Welcome to The Willow Durham, where your luxury condominium at 600 N Roxboro St serves as the perfect launching point for one of the East Coast’s most vibrant beach destinations. Just a three-and-a-half-hour drive northeast through Virginia’s scenic countryside, Virginia Beach awaits with its expansive shoreline, lively boardwalk, fresh seafood, and that perfect blend of beach relaxation and coastal excitement that has made it a beloved Atlantic destination.
Picture this: it’s Friday afternoon, and you’re enjoying a glass of wine on your private Willow balcony, already feeling the ocean breeze and hearing the sound of waves that await you tomorrow. Your beach bag is packed with sunscreen and summer reads, and you can almost taste the famous Chesapeake Bay blue crabs and feel the boardwalk beneath your feet. The best part? You’ll return Sunday evening to the modern comfort and convenience of your downtown Durham retreat with salt in your hair, sand between your toes, and that relaxed coastal energy that only a beach weekend can provide.
Saturday Morning – Journey to the Shore
After your morning coffee ritual overlooking the Bull City, you head northeast on I-85 and I-95, watching North Carolina give way to Virginia’s rolling countryside and eventually the flat coastal plains that signal your approach to the Atlantic. The anticipation builds as you cross the Chesapeake Bay and catch your first glimpse of the ocean that defines Virginia Beach’s identity.
Your first stop is checking into The Cavalier Virginia Beach, Autograph Collection, where your oceanfront room in this historic hotel offers panoramic views of the Atlantic and the bustling boardwalk below. This iconic property, which has hosted presidents and celebrities since 1927, perfectly captures Virginia Beach’s blend of classic coastal elegance and modern beach energy. The ocean views from your room and the sophisticated amenities remind you that beach vacations don’t require sacrificing luxury.
Afternoon – Boardwalk Energy and Ocean Adventures
Begin your Virginia Beach exploration with a stroll along the 3-mile boardwalk, one of the longest recreational boardwalks in the world. Street performers, outdoor cafes, and shops create a carnival atmosphere, while the wide beach stretches endlessly in both directions. Rent a surrey bike to cover more ground while enjoying the ocean breeze and people-watching opportunities.
For lunch, visit Catch 31, located in the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, where Chef David Everett creates innovative seafood cuisine with stunning ocean views. Their famous seafood tower featuring local oysters, shrimp, and crab showcases the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic, while the floor-to-ceiling windows provide front-row seats to beach action.
The afternoon calls for beach time at the Oceanfront, where Virginia Beach’s wide sandy shores offer plenty of space to spread out and truly relax. The rhythmic sound of waves and the endless horizon provide the perfect meditation after Durham’s urban energy. Try your hand at surfing with lessons from Surf & Adventure Company, or simply work on your tan while reading that book you’ve been meaning to finish.
For adventure seekers, parasailing with Virginia Beach Parasail offers breathtaking aerial views of the coastline, while dolphin watching tours provide opportunities to see these magnificent marine mammals in their natural habitat.
Evening – Coastal Cuisine and Nightlife
As evening approaches, Virginia Beach reveals its sophisticated culinary side. For an unforgettable dinner, secure a table at Steinhilber’s Thalia Acres Inn, a Virginia Beach institution since 1939 known for their exceptional seafood and Norfolk-style crab cakes. Their famous she-crab soup and locally-caught fish preparations showcase regional specialties with traditional preparation, while the historic setting adds to the authentic coastal dining experience.
Alternatively, Tautog’s Restaurant offers upscale seafood dining with their acclaimed raw bar and creative preparations of local catch. Their extensive wine list emphasizes crisp whites and light reds perfect for seaside dining, while the elegant atmosphere provides romantic views of the Chesapeake Bay.
For evening entertainment, Peabody’s Nightclub offers dancing and live music, while the boardwalk bars provide casual atmospheres perfect for enjoying cocktails while watching the sunset over the Atlantic. The beach’s nightlife ranges from family-friendly to sophisticated, ensuring options for every mood.
Sunday Morning – Maritime Culture and Departure
Sunday morning brings opportunities for cultural exploration beyond the beach. Visit the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, where massive tanks showcase the marine life of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. The outdoor adventure park and nature trails provide land-based exploration that complements your beach experience.
For a different perspective, explore First Landing State Park, where hiking trails wind through maritime forest and swamp ecosystems that existed long before Virginia Beach became a resort destination. The park’s natural beauty provides a peaceful contrast to the boardwalk’s energy.
For your farewell meal, Waterman’s Surfside Grille offers casual coastal cuisine with their famous fish tacos and local craft beer selection. Their beachfront location provides one last taste of oceanfront dining while you soak up final moments of coastal atmosphere.
Where to Stay: Coastal Luxury Options
The Cavalier Virginia Beach offers historic elegance with modern amenities, multiple dining options, and the only oceanfront hotel spa in Virginia Beach. The property’s classic architecture and sophisticated accommodations provide luxury with authentic coastal character.
Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront provides contemporary luxury with direct beach access, rooftop pools, and Catch 31 restaurant offering innovative seafood cuisine with stunning ocean views.
The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center offers urban sophistication in the growing Town Center district, with easy access to both beach and shopping, plus the upscale Shula’s 347 Grill for fine dining.
Courtyard by Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront/South provides modern comfort with oceanfront rooms and Aqua Bistro & Bar offering casual coastal dining with beach views.
For ultimate beachfront luxury, The Resort Beach Club offers vacation rental accommodations with full kitchens, private balconies, and resort amenities including pools and beach access.
Coastal Connection, Urban Sophistication
The drive back to Durham gives you time to process your Virginia Beach adventure – a destination that proves beach vacations can offer both relaxation and excitement. You have access to world-class research institutions, vibrant arts and culture, and professional opportunities in the Triangle, yet Virginia Beach’s coastal energy and maritime culture remain just a scenic drive away for weekend beach escapes.
As the Durham skyline comes into view, you feel that familiar satisfaction knowing you’re returning to a home that offers both luxury and location. Your modern unit at The Willow, with its thoughtful design and downtown convenience, serves as the perfect home base for coastal adventures while providing the sophisticated comfort you deserve.
Beach Life, City Style
Living at The Willow Durham means never having to choose between urban innovation and coastal recreation. Virginia Beach’s expansive shoreline, vibrant boardwalk, and fresh seafood culture are just one of countless adventures waiting within a comfortable drive of your front door. Whether you’re craving Durham’s cutting-edge energy or Virginia Beach’s laid-back coastal vibes, your home at The Willow puts you at the center of it all.
The spacious design of your Willow unit accommodates your beach gear alongside your contemporary lifestyle, while the multiple balconies provide perfect spots to display those collected shells and plan your next coastal adventure. Sip your morning coffee while studying tide charts or enjoy evening wine while reminiscing about boardwalk sunsets and dolphin sightings.
Ready to make The Willow your home base for East Coast beach adventures? Our sales team is here to help you discover how downtown Durham living can enhance every aspect of your lifestyle, from daily conveniences to weekend escapes to America’s most exciting coastal destinations. Contact us today to learn more about available units and to schedule your personal tour of The Willow Durham.
Stay tuned for more adventure posts in our ongoing series exploring the incredible destinations within reach of your Willow Durham home. The waves are calling, the boardwalk is beckoning – will you answer from your beautiful downtown retreat?