Road Trip:
Washington, D.C. to Virginia Beach, VA

Taking a road trip from Washington, D.C. to Virginia Beach is an exciting adventure that allows you to explore Virginia's rich history and beautiful coastline. In this article, we'll cover the history of Virginia Beach, what kind of car to rent for the trip, how to get there from various locations in D.C., safety tips for driving, and some of the top attractions you won't want to miss.

Kyte offers a wide range of rental cars, including economy, sedan, SUV, and AWD options. Consider an economy or sedan model that offers great fuel efficiency. If you plan to explore the outdoors or need more space, an SUV or AWD may be ideal. Remember seasonal weather conditions and opt for a car with suitable features, such as AWD, during uncertain weather.

To reach Virginia Beach from Washington, D.C., follow this easy-to-navigate route, which takes approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes and covers 209 miles. Start by taking I-395 S from Washington, D.C., and merge onto I-95 S. Drive on I-95 S until you reach exit 84A on the left. Take this exit to merge onto I-295 S toward Rocky Mt NC/Richmond Int'l. Next, use the right two lanes to take exit 28A and merge onto I-64 E. Continue on I-64 E and then use the right two lanes to take exit 284A to merge onto I-264 E toward Virginia Beach. Stay on I-264 E for the remainder of your journey until you reach your destination.

Kyte services Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) from a handover spot near DCA. To pick up your rental car, head to the Crystal City Metro station at 1750 S Clark St, Crystal City, Arlington, VA 22202. Take the Yellow or Blue Metro Line from the airport station stop (Ron.Rea.Wash.National) one stop to the Crystal City Metro station. This 2-minute ride runs every 10 minutes, and local public transit fares apply. Kyte will deliver your car to the corner of 18th and South Bell Street, just outside the metro station. For your return, please drop your car off to the Kyte Surfer at the same location.

After picking up your car, get on I-395 S and follow the same directions as mentioned in the article for the standard route from Washington, D.C. to Virginia Beach.

Unfortunately, Kyte does not currently service Dulles International Airport. To rent a car from Kyte, take a rideshare to any location within our service area within D.C. or Arlington. Once you have your Kyte, follow the directions provided for the standard route from Washington, D.C. to Virginia Beach or the route from Reagan National Airport, depending on your starting point.

When embarking on a road trip, it's essential to prioritize safety. Here are some helpful tips to ensure a smooth and secure journey:

Virginia Beach offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. From water sports and outdoor adventures to shopping, dining, and annual festivals, there's something for everyone.

Nature lovers can explore the numerous hiking and biking trails that weave through Virginia Beach's diverse landscapes. First Landing State Park, located at the north end of the beach, offers over 20 miles of trails for hiking and biking. The park's trails take visitors through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Virginia Beach, including towering cypress trees, lush forests, and pristine shorelines. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from birdwatching to fishing, while taking in the natural beauty of the area.

In addition to First Landing State Park, Virginia Beach also offers a network of biking trails throughout the city. The three-mile Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a popular destination for bikers, providing a scenic route along the beachfront with stunning ocean views. Visitors can rent bikes from several rental shops located along the boardwalk, and explore the city at their own pace. The boardwalk is also home to several restaurants and shops, making it a great destination for a leisurely day out.

Virginia Beach offers a wide variety of shopping and dining options for visitors to enjoy. One of the most popular spots is the Virginia Beach Town Center, located in the heart of the city. This outdoor shopping center offers a mix of local boutiques and national retailers, ranging from fashion and beauty to home decor and electronics. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely day of shopping and dining, with several options available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The center also hosts regular events, including live music, festivals, and art shows, making it a lively destination for visitors of all ages.

For a unique shopping experience, head to the ViBe Creative District, located just a short drive from the beach. This vibrant neighborhood is home to a collection of local artisans, designers, and chefs, offering visitors an array of one-of-a-kind shops, galleries, and restaurants. The district's shops and galleries feature a range of products, from handmade jewelry and art to vintage clothing and home decor. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of food and drink options, including craft beer and cocktails, farm-to-table cuisine, and fresh seafood.

Throughout the year, Virginia Beach hosts various festivals celebrating the city's vibrant culture and natural beauty. One of the most popular events is the East Coast She-Crab Soup Classic, held every spring. This event features a competition between local chefs, who create their own versions of the city's signature dish, she-crab soup. Visitors can sample the different soups, enjoy live music and entertainment, and participate in other activities such as a craft beer festival.

Another popular event is the Virginia Beach Patriotic Festival, held over Memorial Day weekend. This festival honors the city's military heritage and features live music, military displays, and a fireworks show over the ocean. Visitors can also participate in a 5K run or attend a special ceremony to honor fallen heroes.

The Neptune Festival is another major event that takes place in Virginia Beach each year. This festival celebrates the city's beach culture and includes a variety of activities such as sand sculpting, a boardwalk art show, and a 5K run. Visitors can also enjoy live music, carnival rides, and a grand parade featuring floats and marching bands.