Virginia may not have a long coastline, but it still boasts stunning beaches. With a combination of lakes, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean, there are plenty of beach options for travelers. Virginia is home to an exceptionally long beach that rivals any on the east coast.
This popular beach attracts large crowds and sometimes overshadows other beautiful beaches in the state. Along the coast, you can also find preserves and state parks where you can camp or observe wild horses running on the sand. Virginia offers a wide range of beach experiences, which makes it an enjoyable state to visit.
12. Smith Mountain Lake Beach
Smith Mountain Lake Beach is a great option if you’re looking for a non-ocean beach in Virginia. It is located along the shores of the state’s second largest lake, and the freshwater is perfect for activities like swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking.
The beach is divided by a fishing pier, with boats often found in the middle of the lake. The surrounding area has charming cottages, and the atmosphere is family-friendly and lively with both travelers and weekenders mingling together. If you want to take a break from the sun, you can hang a hammock on the trees nearby for some shade.
Additionally, there is a campground where you can spend the night and wake up just a few steps away from the white sandy beach.
11. Sandbridge Beach
Residents love Sandbridge Beach, and even just one local can attest to that. Although Virginia Beach is popular with tourists, Sandbridge offers one of the best beach experiences in the state. It is located on the Currituck Banks Peninsula and is often compared to the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina.
One reason for this comparison is the similarity in landscapes and the lack of hotels in both areas. Sandbridge Beach is 4.5 miles long and has lifeguards stationed throughout during the summer months. Additionally, at the southern end of the beach, visitors can enjoy the amenities of Little Island Park and False Cape State Park.
10. Yorktown Beach
Yorktown Beach, located on the outskirts of historic Yorktown, is an ideal destination for a enjoyable day at the beach. With its close proximity to stores, eateries, and bars, you have access to all the amenities you need.
Additionally, the beach provides designated areas for picnics, well-maintained bathrooms, and a pier that extends into the calm waters. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about parking as there is convenient and free parking available nearby. Once you park your car, you have the option to take a shuttle and quickly reach the sandy shores.
As you relax on the beach, don’t miss the breathtaking view of the pristine York River and its accompanying bridge. Swimming in these waters is particularly enjoyable, and you can even indulge in kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding along the river.
After a lovely day at the beach, make sure to visit the Victory Monument and the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center.
9. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
At the lower end of Assateague Island in Virginia, there is a unique beach experience. The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is located there and it is a home to wild horses that freely roam on the one mile stretch of shimmering white sand. Besides swimming and sunbathing, you’ll have the chance to admire these beautiful horses.
Since it’s a wildlife refuge, you can also find plenty of things to do beyond the shoreline. Activities like crabbing or exploring the nearby dunes and marshes are popular. Additionally, the island attracts migratory birds, providing wonderful opportunities for birdwatching.
8. Westmoreland State Park
Westmoreland State Park, located in the Northern Neck region, is a great place for people who love the beach and adventure. If you want to visit the beautiful Fossil Beach on the Potomac River, you will first need to take a leisurely walk along the scenic Big Meadow Trail, which is just under one mile long.
Once you arrive at Fossil Beach, you will find one of the best places in Virginia for collecting seashells. People of all ages can search the beach in hopes of finding shark teeth from very long ago. Aside from exploring the beach, you can also rent a kayak and paddle along the stunning coast to discover the impressive Horsehead Cliffs.
To keep the fun going, you can reserve a cabin or set up a tent for a night spent under the stars.
7. Bethel Beach
Bethel Beach is a serene and untouched place surrounded by nature. While it may not have many amenities, it compensates with a peaceful ambiance. It consists of a small strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and rolling sand dunes. The dunes constantly change shape due to the ocean breeze.
The beach also has various entry points to explore exquisite lagoons, back bays, and narrow channels. Beyond the typical beach activities, the preserve is a habitat for around 200 different bird species, providing diverse wildlife viewing opportunities.
6. Buckroe Beach
Buckroe Beach is located in Hampton, Virginia, by the Chesapeake Bay. It used to be a place where early settlers and fishermen camped before the Civil War. Now, it is a popular beach with a beautiful bridge that attracts many anglers when the weather is nice.
Families love visiting the beach because it has a lively atmosphere, with regular concerts happening at the pavilion. If you need any beach equipment, rental shops are available, offering umbrellas, chairs, and kayaks for you to explore the area around the pier.
Additionally, there are also restaurants near the beach where you can grab a meal during your visit.
5. Chesapeake Beach
Chesapeake Beach, also known as Chic’s Beach, is a beautiful place to watch the sunrise. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel adds to the picturesque scenery as the sun shines on it. The beach itself stretches for two miles from the bridge to the Lynnhaven Inlet, attracting visitors for various activities.
People come to sunbathe, swim, kiteboard, windsurf, or even go paddleboarding or kayaking during the day.
4. Cape Charles Beach
Cape Charles Beach is located on the eastern shores of the Chesapeake Bay. The beach has a peaceful atmosphere and the water is very calm. It is a nice place to relax on the soft white sand without dealing with large crowds. Since it is within the bay, the waves are not strong, making it perfect for swimming.
You can also rent equipment such as kayaks or windsurfing gear from nearby shops to enjoy various activities on the bay. During the winter, pets are allowed on the beach, but in the summer, they are only allowed before 9am or after 9pm.
3. Virginia Beach
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Virginia Beach holds the title of being the longest pleasure beach in the world. It offers a wide range of activities for families and is affordably priced, making it an attractive destination at any time of the day.
Not far from Chesapeake Bay, the beach has a charming atmosphere with grass dunes and regular, enjoyable waves. However, Virginia Beach has more to offer than just sand and sea. The area is renowned for its excellent restaurants, and visitors can also enjoy a three-mile boardwalk and hiking trails in the Back Bay National Refuge.
There are plenty of accommodation options available along the waterfront, ranging from affordable rooms to luxurious experiences.
2. Colonial Beach
Colonial Beach is a charming port town located in Northern Neck, Virginia. It offers the perfect blend of small-town vibes and a breathtaking sandy beach. Despite being close to Washington D.C., many travelers tend to overlook this hidden gem in favor of the more famous Virginia Beach.
However, those who decide to visit Colonial Beach will not be disappointed. It is a fantastic destination for families, offering a mix of relaxing swimming spots, thrilling water sports, and stunning sunrises. The beach is not only great for swimming but also offers fishing opportunities at the Municipal Pier and nearby Potomac River Beach.
Additionally, visitors to Colonial Beach can take a short walk to explore the George Washington Birthplace National Monument.
1. First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park in Virginia is the most popular state park in the area, attracting many visitors each year. One of the reasons for its popularity is the park’s rich history, as it was the location where the first English settlers arrived in 1607. The park was established in 1936 to protect the cypress swamps and the beach.
The beach, situated on Chesapeake Bay, is one of the few public access points in the area. The bay provides a calm swimming environment, especially suitable for children, as it is shielded from the strong waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
To reach the beach, visitors take a pleasant walk along a boardwalk that passes through dunes and maritime shrubbery. Unlike the past, there are no longer any hotels or beachfront bars, creating a peaceful and natural atmosphere where visitors can enjoy the water and the surrounding environment. It truly offers an exceptional experience.
