16 Best Beaches in Virginia
Want to take a trip to the Atlantic coast?
Visit the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Countless beaches await you anywhere from the well-known Chesapeake Bay further inland.
Whether you visit a lake, a bay or the ocean makes no difference.
The beaches in Virginia are some of the best in the country.
Get set for a trip to the beach that will change your life forever.
Below is a list of the top beaches in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
- Virginia Beach — Virginia Beach
At the point where the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean meet, Virginia Beach is a popular vacation destination.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The city’s Oceanfront should top your list of things to do in Virginia Beach.
A wide variety of hotels, attractions, and restaurants are located nearby.
This place is like being on a beach while you’re at home.
Expert Tip
Stay right on Atlantic Avenue to make the most of your time lounging in the sun and taking a dip in the ocean.
- Sandbridge Beach — Virginia Beach
A popular beach community in northern Virginia Beach, Sandbridge Beach is located on the Outer Banks.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Do you wish to find a more peaceful beach than the one along the Oceanfront?
Visit Sandbridge Beach, a close relative that receives less traffic but is just as beautiful.
This beach is ideal for unwinding because it is undeveloped, uncomplicated, and quiet.
Expert Tip
When it comes to Virginia beaches with crystal clear water, few can compare to Sandbridge.
If you’re going for a swim or out on a kayak, keep an eye out for marine life.
- Colonial Beach — Colonial Beach
Located in Westmoreland County, Colonial Beach is a popular tourist destination.
Nearby water features include Monroe Bay, Monroe Creek, and the Potomac River.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Colonial Beach is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a place to go boating, waterskiing, or just wading around in the water. It has the second-largest waterfront in Virginia.
Expert Tip
The best time to visit the beach is either first thing in the morning or last thing at night.
Views of the sunrise and sunset from Colonial Beach are breathtaking.
- Buckroe Beach — Hampton
The Hampton neighborhood of Buckroe Beach can be found north of Fort Monroe.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Are we seeking a great place to unwind while absorbing much-needed Vitamin Sea?
Buckroe Beach is one of the lovely beaches in the area, known for its powdery white sand.
Expert Tip
Artists planning to take photographs should remember to bring their equipment.
The view of the Chesapeake Bay from Buckroe Beach is breathtaking.
- Assateague Island National Seashore — Berlin
The state park at Assateague Island sits on the border between Maryland and Virginia.
Berlin, Maryland, is the primary entry point and is located about 5 hours from Virginia Beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Assateague Island is a must-see if you’re ever in the area near the Maryland–Virginia border.
This beach is hard to beat when it comes to seeing exotic animals.
Expert Tip
Do you long to witness free-running horses?
This island is well worth a trip to see.
This sand wall can even be used as a camping spot.
- Belle Isle Beach — Lancaster
Belle Isle Beach is one of the waterfront areas in Belle Isle State Park, which spans 892 acres.
The park is located between Deep Creek and Morattico Creek, on the banks of the Rappahannock River.
Why We Recommend This Beach
There’s much to do on Belle Isle’s seven miles of shoreline. You can go boating, exploring in a kayak, or just taking in the sights of the various ecosystems that call the tidal wetlands home.
Expert Tip
You can make the most of your trip by getting out on the water and engaging in activities like canoeing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing.
- Cape Charles Beach — Cape Charles
Towards the end of the Chesapeake Bay’s southern shore is where you’ll find Cape Charles Beach.
The Eastern Seaboard’s lone public beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Cape Charles Beach likely is the most child-friendly of these options.
This waterfront is located on the bay and features shallow, wave-free water.
It’s ideal for families with young children who want to relax and have fun on vacation.
Expert Tip
When your children tire of playing in the surf, don’t be reluctant to bring them to the sand.
Remember to bring all of their favorite beach toys to increase the fun factor
- Kerr Lake — Clarksville
Kerr Lake is located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, not far from the Virginia border.
Roughly 50,000 acres of land make up its area.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Kerr Lake has 850 miles of shoreline, so there are plenty of great places to swim and sunbathe.
Numerous water-based pursuits are available, such as swimming, fishing, water skiing, and boating.
Expert Tip
In other words, don’t forget your camera!
Those at Kerr Lake are among the state’s most stunning Virginia beaches.
