #3
Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story
First Landing is named for the historic landing of three small ships from England: the Discovery, the Susan Constant, and the Godspeed. These ships brought the first English settlers to America in 1607. They landed right next door to the park at what is now called Cape Henry (located within the Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story). The 100 Englishmen and women aboard these ships, commanded by Captain Christopher Newport, went on to establish the first permanent settlement in the new world at Jamestown after exploring what is now Virginia Beach for several days.
Cape Henry Lighthouse
These beacons of safe harbors and welcoming shores have long spoken of the romance between sea and land. Now you can learn about the history of the original octagonal brick Cape Henry Lighthouse. The lighthouse was authorized by George Washington and completed in 1792, along with its slightly more modern cast iron sibling. Climb to the top of the earliest lighthouse and enjoy a spectacular view. The Cape Henry Lighthouse is located on the Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. Access to military bases may be restricted for public tours, and a valid picture ID and vehicle search is required.
RIDE TO: Chesapeake Bay Beach
(5.2 miles, about 25 minutes)
1. Head back south and turn right on Shore Drive (road bike or hybrid bike preferred - experienced bikers only)
2. If you prefer a more leisure path, head back south to 64th street
3. Take a right on 64th street and enter First Landing State Park and take a right on Cape Henry Trail (dirt road)
4. Take a right at the campground's exit and cross Shore Drive to enter First Landing State Park campground
5. Take a left at the entrance and park your bike at the Visitor Center where you can learn more about the first encounter between the native Americans and the first permanent English Settlers
6. Take a walk on the wood path leading to the Chesapeake Bay beach and enjoy the calm waves of the Chesapeake Bay
Destination #4
Chesapeake Bay
For beach goers looking for kinder, gentler waves, refuge can be found along the calm waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Chesapeake Bay is known affectionately to locals as Chic's Beach. From swimming and building sand castles to dolphin watching and volleyball, all the traditional beach rituals are here in a setting that has a decidedly laid-back vibe. At the end of the day, nothing can beat an evening stroll along the beach as the sun sets over the renowned Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Relaxing. Local. Quintessential Virginia Beach.
RIDE TO: Commonwealth Brewing Co.
(6.2 miles, about 35 minutes)
1. Head back out of the campground, cross Shore Drive and go through the entrance of the park.
2. Take a right onto Cape Henry Trail and cross the John A. Lesner Bridge
3. Take a left on Stratford Road
4. Take a left on Chesterfield Avenue
5. Take a right on Marlin Bay Drive
6. Take a left on Shore Drive
7. Cross First Court Road and take an immediate left on First Court's multi-use path and bike through Bayville Farms Park
8. Take a right on Greenwell Road
9. Cross Shore Drive
10. Take a right on Lake Drive
11. Take a left on Fentress Avenue
12. Take a left on Lookout Road
13. Take a left on Beaufort Avenue
14. Take a left on Lake Drive to arrive at Commonwealth Brewing Co. located inside a fully renovated, former fire and rescue station built in 1962.
Destination #5
Commonwealth Brewing Co.
(757) 305-9652
2444 Pleasure House Road
Commonwealth Brewing Company is a local family owned, full production craft brewery housed inside a former fire and rescue station. Nestled in a funky beach cottage community (flip flops are mandatory) on the Chesapeake Bay called Chic's Beach, Commonwealth Brewing Company believes that beer should be adventurous, diverse, extremely drinkable, and sometimes even wild. Commonwealth Brewing Company upholds rustic farmhouse traditions, huge hop American styles, and the complex depths of wild fermentation. The facility is complete with a truly amazing open-air tasting room, outdoor beer garden, and sour barrel house that will hold over 200 barrels. Commonwealth Brewing hosts live music and food trucks weekly and offers a variety of outdoor leisure games. Come drink the Wealth.
RIDE TO: Lynnhaven Marina
(4.8 miles, about 25 minutes)
1. Head back on Lake Drive
2. Take a right on Beaufort Avenue
3. Take a right on Lookout Road
4. Take a left on Fentress Avenue
5. Take a right on Ocean View Avenue
6. Take a slight left onto Sandy Bay Drive
7. Take a right on Rookery Way
8. Take a left on Aries Way
9. Bear a left on Shady Oaks Drive
10. Cross Shore Drive to head back on Marlin Bay Drive
11. Take a left on Chesterfield Avenue
12. Take a right on East Stratford Road
13. Take a right on Shore Drive and cross the John A. Lesner Bridge
14. Take a right on Vista and enjoy a cold brew or cocktail and some fresh seafood at Lynnhaven Marina where you can choose from Bubba's Seafood, The Back Deck, Dockside Seafood & Fishing Center or Chick's Oyster Bar.
Destination #6
Lynnhaven Marina
(757) 385-0400
2150 W Great Neck Road
Lynnhaven Marina offers 50 slips that are leased on an annual basis to both recreational and commercial boaters with craft 36 feet in length or less. The scenic spot provides easy access to the Chesapeake Bay and the Lynnhaven Inlet. It's also home to some of Virginia Beach's favorite waterfront restaurants.
Bubba's Seafood
(757) 481-3513
3323 Shore Drive
Bubba's Seafood Restaurant is an institution on Shore Drive in Virginia Beach. Bubba's was one of the first seafood restaurants along the bay. At their "Shellfish Company," they sell fresh seafood. Bubba's oysters come from the Eastern Shore, their salmon from the Atlantic, and fresh rockfish, shrimp, and clams come right off the boat. Their crab meat is brought in daily. What beats freshly caught fish?
The Back Deck
(757) 422-6419
700 South Birdneck Road
Great drinks, great food, and the greatest view in town! The Back Deck is located behind Shellfish Company. Dine on fresh seafood and more al fresco overlooking the water. It doesn't get much better than that!
Dockside Seafood & Fishing Center
(757) 481-4545
3311 Shore Drive
For the first timer to the avid fisherman, bring the entire family. Dockside Seafood and Marina offers a variety of fishing and dolphin watching excursions. Known by local fishermen for over 30 years, all of their boats are US Coast Guard inspected and equipped with the latest in fish finding technology. Bait, tackle and fishing license included on all trips. Call about small boat rentals and for the daily fishing schedule. Large groups are also welcome.
Chick's Oyster Bar
(757) 481-5757
2143 Vista Circle
Chick's specializes in dockside fresh seafood and a selection of pasta dishes, beef, big salads, and daily specials. Enjoy views of the Lynnhaven Inlet. If you're riding on a Sunday, stop in for brunch!
RIDE TO: Green Cat & the Boardwalk
(8.5 miles, about 42 minutes)
Bike further to the marina where you can catch a ride back using the Hampton Road Transit public transportation system or bike back via Shore Drive or First Landing State Park.
1. Otherwise head south on multi-use path and hop back on the boardwalk's bicycle path at 40th street.
2. Hit Green Cat at Pacific and 38th street for a cold green juice or vegan treat.
3. Head back on the boardwalk's bicycle path to get back to your hotel.
Destination #7
Green Cat
(757) 417-7377
3801 Pacific Ave
Green Cat is a locally owned business that specializes in organic, plant-based, and gluten-free foods. Stop in the gift shop for fair trade and artisan gifts. The Green Cat offers a plant-based, 100% gluten-free, organic juice bar and market.
Head back on the boardwalk's bicycle path to get back to your hotel.