Virginia beach for "honeymoon" on a budget?

We're going to Charleston, SC. It has a beach, but also many other things to do. We're both sight-seeing and history lovers, so it works for us. I'm not sure exactly where you live or if this might be too far, but Topsail beach in NC is great. It's nothing fancy, but it's a really nice sandy beach that isn't crowded by tourists. I've gone there every summer since I was a little kid. Though, getting later in August, I'd maybe be afraid to go because of hurricanes. The outer banks are nice too. As a Tennessean, I'm partial to the Smoky Mountains. You can get a really great cabin, go hiking, go white-water rafting, see beautiful scenery, and the mountains will be cooler in August. If you guys like that kind of stuff. Only downfall is there's no ocean

If you find that room rates and travel time aren't that different (and I have no idea if they are or not), I would really urge you to look into Topsail. It is a wonderful beach and isn't a tourist trap like Virginia and Myrtle.

I'm with the Poconos as well! I know you mentioned wanting to do something along the beach but the Poconos do have lakes...the last time I was in VA beach during a summer, the boardwalk was overcrowded with a bunch of teens, someone got shot in the club that was next door to the lounge I was in, and there was an oil spill on the beach....so you won't be missing much lol

I will say my FW and I are heading to VA Beach Next month for our Honeymoon, we are both big into camping and the Middle ages. we are camping at First Land Park for a week it was a good price. its right on the bay. I used to go there as a kid. as for free stuff to do in VAB I would say try some snorkeling and just seeing what is there. go off the beaten path and see the interesting things you can find.