Croatan
The surf-culture beach neighborhood south of Rudee Inlet — residential streets, serious waves at the Croatan Jetty, and a quieter stretch of sand than the Strip.
What It's Like
One of the two classic VB surf breaks (locals distinguish Croatan Jetty character from 1st Street). Limited public parking keeps crowds down. Camp Pendleton borders it to the south.
Beaches in Croatan
All beachesCroatan Beach
Across Rudee Inlet from the Resort Strip, Croatan is Virginia Beach's surf beach: the Croatan Jetty is one of the city's two classic breaks, a left-hander…
Hotels & Stays in Croatan
All hotels & staysAtlantic Paradise — Croatan Oceanfront
A 4-bedroom, owner-direct oceanfront vacation home with a private pool on Croatan Beach, self-managed since 2002.
- Waterfront
- Family Friendly
Outdoor Recreation & Watersports in Croatan
All outdoor recreation & watersportsSeth Broudy School of Surf
Surf camps and private lessons at the south end of Croatan Beach — gear included, Monday-Thursday camp schedule.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Near Croatan
17th Street Surf Shop
Virginia Beach's original surf shop since 1970 — a Pacific Avenue retail store plus Seth Broudy School of Surf camp sessions from 1 to 4 days.
Abbey Road Pub & Restaurant
Beatles-themed pub a block off the beach at 22nd Street — 42 taps, live music, a dog-friendly patio, and a Monday military discount.
- Dog Friendly
- Live Music
- Outdoor Seating
- Military Discount
Adventure Parasail & Rudee Inlet Jet Ski
Virginia Beach's original watersports operator since 1985 — parasailing, jet ski and kayak/SUP rentals, and banana boat rides at Rudee Inlet.
Afishinado Fishing Charters
Capt. Kevin Perry's 31-foot Ocean Master out of Inlet Station Marina — inshore speckled trout and cobia trips, offshore game-fish runs, and seasonal dolphin/whale watching.
Angie's Guest Cottage Bed & BreakfastHidden Gem
An early-1900s former Coast Guard surfmen's boarding house two blocks from the Boardwalk, run under the same family lore that gave it its name.
AquaMan Sportfishing Charters
Two-boat Rudee Inlet charter operation — The Flat Line and The Game On — running inshore, nearshore, and offshore deep-sea trips around the clock.