15 Amazing Beaches to Visit in Virginia

Image by SchuminWeb from Wikimedia

15 Amazing Beaches to Visit in Virginia

The Atlantic seaboard of the USA is blessed with some lovely beaches, even if the waters may lack the warmth of some more exotic holiday regions of the world. The proximity of beaches in Virginia to densely populated areas made the State attractive to holidaymakers long before air travel became so common. When you think of beaches in Virginia, it is natural to think of Virginia Beach first, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, because it is one of the most popular beach vacation spots in the state. Virginia also has quality beaches all along the Eastern Shore coastline, as well as inland public beaches located in the state parks and recreational areas.  The variety of beaches in Virginia range from large to small, ocean to freshwater, and some include the thrill of enjoying nearby small-town eateries or a pet-friendly day on the sand.

Virginia’s hot and humid summers make going to the beach an absolute must! It’s a great way to spend time with your family and friends, relax, cool down, and have a good time. From parasailing and jet-skiing to great seafood and stunning views, being beachfront in Virginia is a local pastime synonymous with pleasure and relaxation. Virginia has a stunning coastline on the Atlantic Ocean but also has sandy beaches along the Chesapeake Bay and the many stretches of smaller beaches in the state. Virginia is dotted with many fine stretches of sand, often comfortably sheltered from the elements. Crowds might gather at the more popular beaches at weekends, during spring break and during the summer weeks, but you can find tranquillity if you seek it. Check out these 15 beaches in Virginia.

Virginia’s Amazing Coastal Beaches

Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Image by vcudnik from Pixabay

No beach in Virginia is as famous as Virginia Beach, it is basically a coastal city where the Chesapeake Bay joins the Atlantic Ocean. Vacationers love access to the Atlantic Ocean. It is close to the Chesapeake Bay, which gives the area extra charm when it comes to the food scene and activities beyond building sandcastles. At 35 miles long, this beach holds the Guinness World Record for being the longest stretch of pleasure beach in the world. The 3-mile-long boardwalk stretch is full of sun-seekers who come to bask in the warm sun rays. It can get pretty crowded but since it is so large you can always find a good spot for your friends and family to hang out. Moreover, its famous boardwalk bustles with live performers entertaining the crowds making for a fun and festive feel for the whole family.

Jump on a surrey ride down the boardwalk to take a selfie with King Neptune, you can also take surfing lessons or build a sandcastle at Grommet Island. The Virginia Beach pier is superb for fishing, while bikers and hikers love doing laps on the lengthy oceanfront boardwalk. The oceanfront destination is rich with history, and home to a variety of arts and entertainment experiences, family-friendly activities and a blossoming culinary scene. Watch out for dolphins in the distance frolicking through the waves, overall, this is the beach to head to for a day of action and fun in the sun, just steps away from your hotel. The cleanliness, unique landscape experiences, water diversity, and family-friendly attractions make this beach popular among locals and tourists. Furthermore, the beach is close to theme parks, restaurants, cafes, and nearly everything you can imagine. You will get to see hordes of people here during summer.  

Explore the Virginia Beach boardwalk.

Top Things to do when exploring Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach: Haunted Walking Ghost Tour: Learn more about real haunted stories of Virginia Beach dating back more than 300 years!

Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: Enjoy the incredible sunset view over the Chesapeake Bay on this small dolphin tour.

Virginia Beach Indoor Skydiving: Experience a breathtaking free-fall feeling without actually jumping out of a plane.

Sandbridge Beach

Image by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Norfolk District from United States from Wikimedia

Clean, calm, and beautiful — these are the three words to explain Sandbridge Beach. This quiet seaside enclave is located 30 minutes south of Virginia Beach, featuring super sand, excellent parking, showers, vacation houses and condos.  Sandbridge is a hidden gem on the pristine sand dunes and is dotted with sea oats. It is a relaxing and peaceful beach where you can truly slow down and let loose on your vacation. The trek down the country road that leads to Sandbridge Beach will make your beach trip slap differently. Sandbridge Beach has everything you could ever want and is one of the best vacation beaches in Virginia Beach. There are no hotels at this beach but there are a number of beach houses available for rent. The beach stretches down a sandy strip of owned and rented beach homes.

