Virginia Beach is known for the Oceanfront, but professionals who work out of Gather Virginia Beach know a different side of the city. Town Center is a walkable, urban district where good food, strong coffee, and a full evening’s worth of entertainment are never far from your desk.
This guide covers highlights from around the neighborhood, from where to grab lunch to what to do when the workday is done. Dive in and see why Gather’s Virginia Beach location puts you at the center of it all.
Where Gather Virginia Beach Is Located
Gather Virginia Beach is located on the third floor of 249 Central Park Avenue, Suite 300, in the heart of Virginia Beach Town Center. The space offers over 28,000 square feet of private offices, coworking areas, dedicated desks, meeting and conference rooms, and event space.
Town Center is Virginia Beach’s downtown commercial and entertainment district, situated about 11 miles west of the Oceanfront along Virginia Beach Boulevard. The district spans more than 36 acres and mixes office towers, residential buildings, hotels, restaurants, and retail in a walkable, urban format that is rare for Hampton Roads.
For professionals, it means that everything you need for a full workday, a productive lunch break, and a fun after-work evening is all just a short walk away.
Ample parking is available in and around the building, and the space is accessible by Uber, local transit, and the regional Tide light rail network.
Where to Grab Coffee Before You Work
Gather members already have complimentary locally roasted coffee, cold brew on tap, and fruit-infused water inside the space. But for those who want to start the day off-site or take a mid-morning break outside, Town Center has a few solid options nearby.
Town Center Cold Pressed has developed a following in Virginia Beach for its cold-pressed juices and coffee, and its walkable distance from Central Park Avenue makes it a natural morning stop. The Royal Chocolate at 164 Central Park Avenue is another nearby option for something a little different, with a cafe menu and a devoted local following.
For members who prefer to bring their mornings inside, Gather’s communal kitchen is stocked and staffed during business hours, so the first cup is always ready when you arrive.
Best Lunch Spots Near Gather Virginia Beach
One of the most-mentioned perks of the Virginia Beach location is the lunch scene. Town Center puts a wide range of options within a five-minute walk.
- The Cheesecake Factory is directly below the Gather offices, at the corner of Virginia Beach Boulevard and Central Park Avenue, making it the most convenient option for a quick sit-down lunch. The full menu is available, and the bar area is a good option for a faster turnaround.
- Keagan’s Irish Pub and Kitchen is a Town Center staple known for its reliable food and easygoing atmosphere. It is a good choice for a working lunch or a team meal with a little more breathing room.
- P.F. Chang’s and Bravo Cucina Italiana round out the walkable options for a slightly longer lunch or a client meeting over a meal. Both are on or very near Central Park Avenue and offer environments that work well for a professional conversation.
- Cantina Laredo, a modern Mexican concept at 4505 Commerce Street, is another nearby option, particularly for those who want something more casual without sacrificing quality.
After Work: Happy Hour, Dining, and Nightlife
Town Center’s evening scene is one of the most active in Hampton Roads, and Gather members are well-positioned to enjoy it. The district comes alive after five with happy hours, live music, and a range of dining options that go well beyond lunch.
- Yard House is a popular post-work gathering spot among Town Center regulars, known for its extensive beer selection and lively bar atmosphere. It is consistently mentioned as a go-to for an informal team happy hour.
- Twist Martini Bar and Quirks Bar and Pub are both on Central Park Avenue and cater to the after-work crowd looking for cocktails and a more social atmosphere. Both are walkable from the Gather building.
- Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Fogo de Chão bring the upscale end of the dining spectrum to Town Center, making them strong options for client dinners or celebrating a deal.
- For a lighter close to the day, Tupelo Honey Cafe offers a well-regarded brunch and dinner menu in a relaxed Southern-inspired setting.
Town Center is not just a dining destination. The district includes a solid mix of retail that handles everyday needs without requiring a separate trip elsewhere.
National brands and boutique retailers line Central Park Avenue and the surrounding blocks, making it easy to handle quick errands during a lunch break. Lynnhaven Mall, one of the largest malls on the East Coast, is a short drive away for a broader shopping run and includes an 18-screen movie theater.
The Virginia Beach Farmers Market, an open-air market with fresh produce, a seafood market, a butcher, and a creamery, is a local institution worth building into your week. It runs throughout the year and hosts special events across all seasons.
Entertainment and Weekend Plans
Virginia Beach is a legitimate entertainment destination in its own right, and working out of Gather puts you at the center of it.
Town Center hosts outdoor concerts, food and wine festivals, and community events throughout the year. Sandler Center for the Performing Arts and Zeider’s American Dream Theater bring live performances, touring acts, and local productions to the district. Funny Bone Comedy Club is a perennial favorite for an evening out.
The Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Boardwalk are about 15 minutes away by car, offering one of the East Coast’s most iconic beach strips for weekends, early morning runs, or a post-work decompress. The ViBe Creative District, known for its murals, local art galleries, and independently owned shops and restaurants, is another neighborhood worth exploring for a great weekend afternoon.
For members interested in the broader Hampton Roads region, the area offers water sports, kayaking, dolphin watching tours, and easy access to the Chesapeake Bay.
Also Nearby: Gather Norfolk
Gather Virginia Beach members have full access to all eight Gather locations across Hampton Roads and Richmond. That includes Gather Norfolk, located on the 15th and 16th floors of 500 East Main Street in downtown Norfolk, about 15 minutes west via I-264.
Gather Norfolk offers 30,000 square feet of workspace with panoramic views of the Elizabeth River. The building sits steps from the Tide light rail, the Waterside District, Town Point Park, and Granby Street’s dining and arts scene. The Tide also connects Norfolk back to the Virginia Beach corridor, making it easy for members to move between both locations during the week.
If your work takes you across the 757, both spaces are available as part of a Gather membership, no extra costs or reservations required.
Looking for a workspace in the heart of Virginia Beach?
Tour Gather Virginia Beach or grab a Day Pass and experience Town Center for yourself.
