Is Virginia Beach safe for solo female travelers?

Solo travel

I took a solo trip to Virginia Beach in the fall of 2024. I study theology, and nature is important to me, so I visited places related to these interests: various churches, cemeteries, and natural sites. I visited the Virginia Beach Aquarium and went on a dolphin-watching kayak tour organized by Chesapeake Outdoors. It was great! The shoreline of Virginia Beach is breathtakingly beautiful— as long as you keep your eyes on the ocean and pretend not to see the row of hotels behind your back. ...

Family travel

I stayed at The Holiday Inn on 26th and Atlantic. The room was nice, and the cable tv offered many options for in-room entertainment. It is an oceanfront hotel, which provides spectacular balcony views of the ocean. Breakfast was provided every morning, at no additional cost. It's a pretty impressive breakfast, too. If you're 420 friendly, there are legal dispensaries on the strip, also.

I think it’s very safe. I would feel comfortable 99% of the time alone. Just like any other city, at night you should be cautious alone. But I think that’s anywhere. The oceanfront alone after a few drinks is probably not ideal, but otherwise you are good.

Virginia Beach is a pretty safe place overall. Crime has gone down in recent years, especially violent crime, and most areas feel comfortable to walk around, even at night. Like any city, just stay aware of your surroundings.

Never have I ever felt unsafe in Virginia Beach or nearby areas. I have been out exploring late at night and never ran into issues on both tourist season and the off season. Overall I feel the locals are kind and helpful