There are free parking lots and ample restroom options, plus foot showers to rinse off sandy feet. While many tourists do opt to stay in the countless beach rental properties located at Sandbridge Beach, the pace is much more relaxed and the atmosphere much more family-friendly than at the oceanfront boardwalk. But other than that this is a big beautiful beach neighbourhood with nothing around but the Atlantic Ocean. There is one road in and one road out so it feels like you are on an island vacation. If you’d like to make an event of it, there are also some picnic shelters that can be reserved ahead of time, and they include volleyball nets and charcoal grills. Sandbridge Beach also offers plentiful opportunities to explore Virginia Beach’s great outdoors as it is close proximity to the marshes and open waters of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park.

Need ideas of things to do for free in Virginia Beach? CLICK HERE

Things to do near Sandbridge Beach

Seaside Market: It’s not just a grocery store but also a terrific takeout eatery.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge: Explore beaches, lush farm fields, and woodlands.

Bethel Beach

Image by Craig Herbert from Pixabay

Bethel Beach is one of the best-kept secrets in Virginia. The beach is located near the Chesapeake Bay in Mathews County in the 105-acre Natural Area Preserve. Bethel Beach is an excellent option if you are searching for a beach where you can switch off. Lying within the Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve, the beach is on a narrow coastline flanked by sandy dunes. It is notable for its dunes that regularly change shape because of the winds and tides meaning that you will never see the same landscape twice. While the Natural Area Preserve is a fantastic spot to relax on the sand, it is also a lovely place to explore. The salt marshes and lagoons provide lots of wildlife spotting and photography opportunities. The preserve was founded to protect several rare and endangered beach species. There are almost 200 different species of birds. While the beach isn’t the best for swimming, it’s a great place to take photos or go fishing. It’s also more secluded than other beaches in Virginia if you’re looking to get away from the crowds. While there aren’t many hotels nearby, there are some inns and private rentals located close to the beach. Many people go to Bethel Beach for a day trip. In keeping with its remote location, there are no restrooms, waste disposal facilities or changing areas.

Things to do near Bethel Beach

New Point Comfort Nature Preserve: A great place to clear your head.

Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve: Perfect place to witness the beauty of nature and local wildlife.

Observation Walkway: Offers a magnificent view of the bay and coastal wildlife.

Cape Charles Beach

Cape Charles lies at the southern tip of the peninsula that makes up the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The Atlantic Ocean sits on one side, and the Chesapeake Bay sits on the other, so there is no shortage of beaches near Cape Charles. Cape Charles Beach is one of the best to visit, the soft white sand and clean water make this public beach look inviting. Cape Charles offers a free public beach in the historic district. The beach is safe for families with small children. The shallow waters of the Chesapeake Bay, clean and refreshed by our proximity to the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean, make delightful vacations for mothers. There are no waves here. Mothers can relax here while their children splash and play in the oversized wading pools of Cape Charles beaches. Since the beach water is calm, it is an ideal spot for people who don’t want to swim in high ocean waves. The long boardwalk along the beach is fun to walk.  As Cape Charles Beach is close to downtown, you can walk to a nearby restaurant for a drink, snack, or meal. Take a walk through Cape Charles, and it’s not hard to catch glimpses of its past as a prosperous turn-of-the-century railroad town. With its lovingly restored historical residences and commercial district, today’s town feels like a step back to another time.

CLICK HERE for facts about Virginia Beach.

Things to do near Cape Charles Beach

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel: A scenic place, offering opportunities to cherish the beauty and sounds of Chesapeake Bay.

Kiptopeke State Park: Offers several hiking trails and unobstructed views of Chesapeake Bay.

Cape Charles Museum & Welcome Center: This museum preserves the history of Cape Charles and nearby regions.

