20 Best Beaches in Virginia to Visit in 2023
Visitors to Beaches in Virginia will enjoy the unique coastal experiences across its Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean beaches. From resort towns bustling with activity, to serene nature havens, this guide will explore 20 of the best beaches in Virginia for an unforgettable getaway! So come dip your toes in these stunning paradises situated along Virginia’s Beach shores.
Beaches in Virginia Brief Overview
- Discover Virginia’s coastal paradise with 20 best beaches to visit in 2023.
- Enjoy a range of activities from water sports to fossil hunting and explore the history and natural beauty of these destinations.
- Experience unforgettable beach getaways surrounded by stunning views, wildlife encounters, outdoor adventures & family friendly havens!
Virginia Beach: A Coastal Paradise
Virginia Beach, a world-renowned coastal resort, is full of beach experiences for all kinds. The Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay offer amazing access to Virginia’s best beaches such as Resort Beach with its vibrant atmosphere. Sandbridge Beach, where visitors can relax in serene settings, and Croatan, which provides an ideal setting for surfers alike. All these picturesque landscapes are perfect examples of what makes this one among the top beaches found anywhere across America!
Resort Beach
Head over to Resort Beach if you’re looking for a vibrant destination, perfect sands, and an iconic 3-mile boardwalk. Experience live entertainment or play beach volleyball while there! If exploring wildlife is your thing, then don’t miss the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, which makes an exciting addition to your trip.
Sandbridge Beach
At Sandbridge Beach, beachgoers can bask in a peaceful experience. It stretches for four miles and is known to be far quieter than other popular beaches around. As you gaze into the Atlantic Ocean from among the stunning sand dunes, your stress will melt away as relaxation sets it.
For those wishing more of an adventure, nearby False Cape State Park awaits with plenty of activities such as kayaking, fishing or hiking while appreciating its diverse wildlife and marveling at Mother Nature’s beauty all around them!
Croatan Beach
East Coast surfers rejoice! Croatan Beach is your ideal getaway for catching the perfect wave. This renowned beach has two areas reserved just for surfing and it’s also been a part of the East Coast Surfing Championships each year for over four decades. Lifeguards are available to keep everyone safe while swimming, making this locale not only great fun but also an awesome spot to bring families looking to enjoy some time on the shoreline together without worry or hassle.
Croatan Beach is practically calling out all lovers of waves so they can both ride ‘em and then kick back in its company. With friends and family members alike, what could be better?
Colonial Beach: A Historic Waterfront Town
Colonial Beach, located in Westmoreland County by the shore of the majestic Potomac River and Monroe Bay as well as its creek, is a perfect spot to both relax outdoors and take an exploration into America’s past. Visitors will be able to enjoy activities around North Beach or explore Downtown Boardwalk beach for breathtaking views.
The town has long been associated with history, which invites guests on fascinating journeys that highlight Colonial Beach’s unique character, from its gorgeous beaches and waterfront areas offering captivating stories about US origins to sprawling natural sites embracing fresh air and peaceful scenery.
Outdoor Activities
Colonial Beach boasts plenty of activities for beachgoers, such as kayaking and paddleboarding in the tranquil Potomac River. Anglers can take advantage of a fishing trip to Colonial Beach Municipal Pier – with its incredible views during sunset it’s also an ideal spot for amateur photography!
Historical Attractions
Richmond, Virginia Beach and Washington DC residents looking for a unique day trip should explore Colonial Beach. Here visitors can explore Westmoreland County Museum which covers Native American heritage right through the Civil War. History buffs would enjoy the opportunity to learn about this region’s past. For those wanting an extended stay, Colonial beach makes a great vacation destination!
Chesapeake Bay Beaches: Calm Waters and Scenic Views
The Chesapeake Bay Beaches offer a tranquil environment for families and nature enthusiasts to enjoy. Their waters are gentle and the views are remarkable, providing an ideal place for relaxation or outdoor recreation activities.
Chesapeake Bay Beach has that calm atmosphere you may be seeking while Ocean View Beach Park accommodates both people and pets along its breathtaking shoreline of the bay.
Chesapeake Bay Beach
Chesapeake Bay Beach, located in Virginia Beach, provides a wonderful and tranquil getaway. It boasts two miles of sandy shoreline great for taking walks along the beach or even swimming with its gentle waves. With close proximity to the magnificent Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, there is much more than just sunbathing available here! Plus, this destination offers plenty of parking so that visitors can easily explore all nearby attractions hassle-free. Making it an ideal spot for a day out spent relaxing by the sea and enjoying everything Chesapeake Bay has to offer.
