9 Best Beaches in Virginia: Top Spots for Sun & Fun

In this article, I will discuss Virginia’s beaches, describing their characteristics, the activities they offer, and their individual charm.

Virginia has a wide selection of coastal locations suitable for unwinding, family entertainment, and nature pursuits; from busy boardwalk to quiet, off the beaten path beaches.

Whether you like to swim, sunbathe, or partake in some wildlife observation, each of these beaches has something unique to offer.

Key Points & Best beaches in Virginia

Beach	Key Points / Highlights
Sandbridge Beach	Secluded, peaceful, less crowded, ideal for relaxation and nature lovers
Buckroe Beach	Historic charm, family-friendly, fishing pier, calm waters
Chincoteague Island	Famous for wild ponies, serene beaches, birdwatching, nature trails
Assateague Island	Pristine natural beach, wild horses, kayaking, camping, national seashore
Cape Charles Beach	Soft sand, quiet atmosphere, family-friendly, great for sunbathing
False Cape State Park	Remote, unspoiled, hiking access, camping, wildlife viewing
First Landing State Park	Beach plus forest trails, kayaking, picnic spots, historical significance
Ocean View Beach	Popular local beach, fishing pier, affordable and accessible
Kingsmill Resort / James River	Riverfront beach, resort amenities, kayaking, family-friendly

9 Best beaches in Virginia

1. Sandbridge Beach

Considered the “quieter side” of Va Beach, the Sandbridge Beach area offers a peaceful getaway from the more busy boardwalk.

Particularly magnificent for families or nature folks, this area is beautiful, with wide, clean, and sandy shores.

Visitors go for a swim, a beach walk, or sun “bathing” on the clean beach. It is also a good area for fishing, kayaking, and paddle boarding.

Wildlife, especially numerous species of bird, populate the area and can be seen on the dune. Sandbridge is for you if you are after a slower paced, and more beautiful, coastal experience.

Feature	Description
Secluded Location	Less crowded than Virginia Beach, ideal for a peaceful getaway.
Outdoor Activities	Swimming, sunbathing, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding available.
Vacation Rentals	Private beachfront houses for a relaxing stay with family or friends.
Wildlife & Nature	Dunes and marshes provide opportunities to spot birds and coastal wildlife.

2. Buckroe Beach

Buckroe Beach is located in Hampton, historic as well as family friendly. The water is tranquil which makes swimming and wading, especially for kids, a lot of fun.

For people of all ages, the beach also has a fishing pier, picnic áreas, and a small playground. There are local shops and restaurants for casual dining and entertainment as well.

The local ambiance is enhanced by the occasional community events and festivals. Being a short distance to the historical sights of Hampton makes it possible to explore this area’s rich history.

Buckroe Beach is perfect for people and families that wants to enjoy a calm and relaxing beach day with easy access to all the necessary facilities.

Feature	Description
Family-Friendly	Calm waters and playgrounds make it ideal for children.
Fishing Pier	A historic pier perfect for fishing enthusiasts and casual strolls.
Nearby Amenities	Restaurants, shops, and picnic areas easily accessible.
Community Events	Local festivals and events enhance the social and cultural experience.

3. Chincoteague Island

Chincoteague Island is a beautiful place well-known for its wild ponies and beautiful natural surroundings.

While on the island, visitors have the opportunity to spend time on the refuge and the beach, go swimming, birdwatching, or partaking in the animal and plant life of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

Families can enjoy the island, as its gentle shorelines and calm waters are ideal for swimming, kayaking, and family get-togethers.

There are friendly community shops, and seafood restaurants, as well as comfy inns, enhancing the island’s small community.

Off-season events, like the Pony Swim, and the island’s Pony Penning, draw in tourists from all over the planet. Chincoteague provides the wonderful coastline of Virginia to its visitors.

Feature	Description
Wild Ponies	Famous for the island’s free-roaming wild ponies, a major attraction.
Wildlife Refuge	Home to migratory birds and diverse marine life.
Outdoor Recreation	Beaches, kayaking, and hiking trails for nature enthusiasts.
Quaint Town	Small-town charm with seafood restaurants, shops, and cozy inns.

4. Assateague Island

Assateague Island is a protected national seashore known for its wild horses and unspoiled, Natural, Beach.

Visitors have the opportunity to hike, camp, or kayak and take in the breathtaking and unaltered scenery. Visitors to the beach can take a swim, soak up the sun, or practice some nature photography.

For wildlife lovers, there is a diverse assortment of birds and other animals, including deer and sea creatures, to be seen.

Assateague’s barrier island environment offers the serenity to recuperate and recharge for those who want to get away from the bustle.

Apart from the camp grounds and visitor centers, the rest of the facility is tremendously undeveloped

Which in turn adds to its appeal. The island is greatly suited for adventurers and nature lovers in need of connection to raw and unaltered land. This is complemented by the opportunity to see wild horses at a close distance.

Feature	Description
Pristine Beaches	Natural, unspoiled coastline perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Wild Horses	Iconic free-roaming horses attract visitors from around the world.
Camping & Hiking	Back-to-nature experience with campgrounds and trails.
Wildlife Viewing	Birdwatching and spotting deer, foxes, and other native species.