Yorktown Beach

Image by adamkontor from Pixabay

Located in Historic Yorktown, this 2-acre public beachfront caters to family fun and is one of the only beaches in Hampton Roads to feature a Mobi-Mat and Mobi Chair for visitors in wheelchairs. The beach is perfect for sunbathing, boating, swimming, and fishing. An ADA-accessible fishing pier and grassy picnic area are also available to guests. You can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and bikes from Patriot Tours & Provisions to explore the area. Many know Yorktown as a place with a long history, dating back to the beginning of the country. This city is where the Revolutionary War officially ended in the Battle of Yorktown. After the surrender, the city was a successful port for many years and was a pivotal station in the Civil War.  Over the past 50 years, Yorktown has become a peaceful city for locals and travellers. The coastal city is now known for shipbuilding, delicious seafood, and gorgeous beaches.  Today, much of historic Yorktown still stands. At the beach, enjoy swimming, sunbathing, boating, and jet skiing. In addition to hanging out at the ocean, visitors enjoy historical monuments and museums. There are a variety of buildings from the seventeenth century worth exploring. Summer weather is cool but humid in Yorktown. Temperatures don’t usually surpass 80℉. In winter, it’s chilly and windy. The beach offers free public parking in several lots throughout the town with a complimentary Trolley service to transport guests and their beach gear. There are also restrooms, nearby hotels, bed & breakfasts, shops, and several restaurants. The beach picnic area is open year-round and can be requested for company outings, picnics, family reunions, and other approved uses after filing for a special permit from York County.

Things to do near Yorktown Beach

New Yorktown Museum: The American Revolution Museum in Yorktown.

Colonial National Historic Park:  Where the National Park Service, protects several historical sites related to the Virginia Colony.

Moore House: The site where the terms for surrender were negotiated from the British army on October 17th of 1781.

Croatan Beach

Image by Kanenori from Pixabay

Croatan Beach is three-quarters of a mile long and stretches from Rudee Inlet to Camp Pendleton. With 2 designated surfing areas – one at the north beginning at Rudee Inlet and one at the south at Camp Pendleton – it has long been a favourite of local surfers. Lifeguard services are available in season for swimmers and surfers alike and are situated along the entire beachfront. This expanded coverage is due in part to an ATV vehicle donated by the residents of Croatan. Because of the popularity of the beach, The City of Virginia Beach operates a large parking lot year-round adjacent to Camp Pendleton. Some additional parking is available in the neighbourhood, and parking hours are clearly marked. Located in the residential neighbourhood, Croatan Beach is one of the popular beaches in Virginia Beach. The beach is on the Atlantic Ocean north of Camp Pendleton and south of Rudee Inlet. The beach is a hidden, quiet gem, with marked-off sections for boogie boarders and surfers. It is also known for surfing and water activities. The waves on this beach are a little higher, making it an ideal spot for beach lovers. Additionally, this beach is a must-visit for those looking to attend a surf camp or take a surf lesson. Croatan Beach is clean and has outdoor showers, bathrooms, and parking. Lifeguard services are available.

Things to do near Croatan Beach

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science: A tip-top aquarium and marine science museum.

Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art: A contemporary art museum with frequently rotating exhibits.

Grommet Island Park: If you haven’t had your beach fill yet, spend time at this beach park.

First Landing State Park Beach

Image by Virginia State Parks from Wikimedia

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Seashore State Park Historic District, First Landing State Park has a lovely beach. Stretching for one and a quarter miles (2 km), the breathtaking landscape is a photographer’s dream, featuring gorgeous dunes, dense maritime forest, and verdant natural vegetation. First Landing State Park is the most visited state park in Virginia for good reason – with incredible coastal habitat, plenty of rich history, and fascinating attractions like the colourful Rainbow Swamp. First Landing State Park, which sits tucked between Virginia Beach and Chick’s Beach, serves as the region’s premier outdoor recreation destination.