Ocean View Beach Park
A great place to take your family and friends is the Community Beach Park at Ocean View. Here you can take part in various thrilling water sports or try catching something from its iconic 1,690-foot long fishing pier. Rent a jet ski, kayak or paddle board for an adventurous experience on the sea. All while enjoying lifeguard services and other amenities that this public beach park has to offer. This ocean view sanctuary gives everyone a chance to make fun memories under the sun with sand between their toes!
Wild Horses and Untouched Shores: Assateague Island National Seashore
Assateague Island National Seashore is a 37-mile stretch of unspoiled beach located along the eastern shore. It’s an untouched paradise that features some truly unforgettable sights, such as wild horses and ponies running free across its lush landscapes. Nature lovers will be amazed by this majestic national treasure, one with great potential for providing an extraordinary vacation experience. Those looking to explore Assateague Island can find solace in discovering its wondrous beauty while being witness to these amazing creatures who call it home!
Wildlife Encounters
Visitors to the island can explore its unique habitats and observe majestic wild ponies wandering across all areas of the park. Marvel at them grazing in marshes or frolicking along beaches, creating a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience that is not found anywhere else.
There are also plentiful other species living on this lush paradise that will captivate any nature lover!
Outdoor Adventures
The stunning Assateague Island National Seashore beckons with a world of outdoor adventures suitable for people of all ages and abilities. Set out on an exploration by kayak, take in the scenery as you walk through its trails or join a guided tours to learn about this place’s unique wildlife and natural beauty. A visit to Assateague Island promises long-lasting memories that will be treasured forever.
Cape Charles Beach: A Family-Friendly Haven
On the Eastern Shore, Cape Charles Beach is a family friendly beach front-oriented retreat that offers gentle and shallow waters perfect for swimming, fishing or kayaking. Located along the beautiful Chesapeake Bay shoreline in Cape Charles town, this vacation spot brings about an enjoyable beach experience filled with fun activities and relaxation. Visitors of all ages can partake in traditional sunbathing as well as take pleasure from more dynamic pursuits like boating on nearby waterways!
Kid-Friendly Activities
Cape Charles. Beach is an ideal family getaway spot, boasting shallow waters perfect for swimming as well as several fun play areas. With equipment and toys available to rent, there are plenty of ways that kids can stay entertained at the beach. Whether they’re splashing around in the water or playing with their rented gear onshore, this destination has something for everyone! Enjoy a relaxing holiday out by Cape Charles’ picturesque shores while your little ones enjoy themselves too – it doesn’t get better than a beach vacation here!
Water Sports and Excursions
Bring your beach experience to the next stage by renting water sports and taking guided trips at Cape Charles. Outfitters near there have lots of options for you, including kayaking, paddleboarding, other aquatic activities rentals as well as tours around the bay waters. Whether a novice or an expert explorer, everyone will find something fun to do in this area!
Fossil Hunting at Westmoreland State Park
Westmoreland State Park, situated beside the majestic Potomac River, is renowned for its incredible fossil-hunting and nature exploration experiences. At 1,321 acres in size, this gorgeous park provides visitors with an abundance of recreational activities, including a visit to Fossil Beach where they can discover ancient fossils as well as shark teeth!
Trails throughout the forest and along the river meander within Westmoreland giving individuals more opportunity to explore all that it has to offer.
Fossil Collecting
Come and explore Fossil Beach, where you can unearth the wonderful relics of ages past. Here you will find amazing fossilized remains as well as shark teeth that have been around for millions of years. Collecting these artifacts is an enjoyable educational experience and a one-of-a-kind way to bridge with prehistory in this area.
Remember to act responsibly when on your search – respect nature’s wonders while keeping local laws intact!
Nature Exploration
Westmoreland State Park offers a unique outdoor experience with its variety of hiking trails providing breathtaking views of the Potomac River and its natural surroundings. Take in diverse habitats such as lagoons, bald cypress swamps and maritime forests while immersing yourself in nature’s beauty.
For those looking to explore all that nature has to offer, Westmoreland is an ideal destination for wildlife lovers wanting to observe the sights and sounds found here. Plus, you can take pleasure from unrivalled panoramas along this picturesque riverbank!
First Landing State Park: History Meets Nature
Virginia Beach’s First Landing State Park provides visitors with a perfect blend of breathtaking scenery and captivating history. Located at Cape Henry, this park sprawls over 2,888 acres and offers numerous outdoor activities to enjoy. It as also has sites that commemorate the English settlement in 1607. This makes it an ideal destination for anyone wishing to explore natural beauty while connecting with significant past events from centuries ago.
To its alluring landscapes, the historical aspects of First Landing State Park are sure not be overlooked – here one can relive moments when British settlers first touched foot on American soil long ago!
