Virginia Beach True Crime Tour

If you’re curious about the shadowy stories lurking behind Virginia Beach’s sunny beaches, the Virginia Beach True Crime Tour offers a fascinating peek into the city’s darker past. This one-hour walking tour, led by knowledgeable guides, takes you along the iconic Boardwalk to uncover gripping tales of murders, serial killers, and crime waves that have shaped the area. For just $19, it’s an affordable way to combine an outdoor walk with a compelling dose of local history.

What we love most about this experience is how it balances storytelling with authenticity. The guides, especially in reviews, are praised for being sensitive, knowledgeable, and capable of keeping the atmosphere engaging without sensationalizing. The stories are carefully curated to highlight the most intriguing and disturbing cases, making you think about Virginia Beach beyond the typical beach vacation. Plus, the inclusion of visual aids—like images and crime scene details—adds a layer of richness that keeps you involved throughout the tour.

A possible consideration is the scheduling during a parade, which some visitors found inconvenient. The walk can be affected by crowds or delays, so planning your visit around local events might enhance your experience. Still, for lovers of true crime stories or those interested in local history, this tour is a solid choice. It appeals to travelers looking for a blend of education and entertainment, especially those fascinated by the darker side of familiar places.

This tour would suit anyone with a curious or investigative streak—history buffs, true crime aficionados, or travelers wanting something different from the usual beachside activities. It’s also perfect for families with older children who can handle themes of crime and violence responsibly.

Key Points

• Affordable: At $19 per person, it offers good value for a themed walking tour.
• Educational & Entertaining: Guides are knowledgeable, sensitive, and keep the stories engaging.
• Short & Focused: About one hour long, ideal for fitting into a busy sightseeing schedule.
• Accessible: Near public transportation and suitable for most travelers.
• Visual Aids: The use of images enhances understanding of the cases discussed.
• Potential Disruptions: Scheduling during events like parades can cause delays.

The Virginia Beach True Crime Tour is designed to give visitors a glimpse into the city’s less sunny side. While Virginia Beach is best known for its beaches and lively boardwalk, this tour explores stories of the city’s most notorious crimes, including sensational murders, serial killers, and the crime wave of the 1970s.

What to Expect From the Itinerary

Starting at the famous Boardwalk Birds Sculpture at 1801 Atlantic Ave, the tour begins at 4:00 pm, perfect for an early evening stroll. It’s a one-hour walk, with the tour ending back at the same starting point. The route is primarily focused on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk area, a lively and scenic stretch that makes for an interesting backdrop to darker tales.

The First Stop: Virginia Beach Boardwalk

This stretch of the city is where some of the most unusual and disturbing crimes took place. The stories shared here range from bizarre murders to crimes that shook the community during the 70s. The guides highlight cases that are both fascinating and unsettling, helping visitors understand the darker history that lurks beneath the beachy veneer.

What You Will Hear

Guests have praised guides for their sensitivity and wealth of knowledge—Andrew, in particular, is mentioned as being very good at describing the cases and showing images that bring the stories to life. Expect to see photographs, crime scene images, and other visual aids that help you picture the scenes. These elements make the stories more tangible, especially if you’re a visual learner.

What Makes the Tour Special

Unlike many generic city tours, this experience focuses solely on true crime stories—a niche that appeals to a specific audience. It’s a chance to explore the city’s more mysterious and gruesome chapters, adding depth to your understanding of Virginia Beach beyond sun, sea, and surf.

What the Reviews Say

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the value for money offered by this experience. One reviewer noted, “Andrew was a great guide for taking us around the city and was very sensitive and knowledgeable about the crimes,” highlighting the importance of a good storyteller. Another shared, “It was an interesting tour and was pretty much what I was expecting,” although they noted scheduling during a parade caused some inconvenience.

The tour is described as “a pretty long walk,” but reviewers agree it’s worth the effort for the stories shared and the visual context provided. The one-hour duration makes it manageable for most visitors, and the small group size—up to 25 travelers—ensures a more intimate and engaging experience.

The Practicalities

The tour is mobile ticketed, making check-in straightforward. It’s designed for most travelers, including service animals, and is conveniently located near public transportation. Guests should bring bottled water—no beverages are provided—and dress comfortably for walking.

The price point of $19 makes this a very accessible activity, especially considering the storytelling, visual aids, and local insights you get. For travelers interested in local history with a dark twist, it’s a compelling value.

The Experience Provider

Old Dominion Tours, the tour operator, has a good reputation for offering themed walking tours. Their experience seems well-suited to provide a respectful yet engaging exploration of Virginia Beach’s crime stories.

This experience is perfect for travelers who enjoy true crime stories or are fascinated by local history and unsolved mysteries. If you’re traveling with older children or teenagers who can handle mature themes, this could be a memorable addition to your stay. It’s also ideal for those looking for a short, inexpensive, yet engaging activity that adds a different perspective to your visit.

The Virginia Beach True Crime Tour offers a rare glimpse behind the city’s sunny façade, revealing stories that are as intriguing as they are chilling. With knowledgeable guides and visual aids, it elevates the typical walking tour into something more immersive and memorable. Its reasonable price makes it accessible, and its short duration makes it easy to fit into a busy sightseeing schedule.

While scheduling during busy events like parades might cause some delays, the overall experience remains highly valued by past participants. It’s a fantastic choice for those with a curiosity for the macabre or a desire to learn about Virginia Beach’s hidden history from a local perspective.

If you enjoy learning about the local lore and are comfortable with mature themes, this tour offers a well-balanced mix of storytelling, history, and a touch of the sinister. It’s a unique way to add some depth and intrigue to your beach vacation, making your trip to Virginia Beach even more memorable.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately one hour, making it a quick but impactful experience.

What is the meeting point?
It begins at the Boardwalk Birds Sculpture, located at 1801 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours before will not be refunded.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but since the stories involve crime and violence, parental discretion is advised.

Are tickets digital?
Yes, the tickets are mobile, so you can show them on your device when checking in.

What should I bring?
Bring bottled water, as none is provided. Dress comfortably for walking outdoors.

Is the tour accessible for those with mobility issues?
The tour is a walking experience near public transportation, but specific mobility accommodations aren’t detailed.