The gorgeous coastal reserve is home to 3,000 acres of protected freshwater cypress swamps, with a multitude of boardwalk trails to explore on bike or foot. The historical site marks the spot where Virginia’s first settlers landed in 1607 and legend has it that the infamous pirate Blackbeard used to hide out here. You can park for free in one of the residential neighbourhoods outside of the park entrance and do a light hike to the beachfront. The scenic views and the walk will make your plunge into the water so much more rewarding. It’s not so much of a surfing beach, but if you want to relax, sunbathe and take a gentle stroll along its four boardwalks, it makes a lovely destination for an afternoon out. It’s also popular for fishing, swimming and boating.

Find out more about Virginia State Parks here.

Things to do near First Landing State Park Beach

Tarnished Truth Distilling Co: For Tastings and brewing demos.

iFLY Va Beach Indoor Skydiving: Free-fall without having to jump out of a plane.

Virginia’s Amazing Inland Beaches

Smith Mountain Lake Beach

Sky Meadows Smith Mountain Beach. Image by Virginia State Parks from Wikimedia

Located on the second largest freshwater lake in the state, the park is a water enthusiast’s paradise. In addition to a full range of water-related activities, including swimming, boat rentals, a boat ramp and a universally accessible fishing pier, families can enjoy picnicking, a visitor centre, an amphitheatre, special programs, camping and cabins with a waterfront view. Smith Mountain Lake is arguably one of the best-loved lake beaches in Virginia. Flanked by a cottage community, it features a beautiful freshwater beach on the lake with many swimming areas and plenty of space for jet skiing, boating and fishing. Sissy Spacek, Joe Montana, Tom Cruise: Rumor has it that these celebrities have or have had homes on Smith Mountain Lake. Smith Mountain Lake itself was created in 1960 when Appalachian Power built a dam on the Roanoke River in Smith Mountain Gap. Construction of the dam was completed in 1966, and in 1967 Appalachian Power donated the first parcel of the parkland for the proposed use. The state bought the rest of the park’s land over the next six years. The park opened to the public in 1983. Get off the beaten path to Huddleston, VA at Smith Mountain Lake Beach. Rather than sitting on the Atlantic Coast, this beach is hidden inside Virginia’s biggest state park and enjoy the beach, mountains, or forest.

Things to do near Smith Mountain Lake Beach

Copper Cove Golf Club (formerly Westlake Golf & Country Club) : Tee off on the par 72 golf course in Hardy.

Smith Mountain Lake Alpaca Farm: Visit the furry residents of in Hardy.

Booker T. Washington National Monument in Hardy: Absorb some of USA’s important history regarding slavery and education.

Practical Information

The park is open daily from 8:15 a.m. – dusk.

The Visitor Center/park office is open weekdays 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The beach is open for swimming 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekdays, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. on weekends.

 Lake Moomaw

Lake Moomaw was named in memory of Benjamin Moomaw whose efforts succeeded in bringing the lake to the Allegheny Highlands.  The lake is among the most popular developed recreation areas in the George Washington National Forest and provides an endless array of activities including boating, fishing, hiking, biking and camping.  Lake Moomaw is renowned for its excellent fishing yielding citation-size brown and rainbow trout, as well as good bass, pan and crappie. The place once hailed as the first major recreation area between Washington, DC and West Virginia and was expected to attract people from the entire eastern seaboard. Standing above the dam in itself is a thing of beauty with its clean white angles shining against cutaway red earth you might wonder what lies beneath the 2,500-acre lake. You’ll see hawks and osprey soaring above the mountain-rimmed water. A few folks fishing from shore and from small boats. Tender-leaved trees greening and wildflowers blooming.  Most importantly you’ll find plenty to love about this family-friendly spot.

Things to do near Lake Moomaw

Virginia Blue Ridge Wine Tours

Appalachian Horse Adventures: 1 and 2 hour Expedition rides!

Bold Rock Hard Cider Barn: Visit the ‘Chapel of Apple’ as it is affectionately known.

