13 Best Beaches In Virginia For A Breezy Getaway

When it comes to picturesque shorelines, Virginia makes a strong showing.

When it comes to picturesque shorelines, Virginia makes a strong showing. Some spots, like Assateague and Chincoteague, are well-known for their off-the-beaten-path sands (and the wild ponies that roam them), while other beaches are tucked along the edges of the commonwealth’s cities and small towns. Places like Norfolk and Virginia Beach have plenty of places to play in the surf, cast a line, and take in the views. In addition, you can usually find a kayak rental or a water tour nearby.

If exploration is the name of the game, hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities are also bountiful near many of Virginia's beaches. Whether you’re dipping your toes into the Atlantic’s ocean waters or frolicking in the bays that curve along the coasts, you’ll be glad you visited Virginia’s best beaches.

Assateague Island National Seashore

Assateague Island, Virginia

Everyone can agree that Assateague is a treasure. Assateague Island National Seashore stretches 37 miles along the Atlantic and is home to a herd of roaming wild horses. A favorite place for enjoying white-sand beaches overlooking the Atlantic, Tom's Cove, and Assateague Bay, the island is located on the Eastern Shore and is also home to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, where you'll find hiking trails, marshes, and the Assateague Lighthouse. While there, visit Chincoteague Island right next door.

fws.gov/refuge/chincoteague, 8231 Beach Road, Chincoteague Island, VA 23336

Buckroe Beach Park

Hampton, Virginia

At this Chesapeake Bay beach, you’ll encounter views of the bay and incoming ships along with nearly a mile of sandy shore. If you want to venture into the waters at Buckroe Beach, which is located on the coast in Hampton, Virginia, you can find jet-ski, kayak, and paddleboard rentals at nearby businesses, as well as history and water tours to book for even more fun in the sun.

hampton.gov/3503/Buckroe-Beach-Park, 100 South First Street, Hampton, VA 23664

Cape Charles Beach

Cape Charles, Virginia

Cape Charles, the southernmost town on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, is home to a family-friendly beach with calm, shallow waters along the Chesapeake Bay. Visitors of all ages love this public beach, which is as picturesque as it is laid-back. Cape Charles Beach and the surrounding areas invite boating, kayaking, and swimming in the waters, while the community of Cape Charles is also charming, meaning you'll have plenty of small-town draws to enjoy after your day at the beach (or if the rains come). Wrap up your day at Shanty Seafood with local oysters and cocktails on the deck.

shantyseafood.com, 33 Marina Road, Cape Charles, VA 23310

Explore Cape Charles

Chesapeake Bay Beach

Virginia Beach, Virginia

The city of Virginia Beach comes by its name honestly–it’s surrounded by beaches, all of which are popular stretches of shoreline for splashing, sunning, and taking in the beauty of the water. Chesapeake Bay Beach, also known as Chic's (or Chick's) Beach, is a great one to visit, as it has 2 miles of sand to traverse and quite calm waters stretching from Lynnhaven Inlet to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Satisfy your appetite at nearby Chick's Oyster Bar and take in the riverfront views.

chicksoysterbar.com, 2143 Vista Circle, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Chincoteague Island

Chincoteague Island, Virginia

On Chincoteague Island, you can enjoy the only resort island in Virginia. In this coastal area, you're invited to lounge on the beaches, see the sunset, and glimpse a wild pony or two. See the famed ponies in their habitat on a guided island boat tour. After a day at the beach, hit the Main Street shops and enjoy a surf-and-turf or seafood dinner at AJ’s on the Creek.

ajsotc.com, 6585 Maddox Boulevard, Chincoteague, VA 23336

chincoteague.com/scenic-cruises.html

Explore Chincoteague

Colonial Beach

Colonial Beach, Virginia

Located along the Potomac River, the town of Colonial Beach has a 2-mile-long stretch of sand to enjoy. It’s the second-largest beach in the commonwealth and comprises several different areas: North Beach, Downtown Boardwalk Beach, Irving Avenue Beach, Castlewood Beach, and The Pointe. Dotted throughout are boat launches, the boardwalk, Colonial Beach Municipal Pier (a must-visit for anyone hoping to cast a line), watersport rentals, and restaurants. Grab a sandwich from Circa 1892 and head toward the beach to people-watch by the pier.

