Running · Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
A continuous three-mile oceanfront promenade with a separate paved bike path — Virginia's most-used running surface.
- Distance
- 3 mi
- Elevation gain
- 0 ft
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Typical time
- 55 min – 1.5 hr
About this route
The Boardwalk runs along the Atlantic oceanfront between 2nd Street and 40th Street, wide enough that walkers, runners, and cyclists rarely conflict. A separate paved path parallels it for wheeled traffic, which is what makes the walking surface so comfortable at any hour.
Because it is dead flat and lit at night, this is the default route for visitors, early-morning runners, and anyone testing a new pair of shoes. Out-and-back from 2nd to 40th and back is roughly six miles. Adding the Rudee Loop at the south end or continuing on street sidewalks north of 40th extends it further.
The trade-off is exposure. There is essentially no shade, onshore wind is constant, and summer midday sun is punishing. Most locals run before 8am or after 6pm from June through September.
Why this difficulty rating: Level paved surface with no obstacles. Difficulty comes only from distance, heat, and wind exposure.
Highlights
- Ocean views the entire way
- Lit for early and late runs
- Fully accessible surface
Map and trailheads
Approximate locations for orientation only. Carry an offline map — cell service is unreliable on much of this network.
2nd Street / Rudee Loop
trailhead
Municipal lot and metered street parking; paid in season.
South end of the Boardwalk with restrooms nearby.
40th Street
trailhead
Limited street parking in the North End neighborhood.
North end of the Boardwalk.
Know before you go
- Route type
- Point to point
- Surfaces
- Paved
- Setting
- Coastal, Urban
- Amenities
- Parking, Restrooms, Water, Free, Open year-round
- Parking
- Metered street parking and paid municipal garages along the oceanfront. Free lots are limited in summer.
- Restrooms
- Public restrooms at multiple street ends along the oceanfront.
- Water
- Drinking fountains and commercial services along the length of the Boardwalk.
- Fees
- No trail fee. Parking is paid in season.
- Permits
- Not yet verified
- Hours
- Open year-round; lighted at night.
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed on leash
- Accessibility
- Fully paved and level end to end, with curb ramps and beach access mats at multiple street ends. Suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
- Stroller friendly
- Yes
- Good with kids
- Yes
- Seasonal notes
- Busiest June through August. Winter northeast wind can make the oceanfront feel far colder than inland forecasts.
- Weather exposure
- Full sun and wind exposure; no shade.
- Cell service
- Reliable coverage along the oceanfront.
- Emergency
- Not yet verified
Hazards and wildlife
- Heat and UV exposure
- Cyclist and scooter traffic on the parallel path
- Rip currents if entering the water
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