Kerr Lake Beaches

Image by DoubleDinVa from Wikimedia

Located in Vance and Warren counties at North Carolina’s north-central border with Virginia, Kerr Lake State Recreation Area is a collective of eight access areas around the shoreline of this 50,000-acre reservoir. While Virginia has several impressive ocean beaches, they have some lovely lakeside beaches and one of the best is Kerr Lake. Visitors enjoy fishing, camping, swimming, boating or just relaxing and enjoying the scenic beauty. There are 30 recreation areas around Kerr Reservoir: campsites, swim beaches, picnic areas, hiking, nature trails and marinas all available for public use. Situated on Buggs Island in Clarksville, the lake has over 800 miles (1287 km) of shoreline and has lots of little coves and stretches of sand perfect for sunbathing and picnicking.

The Liberty Hill Public Beach offers a wide expanse of white sand beach, light shade from waterfront trees, and ample parking. This is also a great spot to view the John H. Kerr dam (the 4th largest dam in the U.S.), as well as the main body of Kerr Lake (the largest lake in Virginia). This free beach is also a great spot to sit and watch the sun rise or set over the lake, or to view the abundant osprey, bald eagles, and other birds of the area. This beach, like nearly all 800+ miles of shoreline around Kerr Lake, is owned and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The water is also great for swimming, water skiing, sailing, boating and kayaking, while there are several camping sites around the area, should you want to stay a little longer.

Campsites with beach fronts in Virginia Beach.

Virginia’s Island Beaches

Assateague Island

Image by Ivy Main from Wikimedia

Straddling the border between Maryland and Virginia, Assateague is a barrier island between the Delmarva Peninsula and the ocean, covering nearly 40 miles of the mid-Atlantic coast. Assateague and its sister island, Chincoteague, are home to the bands of wild horses made famous by Marguerite Henry in her beloved children’s novel, Misty of Chincoteague, and you can visit in July to see the annual pony swim, just like in the book. It is truly a beautiful beach and wildlife area and it deserves all the tourism it receives and then some. Assateague Island is a 37-mile barrier island that actually is partially in Virginia and partially in Maryland.

It is one of the best beaches both in Maryland and Virginia. The most famous place on Assateague is the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, one of the best attractions in Chincoteague and a one-mile stretch of land known for its wild horses and white, sandy beaches and beautiful vacation rentals. The area is a wildlife haven for other animals than horses! Throughout the marshes, coves, and bays, you’ll find bald eagles, seabirds, and much more. It truly is a little slice of paradise in Virginia! In addition to pristine Eastern Shore beaches, you can also visit the Assateague Lighthouse, one of the most beautiful lighthouses in Virginia. Assateague Island National Seashore has backcountry camping and ocean-facing drive-in sites.

Things to do at Assateague Island National Beach

Take a Hike: Experience life on a barrier island! Assateague has a variety of paved and unpaved trails and 37 miles of beach open for hiking.

Ride a Bike: Explore Assateague Island by bike.

Horseback Riding: Horseback riding is allowed seasonally along the beach in the Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) zone.

Belle Isle Beach

Image by Virginia State Parks from Wikimedia

One of Virginia’s most unique beach experiences can be found at Belle Isle Beach. Belle Isle State Park is located in Lancaster County, Virginia, on the Rappahannock River. Belle Isle is an island in the middle of the James River in downtown Richmond that was acquired by William Byrd I in 1676, and it remained in the Byrd family for a century. It sits between Deep Creek and Morattico Creek and is currently under public ownership. The park has an area of 892 acres and has facilities for camping, fishing, boating and picnics. It is an urban beach with no sand or ocean waves but natural flat rocks that locals sunbathe on. There is water here, though swimming is not advised due to very swift rapids if you just want to place your feet in the water and have a quick dip, you should be fine. With 892 acres, 7 miles of shoreline on the Northern Neck’s Rappahannock River, and access to Mulberry and Deep creeks, Belle Isle lets visitors explore a wide variety of tidal wetlands interspersed with agricultural fields and upland forests. Nestled within the middle of Belle Isle Historic Park, a stunning 54-acre (21 ha) island formerly a fishing village for Native Americans, this beach is located in downtown Richmond. It also features a stunning landscape of rugged cliffs that can be seen through various hiking trails.