5. Cape Charles Beach

Cape Charles Beach located at Virginia’s Eastern Shore is famous for its soft sand, calm waters and relaxed atmosphere.

Family-friendly and less crowded than other beaches, Cape Charles Beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming and taking a walk.

The town of Cape Charles and its historic charm, along with a delightful selection of boutique shops and cafes, makes for a Victorian-era architecture stroll.

Local events, shore fishing, and bike trails add fishing and biking to the peaceful environment of Cape Charles Beach.

Slightly Victorian, Cape Charles Beach gives a perfect balance of recreation and relaxation, together with the cultural exploration of the town and its historic charm along Virginia’s beautiful coastline.

Feature	Description
Soft Sandy Shore	Calm and clean beaches ideal for sunbathing and relaxing.
Family-Friendly	Safe for kids with gentle waters and picnic areas.
Historic Town	Nearby Cape Charles offers charming shops, cafes, and architecture.
Outdoor Activities	Swimming, biking, and occasional local events or festivals.

6. False Cape State Park

False Cape State Park is one of the most pristine and untouched beaches in the state of Virginia. Visitors to the park enjoy a wilderness experience of the soft sandy beaches, the marshes, the wildlife, and the unending beauty of the park.

Removal from society and silent enjoying of the park is unique. Visitors can camp, hike, and indulge in other activities such as kayaking and fishing.

Visitors who enjoy noticing and watching rare birds and other forms of wildlife will love the beach and its surrounding natural beauty.

There is little in the way of modern facilities, which is the point, as Virginia’s coast is to be unspoiled and, as the name says, state park

To be kept as park for the enjoyment of people to escape their busy urban lives and enjoy the beauty of nature along the Virginia coast. Eco-tourists love state parks.

Feature	Description
Remote & Secluded	Accessible only by foot, bike, or boat for a private experience.
Pristine Nature	Untouched sandy beaches, marshes, and coastal wildlife.
Camping & Hiking	Backcountry camping and scenic trails for adventurous visitors.
Birdwatching	Excellent spot for observing rare and migratory bird species.

7. First Landing State Park

Located just a short drive to the Virginia Beach area, First Landing State Park welcomes you to a unique blend of history, outdoor relaxation, and recreation.

Enjoy a sandy beach along the bay, perfect for some sun and a picnic, and take a swim in the warm waters of the Chesapeake Bay.

For a change of scenery, 19 miles of the park’s multi-use trails and roads will take you through the park’s diverse forest and salt marsh ecosystem.

First Landing State Park is historically commemorative of the First Landing of the English settlers to the region in 1607.

With the scenic waters of the park, kayaking, fishing, and other water related activities are a park and visitor favorite.

First Landing State Park is one of the most versatile and family-oriented destinations along the coast of Virginia.

Feature	Description
Historical Significance	Site where English settlers first landed in 1607.
Beach & Recreation	Swimming, sunbathing, and picnic areas available.
Trails & Nature	19 miles of hiking and biking trails through forests and marshes.
Water Activities	Kayaking, fishing, and wildlife observation along waterways.

8. Ocean View Beach

Norfolk’s Ocean View Beach is an inexpensive and easy coastal escape. The broad sandy beach is excellent for swimming, beachcombing, and lounging.

There is a playground, picnic areas, and a fishing pier, adding to the recreational options. Ocean View Beach is friendly and local, with shops and restaurants nearby to make convenient day trips.

The community is also lively, with seasonal events and festivals. Even though Ocean View Beach is smaller than Virginia Beach, it has a friendly, low-key atmosphere.

This is ideal for residents and travelers who want a simple, enjoyable day at the beach, away from the hustle and bustle.

Feature	Description
Accessible Location	Easily reachable for locals and tourists in Norfolk.
Family-Friendly	Playground, picnic shelters, and calm sandy shores.
Fishing Pier	Popular spot for fishing and casual walks.
Community Atmosphere	Seasonal events and festivals create a welcoming environment.

9. Kingsmill Resort / James River

In Williamsburg, on the James River, is Kingsmill Resort which includes beach access and service resort features.

The calm riverfront beach is great for kayaking, paddleboarding, and other family water activities.

There are also golf courses, a restaurant, a spa, and other luxurious accommodations. Visitors can enjoy the riverside before or after exploring the historical sights of Williamsburg. The area is great for watching wildlife and river birds.

Along with the comfortable and high-end beach accommodations, Kingsmill offers a unique combination of recreation and cultural activities on the picturesque James River in Virginia.

Feature	Description
Riverfront Beach	Calm waters perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and relaxation.
Resort Amenities	Luxurious accommodations, golf, spa, and restaurants.
Family-Friendly	Activities suitable for kids and adults alike.
Scenic & Wildlife	Riverside location offers birdwatching and serene landscapes.

Conclusion

To sum up, Virginia has a wonderful range of beaches, which include hidden shores and beaches with active boardwalks.

These beaches have something for everyone, whether you are searching for outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, or peaceful nature retreats.

Virginia’s coastline, with its remarkable offerings, including the peaceful Sandbridge and the wild horses of Assateague, is a wonderful spot for a getaway, combining rest, leisure, and the joy of exploring the coast.

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