One city, 3 price points: Virginia Beach, Va.

By Clara Bosonetto Maerz

For the AJC

BUDGET

Getting there

Frequent sale rates of $49 each way to Newport News-Williamsburg, 24 miles to Norfolk, AirTran or Delta, nonstop. Delta serves Norfolk (15 miles west of Virginia Beach) with $49 one-way rates during AirTran sales.

Stay

Get close to nature at First Landing State Park. Cedar-sided cabins are across Shore Drive from the beach and bay (no water views). Park highlights include a bike path from Fort Story to southern Rudee Inlet. Efficiencies from $74; one-bedroom from $87; up to three bedrooms from $118; www.dcr.state.va.us/parks/1stland.

Eat

A two-person “Honeymoon” booth at the beachfront Belvedere Coffee Shop is coveted for its ocean-facing
seat. Famous at this old-fashioned diner is the Eye Opener sandwich (egg, ham, tomato, Parmesan on an onion roll, about $6). Open daily 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; 3601 Atlantic Ave. at 36th Street, 757-425-0613.

Experience

At the north end of the beach at Fort Story is the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, circa 1792. $4 adults, $2 children 3-12 (at least 42 inches tall). Student, state or federal issued photo ID required for visitors ages 16 and older; www.apva.org/capehenry.

MODERATE

Getting there

One-way rates from $139 to Newport News; one-week advance; nonstop AirTran or Delta.

Stay

The Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel offers direct beach access at the boardwalk. Two packages start from $175 per night. The “Romance” package includes breakfast in bed, wine, late checkout and more. Or opt for an overnight with breakfast and two tickets to the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center; 
www.sheratonvirginiabeach.com, 3501 Atlantic Ave.

Eat

A preserved 1920s beach cottage is home to Tautog’s. Quality seafood is served at reasonable prices from $12-$16; www.tautogs.com, 205 23rd St.

Experience

Spend a day exploring along the three-mile oceanfront Boardwalk. Slip into the upscale shops, museums and visit the famous 1,000-foot fishing pier ($2 admission; no license needed to fish). Cherie’s Bike and Blade Rentals rent small surreys for two persons for $15 an hour; three-wheeled bikes for two persons are $14 an hour. Fat tire beach bikes are $6 per hour; $22 all day; www.cheriesbikes.com (several locations).

SPLURGE

Getting there

One-way, walk-up business class rates from $350 to Newport News; from $445 Norfolk; AirTran or Delta, nonstop.

Stay

The semi-private Sandbridge Beach is less than 10 minutes from the charming Country Villa Inn. A “Spa & Wine Tasting” package includes a tour of Moonrise Bay Vineyards, a bottle of wine, two one-hour massages, a $50 dining credit at Havana Restaurant (www.havanavb.com) and more, $1,180 for two nights in a suite; www.countryvillainn.com, 2252 Indian River Road.

Eat

On a lovely marina minutes from Chesapeake Bay is One Fish-Two Fish. Watch as chefs prepare local, line-caught seafood in the Exhibition Kitchen. Entrees from $17.95-$33.50; www.onefish-twofish.com, 2109 W. Great Neck Road at the Long Bay Pointe Marina.

Experience

All-day flat-water kayaking trips in the Back Bay Refuge are $100-$115; www.tidewateradventures.com. The 9,000-acre area is made up of marshland islands, dunes, scenic trails. Admission by car is $5; free Nov. 1-March 31; www.fws.gov/backbay.