circa1892.com, 106 Hawthorn Street, Colonial Beach, VA 22443 

Explore Colonial Beach

Croatan Beach

Virginia Beach, Virginia

This sandy spot is located in Virginia Beach near Camp Pendleton. Croatan Beach is less than a mile long and is a popular surfing spot, with designated surfing areas at the north end near Rudee Inlet and south at Camp Pendleton. This small but inviting beach is next door to the residential neighborhood of Croatan Beach, which has become a popular vacation destination for families. There are seven public beach access points.

croatanbeach.org, 920 Vanderbilt Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

False Cape State Park

Virginia Beach, Virginia

You’ll have to leave your cars behind when you visit False Cape State Park because access to these shores is by foot, bicycle, or boat only. One of the last remaining undeveloped areas along the Atlantic coast, the park’s primitive setting between the Back Bay and Atlantic coast offers many opportunities for visitors to experience nature. Explore hiking and biking trails, take a guided kayak tour, or participate in one of the area’s interpretive programs. The 6-mile stretch of beach along the Atlantic Ocean is an ideal destination for anyone wanting to get back to basics and experience the wonders of the untouched natural world.

dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/false-cape, 4001 Sandpiper Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456

First Landing State Park

Virginia Beach, Virginia

First Landing State Park has become an undeniably popular spot to spend a feet-in-the-sand, eyes-on-the-shore day in Virginia Beach. With 20 miles of trails and 1.5 miles of Chesapeake Bay beach, visitors will find much to explore in the park's cypress swamps, maritime forests, and lagoons. Camping, boating, and picnicking are go-to activities here. First Landing State Park is Virginia's most-visited state park and is the site of the English colonists’ first landing in 1607.

dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/first-landing, 2500 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Fossil Beach at Westmoreland State Park

Montross, Virginia

Westmoreland State Park, a waterside oasis with a coastline crenelated by cliffs, borders the Potomac River. A visit to the picturesque pocket of sand known as Fossil Beach at Westmoreland State Park brings fun in the surf and sand, as well as something of a treasure hunt. You’ll have to embark on a bit of a walk to get there, but once you reach Fossil Beach, you'd do well to keep your eyes peeled. Visitors have been known to uncover fossils and shark teeth along the serene shores.

dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/westmoreland, 145 Cliff Road, Montross, VA 22520

Ocean View Beach Park

Norfolk, Virginia

Located on the Chesapeake Bay, this multi-mile beach is sandwiched between Sarah Constant Beach Park and Community Beach Park. This is a popular spot for swimming, live performances and bands, and strolling the boardwalk. Here, you can swim in the ocean or take part in other watersports like windsurfing and kayaking. There are also walking trails and a golf course nearby if you tire of traversing the sands. At the Ocean View Pier, get your gear at the onsite bait and tackle shop. The 1,690-foot pier extends into the Chesapeake Bay and is an ideal fishing spot.

visitnorfolk.com/attraction/ocean-view-beach-park, 100 West Ocean View Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23503

oceanviewfishingpier.com, 400 West Ocean View Avenue, Norfolk, Virginia 23503

Resort Beach

Virginia Beach, Virginia

A central part of the bustling coast, Resort Beach is a popular stretch of shoreline in the Virginia Beach area. It's home to broad sands and is in close proximity to the city's many oceanside resorts. Beloved for its 3-mile boardwalk, Resort Beach is a hub for restaurants, shopping, and ice cream shops, as well as surfing, cycling, and people-watching. Rent beach cruisers, tandem bikes, surreys, or in-line skates and zip along the boardwalk bike path. Don't miss the 34-foot-tall King Neptune statue for a fun photo opportunity.

cheriesbikerentals.com, 2417 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

vbpublicart.org/gallery/king-neptune, 3101 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Explore Virginia Beach

Sandbridge Beach

Virginia Beach, Virginia

You'll find this beach north of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park. Just south of the bustling Oceanfront District, Sandbridge is a slower-paced, secluded beach where families can relax and unwind. When you want to explore the outdoors, head south to the refuge and the state park for hiking, biking, and kayaking.

fws.gov/refuge/back-bay, 4005 Sandpiper Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456

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