Best Events Beach Parks in Virginia

Ocean View Beach Park, Norfolk, VA

Although Ocean View Amusement Park memorialized in the 1977 movie Rollercoaster is now gone, visitors can still enjoy the 6.5 acres of exciting shoreline and boardwalk. Considered by locals to be the jewel of Ocean View, the park also offers green spaces, band shells for the park’s regular festivals, and beaches newly widened by 60 feet with new sand–talk about an upgrade! This unique 6.5-acre beach park is considered the jewel of Ocean View. The park has a large band shell for presentations and dancing, a beach with lifeguards in the summer, a boardwalk, a beach handicap access ramp, and lots of open green space.

Big Bands on the Bay ends the weekend with a sunset celebration on the Chesapeake Bay. Welcome the stars every Sunday night from 7 pm to 9 pm beginning May 29th and running through September 4th,. Guests are invited down to the Gazebo at Ocean View Beach Park for live Big Band music and dancing. From July 1st through August guests enjoy themed party nights, live performances from local and regional bands, family fun and  movie nights, and so much more on Friday nights.  Friday night events in Ocean View are a great way to start the weekend with Live Music on the Chesapeake Bay, children’s activities, cornhole games, food, beverages and more.

Things you can do with your children in Virginia Beach.

Jamestown Beach Event Park

Image by Virginia State Parks from Wikimedia

Jamestown Beach is possibly one of the best-kept secrets in Virginia. Situated not far from the historic Jamestown Settlement, this quaint beachfront park is a lovely spot to while away an afternoon. Featuring a charming pier and scenic picnic areas and restrooms, this family-friendly beach also has lagoons and a shady park that provides a welcome respite from the sun. The beachfront park features picnic areas (some shaded) with charcoal grills; a designated fishing area (freshwater license is required); an observation pier (for viewing only); outdoor rinse stations; paddle craft launch/loading/storage area; and a concession facility where ice cream, hot dogs, burgers, drinks and snacks are sold. Kayaks are rented Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.  This fully accessible park features an ADA-accessible walkway, parking, restrooms, outdoor rinse stations, picnic area and grill, and a beach mat that provides direct access to the river—a floating beach chair is available for guests who request water access accommodation Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. The park does charge a small day fee for non-residents to access it, but the serenity you will enjoy is well worth this nominal amount.

Huntington Beach Park, Newport News, VA

Willet (Western), Huntington Beach image by Caleb Putnam from Wikimedia

Huntington Park is a park located in Newport News, Virginia, USA. It offers a beach, two fishing piers, gardens, tennis, and museums. The park is run by the Newport News Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. It was formed through a 1924 donation to the city of Newport News by Henry E. Huntington. Visitors will want to spend a few days exploring Huntington Park Beach with its multitude of things to do. Guests can spend a day fishing from the longest fishing pier on the East Coast, take in a ball game at the local city league ballfield, explore the Huntington Park Rose Garden, or visit the Virginia War Museum and Vietnam War and Holocaust Remembrance memorials. This 60-acre park is open from sunrise to sunset daily and offers a public beach fronting the James River.

Lifeguards are on duty and a beach food concession is open during the summer months. The public boat ramp is open all year and accommodates boats with trailers up to 30 feet in length. The Rose Garden features forty-five varieties and the tennis centre has twenty lighted outdoor hard courts. Fort Fun, a 13,000-square-foot playground, overlooks the James River. Fishing for brook, brown and rainbow trout at Lake Biggins from November to March each year. Fishing licenses for Virginia residents and non-residents (including international visitors) are available at many areas sporting goods stores. Also located in Huntington Park is the Virginia War Museum which showcases America’s military history from the Revolutionary War to the present day.