A Coastal Getaway to Remember
Some trips are about nonstop adventure. Others are about slowing down and letting the sound of ocean waves reset your mood. My visit to The Ocean Sands was a bit of both. It gave my wife and me the relaxation we needed and we were close to enough attractions, restaurants, and fun activities to provide some excitement and fun.
Virginia Beach has a reputation for being both lively and family-friendly. It’s also surprisingly scenic and peaceful if you know where to look. Staying at Ocean Sands let my wife and me experience every part of Virgina Beach. The Ocean Sands felt like a hotel that understood what travelers want … comfort, convenience, and true vacation vibes.
First Impressions: Easy Check-In and a Relaxed Coastal Atmosphere
When we pulled up, I immediately liked the location. It’s in the Northeast Virginia Beach area; one of the most convenient spots to stay if you want quick access to the boardwalk and the oceanfront attractions. The resort felt casual and welcoming. It wasn’t overly fancy or stiff.
The area has that classic beach-town feel. People in flip-flops, and families with beach chairs, and that luscious sea breeze hung in the air.
Our Room: Spacious, Comfortable, and Surprisingly Home-Like
One of the biggest highlights of our stay was the room itself, because we were fortunate to have a lovely ocean view on the 5th floor. Seeing the Ocean from our room provided a natural sense of calm, especially when we could sit on the private balcony and feel the ocean air.
Our room had a microwave, fridge and stove top. So, I was able to stock up on drinks, snacks, and breakfast items, makig it easy to save some money and make it easy to grab snacks without going out. It also made it easier to bring leftovers back from restaurants (and trust me, the food in Virginia Beach is too good not to save for later).
We also had a washer and dryer right in the room. Not every traveler cares about that, but when you’re staying for multiple days or traveling with kids it helps. And it made packing so much easier for me.
Resort Amenities: Pool Time, Sauna, and That “Vacation Reset” Feeling
The indoor pool was one of my favorite features. It was clean, and provides seemingly endless entertainment for families with kids. And it’s weather proof so if you catch a rainy morning, you’re not stuck in your room.
There’s also a hot tub and a sauna. After spending the day walking the boardwalk and exploring, sitting in the hot tub felt like the ultimate reward.
The resort also has an arcade/game room, providing another on-site entertainment option.
Parking is limited onsite, which is worth keeping in mind, especially during peak season. My best advice would be to arrive earlier in the day if possible. Plan ahead during busy travel periods.
Dining On-Site: Restaurant and Bar Convenience
The Ocean Sands offers an on-site restaurant called Johnny Manana’s Boardwalk Café. Eat outside for the lovely ocean view. And if you love tacos, nachos and tequila (they’ve got over 100 varieties), you will love this place.
There are also plenty of restaurants nearby. We had a great dinner at The Bunker Brewpub (yummy comfort food). I had the Chicken & Waffles (bourbon maple syrup, yes please). And my wife had the Pan Seared Crab Cakes (she loved the fried green tomatoes). We shared the Baked Mac N Cheese (with a tasty breadcrumb crust).
We also checked out the Sea Salt Grill and it was good! My wife and I shared the Yellowfin Tuna and the Zac Attack sandwich.
Location, Location, Location: Steps from the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
One of the biggest selling points of The Ocean Sands Resort is its location. It is just a 4-minute walk from the Virginia Beach Boardwalk.
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a lively stretch of restaurants, street performers, souvenir shops, bike rentals, ocean views, and constant activity. It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours just strolling around and still feel like you haven’t seen everything.
Being so close meant we could walk there anytime. I didn’t have to stress about parking or traffic and this made every day easier and more enjoyable.
Things to Do Nearby: Attractions That Made the Trip Even Better
Virginia Beach has a surprising amount to offer beyond just sand and ocean. Staying at Ocean Sands put us close to some must-see attractions.
1. Virginia Beach Boardwalk and Oceanfront
This is the obvious one. Whether you’re people-watching, grabbing ice cream, renting a bike, or just enjoying the view, the boardwalk is the centerpiece of the city.
2. Sandbridge Beach
Sandbridge Beach is only a short drive away and is quieter than the main oceanfront area. It felt less touristy and more peaceful, which was a nice contrast. If you want to relax away from the crowds, Sandbridge is the spot.