You will have a great time taking pictures of the breathtaking scenery.
- Ocean View Beach — Norfolk
Southeastern Virginia is home to Ocean View Beach, which fronts the Chesapeake Bay.
Its proximity to the Norfolk Naval Station is a definite plus.
Why We Recommend This Beach
To maximize your time in the water, this beach is ideal.
Ocean View is a strong contender if you’re looking for a great place to go swimming in Virginia.
Because it’s on a bay, the water there is usually more tranquil (as opposed to the Atlantic).
Access to the beach is also very convenient.
In addition, there are lifeguards spread out along the beach.
Expert Tip
Places exist on Ocean View Beach where pets are welcome.
While you’re here, you and your pet can relax and have fun for the day.
That said, don’t forget to bring Fido or Fluffy with you.
- Jamestown Beach — Williamsburg
In Williamsburg, the state’s capital, you’ll find Jamestown Beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
You can’t do better than Jamestown Beach if you’re looking for a place to spend quality time with the family.
You can bask in the sunshine, unwind on the beach, and swim in the clear waters.
Expert Tip
Charcoal grills and picnic tables are available in the park’s waterfront area.
Remember to bring something to share at the barbecue.
- Chesapeake Beach — Virginia Beach
From Lynnhaven Inlet to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, you can enjoy two uninterrupted miles of sandy beach known as Chesapeake Beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
You will be captivated by Chesapeake Beach’s quiet, quaint atmosphere.
The view of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel from here is quite lovely.
Expert Tip
Chesapeake Beach is a beautiful place for a peaceful stroll on the sand.
This beach is usually less crowded than others, so you can kick back and take it easy.
- Bethel Beach — Chesapeake
Bethel Beach, Mathews County, is part of a larger natural area preserve that spans 105 acres.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Bethel Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand, low dunes, and salt marshes just waiting to be discovered.
This is a fantastic place to observe birds and other forms of wildlife.
For example, the beach tiger beetle relies on this area as its home.
Expert Tip
There are no facilities at Bethel Beach.
Leave no trace and take your trash home with you.
- Westmoreland State Park — Montross
Located in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, on the banks of the Potomac River, is the 1,321-acre Westmoreland State Park.
Why We Recommend This Beach
While the park is known for its stunning scenery, it also offers various activities.
You can also go boating, fishing, and swimming.
When you’re done with the water, you can go on a hike or a camping trip.
Expert Tip
The Horsehead Cliffs in the park offer spectacular vistas of the Potomac River.
- First Landing State Park — Virginia Beach
The First Landing State Park in Cape Henry, Virginia Beach, spans an expansive 2,888 acres.
A National Historic Landmark, it is now on the books.
Why We Recommend This Beach
First Landing State Park’s beach water is shallow and relatively wave-free.
The soft, powdery sand on its expansive shores is ideal for unwinding.
Whether you want to lie on the sand and watch the ships go by or curl up with a good book, this bay is the perfect setting for some R&R.
Expert Tip
This beach does not have any permanent lifeguard coverage.
Taking part in swimming is done at your own risk, and you accept full responsibility for any injuries you may incur.
That’s why it’s recommended that you swim in pairs at all times.
- Chincoteague — Chincoteague
Chincoteague Island, located in Accomack County, is home to a small town with the same name.
It is close to Assateague Island.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Chincoteague Island is one of Virginia’s most well-known beaches, and for a good reason: it’s a great place to swim, fish, and sightsee.
However, the Pony Swim is what brings in the crowds.
See the wild horses’ journey from Assateague Channel to Chincoteague Island by canoe.
Expert Tip
You can swim in the ocean, ride horses, or ride bicycles around the island, in addition to watching the Pony Swim.
- Kiptopeke State Park — Cape Charles
Towards the bottom of Virginia’s Eastern Shore is where you’ll find Kiptopeke State Park.
There is proximity to Cape Charles.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Kiptopeke Beach, located in the state’s tranquil south, is widely regarded as one of the state’s finest stretches of sand.
Hiking and biking are encouraged all over the beach and park, thanks to the boardwalks that connect everything.
Expert Tip
The north beach and the south beach are open for swimming and other outdoor activities.
Both are, however, unsupervised, so swimmers do so at their peril.