Outdoor Recreation
At First Landing State Park, outdoor recreation enthusiasts can enjoy a 1.5-mile stretch of Chesapeake Bay beachfront for swimming, fishing and sunbathing as well as 20 miles of trails ideal for biking or hiking. Beach lovers will be delighted to discover this popular location which has become increasingly sought after due to its pristine beaches and remarkable amenities. Allowing exploration in nature while taking full advantage of the clear waterside views afforded by the bay’s shoreline surroundings.
Historical Significance
First Landing State Park is a place steeped in historical significance. This spot marks the exact location of where three ships from England – the Discovery, Susan Constant and Godspeed – first landed on American soil back in 1607. An event that marked the beginning of English colonization within America.
The park includes several recreated sites such as a replica fort dating to 1607 along with replicas for all three vessels used at this momentous landing along with a museum filled with information regarding our nation’s early history, allowing visitors more opportunities to gain insight into how things transpired during those initial days after they arrived by sea onto U.S shores at First Landing State Park years ago.
Buckroe Beach: Fun in the Sun
Located in Hampton, Virginia, Buckroe Beach is known for its stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay and a large variety of water sports. The popular beach spans nearly a mile along the coast making it an ideal place to explore and enjoy all types of activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing or parasailing. There are also plenty of opportunities to relax at this sandy beach getaway spot too! Long days spent out on the bay or relaxing onshore. People can make memories that will last them forever at Bucket Beach. It is certainly one of the best beaches in Virginia.
Watersports and Rentals
Visitors to Buckroe Beach can experience the thrill of water sports, with equipment rentals available at Hampton Watersports. From experienced adventurers seeking an adrenaline rush to first-timers looking for something new, there is something on offer for everyone! Jet skis, kayaks, paddle boards and pedal boats are all available as rental options – letting visitors explore the bay waters in their own time.
Come along and have a day filled with excitement at Buckroe beach, rent your gear from Hampton Watersports today! Make memories that you will remember forever by taking part in some amazing activities sure to provide plenty of adventure. Whether it’s riding jet skis across the ocean waves or paddling out onto calmer areas via kayak or stand up paddleboard – discover what’s around every corner when discovering this beautiful coastal location!
Panoramic Views and Photography
At Buckroe Beach, you will enjoy beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay. With glittering waters, this is one of the most gorgeous sandy beaches with a relaxing shore. An ideal place for those who love photography. You could capture memorable shots here while keeping an eye out for birds or vessels sailing by that add a whole new element to your beach session!
The exquisite beauty of this location is perfect to immortalize in photographs making it a must-visit destination, explore stunning vistas over the vast bay area framed by pristine sand today!
Virginia Beaches Summary
Virginia’s beautiful coastal beaches, such as Virginia Beach and Cape Charles Beach, provide a variety of activities for beach-goers. From the bustling atmosphere of Virginia Beach to the and relaxing shores of Cape Charles, there is something to delight everyone who seeks time on these sun-soaked sands. Be it water sports or wildlife observation, exploring historical landmarks or just soaking up some much needed rays! Whatever your pleasure may be – pack your bag now and prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience at any one (or more!) of these mesmerizing locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the clearest beach in Virginia?
Ocean View Beach in Virginia is a prime spot for those seeking some time to unwind, with its clear and pristine waters offering an ideal backdrop for swimming or just lounging around on the shoreline. This beach has rightfully earned itself the reputation of being referred to as “the jewel of the state.”
How many beaches are in VA?
Virginia boasts a wide selection of fantastic beach locations, with its stunning coastlines and state parks providing plenty of memorable options. So why not come and experience some of the incredible beaches that this beautiful US State has to offer?
Which part of Virginia Beach is best?
Virginia Beach is where you should go for your first visit to experience the vivid beach life along its northern Boardwalk. It’s the ideal destination!
Are there other beaches in Virginia besides Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach is not the only choice when it comes to soaking up some sun in Virginia. Sandbridge, Assateague Island National Seashore and Cape Charles on the Eastern Shore are all gorgeous destinations where you can take a break from everyday life. If you’re looking for something nearby, Sandbridge beach lies just fifteen miles south of Virginia Beach, perfect for an enjoyable day trip! Here visitors will find plenty of beauty at each location along with ample relaxation. So be sure to check out these locations during your stay in this beautiful state!
Can I see wild horses on any Virginia beaches?
Visitors to Assateague Island National Seashore in Virginia may be lucky enough to see wild horses roaming the beach. Located on Assateague Island, these majestic animals draw countless onlookers each year hoping for a chance to see them.