3. Ocean Breeze Waterpark
Located about 3 miles away, Ocean Breeze Waterpark is for anyone who loves water slides and lazy rivers. It’s especially fun during warmer months and adds a different type of excitement to the trip.
4. Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
If you want a break from the beach, the Virginia Aquarium is an excellent nearby attraction. It’s educational, fun, and perfect for rainy days or cooler weather. You can easily spend a few hours exploring exhibits and learning about local marine life.
5. First Landing State Park
This place is a favorite for hiking and biking. Landing State Park is a gorgeous area filled with trails, trees, and a quieter shoreline. It gave us a totally different view of Virginia Beach … more peaceful, more scenic, and less commercial.
Shopping and Local Finds
If you enjoy shopping while traveling, Virginia Beach delivers. Near the oceanfront, you’ll find souvenir shops, beachwear stores, and small local boutiques. It’s the place to pick up little gifts, beach gear, and fun souvenirs.
If you want bigger shopping options, Virginia Beach Town Center is about 9 miles away. It’s a more modern area with larger stores, restaurants, and entertainment. It’s a great place to visit if you want a break from the beach atmosphere and feel like doing something more “city-like.”
Who This Resort Is Best For
I’d say The Ocean Sands Resort is ideal for travelers who want:
- A beach trip without paying luxury-resort prices
- Apartment-style comfort with kitchen access
- Easy access to the boardwalk and oceanfront attractions
- A family-friendly environment with fun amenities
- A relaxing stay that still offers plenty to do nearby
It’s a great fit for couples, families, and even solo travelers who want a peaceful base camp while exploring Virginia Beach.
Final Thoughts: Would I Stay at The Ocean Sands Resort Again?
I would love to return to The Ocean Sands.
Our stay was rejuvinating and genuinely enjoyable. The combination of a kitchen, spacious room layout, indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, and unbeatable location made for a wonderful choice for our Virginia Beach getaway.
I feel like it gave us the best of everything. We could have a relaxing, quiet evening at the resort, then wake up and be on the boardwalk in minutes. We could explore attractions like Sandbridge Beach or First Landing State Park, then come back and unwind in the hot tub. It was the kind of trip that left us refreshed … not exhausted.
Key Takeaways (Quick Summary)
- The Ocean Sands Resort offers apartment-style rooms with kitchens and private balconies.
- It includes an indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna, making it great year-round.
- The location is excellent … just a short walk to the Virginia Beach Boardwalk.
- Nearby attractions include Sandbridge Beach, Ocean Breeze Waterpark, and First Landing State Park.
- The resort is family-friendly, with extras like an indoor pool and arcade/game room
- Virginia Beach offers plenty of great dining options, shopping spots, and outdoor adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is The Ocean Sands Resort by VSA Resorts close to the beach?
Yes, it’s very close. The resort is only about a four-minute walk from the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, which runs along the oceanfront. That makes it easy to get to the beach without needing to drive.
2. Does The Ocean Sands have a pool?
Yes, the resort has an indoor pool. It also includes a hot tub and sauna (Ahh!). These amenities are great during colder months as well.
3. Are the rooms good for longer stays?
Definitely. The rooms include kitchens with full-sized refrigerators and microwaves, plus separate sitting areas for extra comfort. Many rooms also include washers and dryers, making longer stays much more convenient.
4. Is this resort family-friendly?
A big yes. The arcade/game room is a fun feature for kids, and the spacious room layouts are comfortable. Nearby attractions like the boardwalk and Ocean Breeze Waterpark also make it great for family vacations.
5. What attractions are near The Ocean Sands Resort?
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is within walking distance, and Sandbridge Beach is only a short drive away. Other nearby attractions include Ocean Breeze Waterpark, First Landing State Park, and the Virginia Aquarium. There’s a good mix of outdoor adventure and family-friendly entertainment.
6. Are there good restaurants near the resort?
Yes, there are plenty of dining options nearby. You’ll find seafood restaurants, casual beach eats, breakfast cafés, and boardwalk favorites within a short walk or drive. It’s easy to enjoy both quick meals and sit-down dining during your stay.
This content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered travel or consumer advice. Hotel amenities, prices, policies, and availability may change. Readers should verify all details independently and use their own judgment when planning travel.