Virginia has 7,213 miles of seashore, according to the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences (VIMS). This includes the Atlantic Ocean’s, Chesapeake Bay’s, and tidewater rivers’ land and water borders: – 132 miles of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean – 7,213 miles of beachfront in the tidal bay.
With thousands of miles of magnificent coastline, distinctive coastal locations, and undulating landscapes, one thing is undeniable: Virginia is a beach lover’s paradise. Virginia Beach is one of the most popular sun-seeking destinations on the Atlantic coast of the United States. This bustling coastal community, tucked away in the state’s south-east corner where the Chesapeake Bay meets the ocean, is known for its magnificent huge beach and active Oceanfront boardwalk.
If you’re looking for some recommendations for the best beaches in Virginia, go no further than this list of the Best Beaches in Virginia.
Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is the most well-known beach in the state. The Atlantic Ocean is a popular destination for vacationers. It is close to the Chesapeake Bay, which adds to the area’s appeal in terms of cuisine and activities other than sandcastles. One of the reasons Virginia Beach is so popular with locals and visitors alike is the variety of sea and land adventures available.
Watch a surfing competition from the beach. Watch a game of sand volleyball or listen to live music. Learn to dive or hire a bike to ride along the Back Bay National Refuge’s pathways. Take a stroll down the three-mile boardwalk while listening to the waves smash against the shoreline, and stop by one of the many stores and restaurants that line the main street.
Sandbridge
Sandbridge is easily one of Virginia’s most popular beaches among locals, yet it receives little attention from foreigners or out-of-town visitors.
It’s secluded, and the sandy beaches (thus the name) add to the allure. It’s on the Currituck Banks Peninsula, south of Virginia Beach’s main drag, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Back Bay Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park on the other.
The beach is approximately 4.5 miles long, and Little Island Park, located in the southern portion of Sandbridge, is a great area to visit for lone travellers or families.
Lifeguards are stationed at various points along the beach, with four posts at Market Place Beach and ten at Little Island Beach. During the summer, lifeguards are on duty for the most of the day (9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
Assateague Island
The barrier island of Assateague is located immediately off the coast of Delmarva. Virginia owns a third of the 37-mile-long island, while Maryland owns the remainder. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and about a mile of beach are located in Virginia. The majority of Assateague Island National Seashore and Assateague State Park are located in Maryland. The island is famous for its wild horses, ancient Assateague Lighthouse, and beautiful beaches. With its marshes, coves, and bays, the island is a dream to explore. The island is connected to the mainland by bridges, although there is no road that runs the length of the island. The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, located south of the Virginia border, provides a haven for migrating birds, particularly snow geese.
Virginia Beach Oceanfront
The Oceanfront in Virginia Beach is the epicentre of the state’s beach recreation culture. During the summer, the 3-mile-long stretch is packed with sunbathers looking to soak up the warm rays of the Atlantic. Meanwhile, live entertainers and buskers amuse the masses on the famed boardwalk, creating a lively and festive atmosphere for the entire family.
Fishing is excellent off the Virginia Beach pier, and bikers and hikers like making laps along the long seaside boardwalk. In any case, keep an eye out for dolphins frolicking across the waters in the distance.
Williamsburg
Williamsburg is known for its historical significance, but anyone who has ever sat on the beach at Jamestown Beach Event Park will attest to its beauty. This dog-friendly beach, which overlooks the James River, is ideal for families who want to picnic by the sea. College Creek Beach, another popular Williamsburg beach, attracts locals and visitors who enjoy sunbathing, fishing, and reading. Swimming is not suggested here because the water is deep and the current is strong. Visit Colonial Williamsburg, the world’s biggest living history museum, before leaving town.
Cape Charles Beach
Cape Charles Beach is the southernmost municipality on the Eastern Shore, and its beach is the only one without a parking or admission fee on the whole Eastern Shore.
The beach is just beside the old town, and the sand was exceptionally white, and the water was really inviting—it was truly a stunning sight, and I’m kicking myself for taking so long to see the Eastern Shore!
There are a few piers and spaces to walk through, and the region offers some excellent birdwatching chances. There are plenty of activities to do at Cape Charles, so make a trip there!
Buckroe Beach
Buckroe Beach, nestled along the Chesapeake Bay, is one of Hampton’s most popular beaches, with 8 acres of sand with a 34-mile width, a children’s playground, three picnic shelters with grills and tables, hiking and bicycling pathways, and lots of parking. During the summer, lifeguards are on duty. Traditional Groovin’ by the Bay concerts are held every Sunday during the summer. Outdoor movies are shown on Tuesdays as part of the Family Movie Series. Swimming is excellent on the beach, and paddleboats and kayaks may be rented. During the summer, dogs are not permitted.
Croatan Beach
Croatan Beach is only a few miles south of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, yet it feels like a world away. The unintimidating left and right breaks on this 0.75-mile stretch make it a favourite area for beginning surfers. Throughout the summer, surf camps operate and offer day-trippers affordable board rentals.
The restrooms are clean and well-kept, and during the busy months, a lifeguard keeps an eye on things. For as little as $5 per day, there is plenty of parking available in the area.
Colonial Beach
Colonial Beach is a small coastal town in the Northern Neck region of Virginia. Despite being one of the closest beaches to Washington, D.C. and Virginia’s second-largest coast this family-friendly hideaway is frequently overshadowed by the more popular Atlantic Ocean beaches. But don’t worry: Colonial Beach has something for everyone, whether you’re swimming, sailing, or watching the sunrise. Cast a line along the Potomac River Beach or fish from the Colonial Beach Municipal Pier. This tranquil beach, accessible from the George Washington Birthplace National Monument, is ideal for leisurely reading and picnic meals.
Belle Isle Beach
Belle Isle Beach in Richmond is the place to go in Virginia for a very unique “beach” experience. It is classified as an urban beach since it lacks sand and ocean waves in favour of natural flat rocks that inhabitants enjoy lounging on in the sun. Swimming is not recommended due to the rapids, but it is an excellent alternative if you simply want to be near water and dip your feet in to cool down. Cliffs and little, quiet shallow pools of water dot the terrain near Belle Isle Beach.
Belle Isle Beach is located in the heart of Richmond’s Belle Isle Historic Park. It’s a good choice if you don’t have time to drive to the beach and spend the day there. The park is a 54-acre island that was originally home to a Native American fishing community. There are hiking paths and historic sites to see in addition to the stunning urban beach.
Ocean View Beach
Ocean View in Norfolk features 7.5 miles of beautiful public free-access beaches along the Chesapeake Bay that are ideal for swimming, sunning, and playing. Commercial piers are great places to go crabbing and fishing since they have tackle shops and bait shops. Ocean View Park is located along the beach and features several shady trees, a gazebo, several picnic tables, and a bathhouse. It’s one of three well-kept and well-organized beach parks. The quiet bay waters are great for kayaking, paddle boarding, and paddling, while the flat, hard-packed sand is ideal for jogging or leisurely strolls along the sea.
Little Island Park
Sandpiper’s Beach, also known as Little Island Park, is a delightful family-friendly place just over the pier from Sandbridge Beach. And, like its larger neighbour, the swell is tranquil here, making it ideal for small children to play in.
A well-equipped leisure complex with basketball and volleyball courts, as well as a playground, is located just beyond the beach. There are restrooms provided, and the entire area is free, with the exception of a $5 parking fee. Surfers hang ten on the other side of the pier, and both the beach and the jetty offer good fishing. In the summer, lifeguards monitor the stretch, and leashed pets are permitted under particular conditions.