Virginia Beach Resort Strip Development
Virginia Beach’s resort strip, a 3-mile stretch along Atlantic Avenue, represents a significant portion of the city’s economic activity and identity. Developed primarily throughout the 20th century, the area evolved from a quiet coastal region to a bustling tourist destination, characterized by hotels, restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Its development reflects broader trends in American tourism and urban planning, alongside unique local factors that shaped its current form.
History
The origins of the Virginia Beach resort strip can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the area began to attract visitors seeking respite from urban life. Initially, development was modest, consisting primarily of small hotels and boarding houses catering to a regional clientele. The construction of the Virginia Beach Boulevard in the 1920s, and later the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, significantly improved accessibility, opening the area to a wider range of tourists. This increased accessibility spurred a period of growth, with larger hotels and more elaborate entertainment options appearing along the oceanfront. [1]
The mid-20th century witnessed a boom in resort development, driven by the post-World War II economic prosperity and the rise of automobile travel. The resort strip became a focal point for this growth, with numerous high-rise hotels, motels, and amusement parks constructed along Atlantic Avenue. This era also saw the emergence of a distinct “beach culture,” characterized by surfing, sunbathing, and a lively nightlife. However, by the late 20th century, the resort strip began to face challenges, including aging infrastructure, increased competition from other resort destinations, and concerns about overdevelopment. [2] Recent decades have focused on revitalization efforts, aiming to modernize the area while preserving its unique character.
Geography
The Virginia Beach resort strip is geographically defined by its location along the Atlantic Ocean, specifically a three-mile section of Atlantic Avenue extending from approximately 2nd Street to 40th Street. This linear configuration dictates much of the area’s development pattern, with buildings generally oriented towards the oceanfront. The land immediately west of Atlantic Avenue is relatively flat, facilitating construction and pedestrian access. The eastern boundary is, of course, the Atlantic Ocean and the associated beach. [3]
The strip’s proximity to the Chesapeake Bay also influences its geography and climate. The bay provides a sheltered waterway for recreational boating and fishing, while also contributing to the region’s moderate temperatures. The area is subject to coastal erosion and storm surge, necessitating ongoing beach nourishment projects and infrastructure improvements. The natural environment, including dunes and maritime forests, plays a role in mitigating these risks and providing habitat for various plant and animal species. The city actively manages these resources to balance tourism with environmental preservation.
Culture
The culture of the Virginia Beach resort strip is a blend of traditional coastal influences and modern entertainment trends. Historically, the area fostered a laid-back beach lifestyle centered around surfing, fishing, and outdoor recreation. This heritage is still evident in the numerous surf shops, seafood restaurants, and beach-themed attractions that line Atlantic Avenue. The annual East Coast Surfing Championships, held in Virginia Beach, exemplifies this enduring connection to surfing culture. [4]
Over time, the resort strip has also incorporated elements of broader popular culture, with a growing emphasis on live music, festivals, and special events. The area hosts a variety of concerts, art shows, and holiday celebrations throughout the year, attracting diverse audiences. The development of the Virginia Beach Convention Center and the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts has further enhanced the area’s cultural offerings. The strip’s cultural landscape is constantly evolving, reflecting changing demographics and visitor preferences.
Economy
The economy of the Virginia Beach resort strip is heavily reliant on tourism. Hotels, restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues generate a substantial portion of the city’s revenue and employment. The seasonal nature of tourism creates fluctuations in economic activity, with peak periods during the summer months and slower periods during the off-season. [5]
Beyond tourism, the resort strip also supports a range of related industries, including real estate, construction, and hospitality services. The city government actively promotes economic development initiatives aimed at diversifying the area’s economic base and attracting new investment. These initiatives include infrastructure improvements, marketing campaigns, and incentives for businesses. The ongoing revitalization efforts are intended to enhance the area’s appeal to both tourists and residents, fostering long-term economic sustainability.
Attractions
The Virginia Beach resort strip boasts a variety of attractions designed to appeal to a wide range of visitors. The beach itself is the primary draw, offering opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk, a paved promenade extending along the oceanfront, is a popular destination for walking, biking, and people-watching. Numerous shops, restaurants, and arcades line the boardwalk, providing entertainment and dining options. [6]
Other notable attractions include the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, which showcases a diverse collection of marine life, and the Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium, offering zip lines and aerial adventure courses. The resort strip also features several amusement parks, miniature golf courses, and live entertainment venues. The 31st Street Park hosts free concerts and events during the summer months. The area continually introduces new attractions and events to maintain its appeal to visitors.
Getting There
Access to the Virginia Beach resort strip is facilitated by a variety of transportation options. The closest major airport is Norfolk International Airport (ORF), located approximately 20 miles north of the resort strip. Several major highways, including Interstate 264 and U.S. Route 60, provide road access to the area. Public transportation options include buses operated by Hampton Roads Transit (HRT). [7]
During peak season, traffic congestion can be significant, particularly on weekends and holidays. The city encourages visitors to utilize alternative transportation modes, such as biking and walking, to reduce traffic and promote sustainability. Parking is available in various lots and garages throughout the resort strip, although fees may apply. The city also offers a free trolley service during the summer months, providing convenient transportation along the oceanfront.
Neighborhoods
While the resort strip itself is a concentrated area, it influences the surrounding neighborhoods. The North End, located north of 40th Street, features a mix of residential and commercial properties, with a more relaxed atmosphere than the bustling resort strip. The South End, south of 2nd Street, is characterized by historic homes and a growing arts district. [8]
The Cavalier Hotel area, adjacent to the resort strip, is undergoing significant redevelopment, with new hotels, restaurants, and retail spaces planned. These surrounding neighborhoods contribute to the overall vibrancy of the Virginia Beach area, offering a diverse range of housing options, dining experiences, and cultural attractions. The interplay between the resort strip and these neighborhoods shapes the city’s unique character.