Â鶹APP

Image by from

10 Breathtaking Beaches near Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Beach is for lovers. It also features in the Guinness Book of World Records as having the world’s longest stretch of pleasure beach.  You won’t find it hard to find a shorefront when you are in Virginia Beach (VB) which is well-known for the many beautiful ocean and lake beaches nearby. Situated on the Atlantic coast along the line that separates the northern and southern, VB is known for its unbeatable beauty.  The city is surrounded by many nice beaches with different terrain, from rocky and grassy to golden and white sand grounds. It boasts many spectacular beaches and it can be hard to choose which of these to visit for a romantic couples’ vacation, honeymoon or personal retreat. Virginia Beach is actually made up of multiple beaches each with its own distinct vibe and personality.

Virginia Beach is the only city with a coastline along both the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay and has beach options that really offer something for everyone.  Comparatively, South Virginia Beach is noisier and livelier and has a party-like vibe attracting a younger demographic. Also, South Beach features a waterfront food scene that’s broader in range, taste, and cuisine. On the other hand, the waters on North Virginia Beach, especially in the Chesapeake Bay area, are rarely troubled by waves. Instead, beautiful, glittering ripples placidly move on the serene surface of the waters. North Virginia Beach is quieter, therefore, perfect for couples or families. The challenge than becomes  which beach to choose, take your time and explore the long coastline and try out the beaches to find out which ones make you happy. To help you choose the right VB sandy getaway this article lays out the 10 most breathtaking Beaches near Virginia Beach.

Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Photo by on

Virginia Beach is full of so many different places to enjoy the sand between your toes. One of the best things about the beaches in Virginia Beach is that they are all sandy beaches with large shores. VB Oceanfront is the epicenter of the Virginia state seaside recreation scene. It is the leading entertainment and hotel area of the city. During the summer months, the 3-mile-long stretch packs out with sun-seekers who come to bask in the warm sun rays. It can get pretty crowded but since it is so large you can always find a good spot for your friends and family to hang out. Moreover, its famous boardwalk bustles with live performers entertaining the crowds making for a fun and festive feel for the whole family. Jump on a surrey ride down the boardwalk to take a selfie with King Neptune, you can also take surfing lessons or build a sandcastle at Grommet Island. The Virginia Beach pier is superb fishing, while bikers and hikers love doing laps on the lengthy oceanfront boardwalk. The oceanfront destination is rich with history, and home to a variety of arts and entertainment experiences, family-friendly activities and a blossoming culinary scene. Watch out for dolphins in the distance frolicking through the waves, overall, this is the beach to head to for a day of action and fun in the sun, just steps away from your hotel.

Practical Information

Address: 1700 Atlantic Avenue Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Great for:  Families · Budget · Photos

First Landing Beach

There are 1.9 miles of beach at First Landing State Park, including a swimming beach. First Landing State Park is the most visited state park in Virginia for good reason – with incredible coastal habitat, plenty of rich history, and fascinating attractions like the colourful Rainbow Swamp, it won’t take you long to fall in love with this beautiful area. First Landing State Park, which sits tucked between Virginia Beach and Chick’s Beach, serves as the region’s premier outdoor recreation destination. The gorgeous coastal reserve is home to 3,000 acres of protected freshwater cypress swamps, with a multitude of boardwalk trails to explore on bike or foot. The historical site marks the spot where Virginia’s first settlers landed in 1607 and legend has it that the infamous pirate Blackbeard used to hide out here. These days, a camping ground and picnic spot (fees apply) serve the calm, quarter-mile beach. Be careful with the little ones, though, because no lifeguards patrol the stretch. We recommend you park for free in one of the residential neighbourhoods outside of the park entrance and do a light hike to the beachfront. The scenic views and the walk will make your plunge into the water so much more rewarding.

Practical Information

Location: US-60, Virginia Beach, VA 23459

Great for: Families · Budget · Photos

North End Beach

Photo by Roberto Nickson from

Unlike the central hub of the Oceanfront, North End Beach is a secluded beach and calmer because it’s mostly a residential area. It’s still one of the must-visit Virginia Beach beaches though as it provided a different experience away from the energy of Atlantic Avenue. The secluded beach is a favourite among locals because you can just relax away the day. It is a hidden gem in a string of Virginia beaches in the northern part of the city, North End Beach has that tranquil feel that makes you feel like partying! Virginia Beach locals love to go to the North End to escape the tourists and parking dilemmas of the Oceanfront Boardwalk. Since it is a residential area, street parking is free and there are plenty of beach access points (one on every block, to be specific). Because it is less crowded, the North End is great for surfing, boogie boarding, and setting up camp for an all-day beach excursion. The white sand shores offer lots of room for you and/or your friends to take a dip in the refreshing waters of the Chesapeake Bay.

This is the most dog-friendly beach; what could be better than a quiet day by the sea with your best canine pal?  To add to your experience you can do some fishing, you can try your hand at reeling in the catch of the day. The shores of North End Beach are also are a great spot to enjoy a picnic lunch. Other things to do at this amazing beach include sunbathing, hiking and checking out the local wildlife. If luck is on your side, you might even catch a glimpse of some dolphins. Keep your camera ready! For a great time at a beautiful, secluded beach, you won’t want to miss out on North End Beach.

Practical Information

Good for: Families · Budget · Surfing · Pets

Chesapeake Beach

Image by Fritz Geller-Grimm from

Chesapeake Beach, also known as Chic’s Beach or Chick’s Beach is a small beach in a residential neighbourhood running on the east and west sides of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel in Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States. Chic’s Beach, or Chick’s Beach, or Chesapeake Beach, is not the oceanfront where you find all the tourists it is the locals’ hidden gem. Chic’s Beach is the area in the northern part of Virginia Beach on the Chesapeake Bay offering two miles of beaches to enjoy, spanning from the Lynnhaven Inlet to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Technically, it’s just the neighbourhood surrounding the Chesapeake Bay Bridge tunnel. There are no high-rise hotels, no boardwalk and no nightclubs. Located off of Shore Drive, Chick’s Beach is a locals’ hidden gem and far less renowned than the Oceanfront. Shore Drive is a long road and almost anywhere along this road, there are beach entrances, which make for endless parking possibilities. A distinctive feature of Chic’s Beach is the calm waters. The waves are not conducive for surfing and boogie-boarding, but the more placid water is excellent for kayaking, floating, small children and timid swimmers. Furthermore, the bay’s calmer waters make it an ideal spot for paddle boarding and kiteboarding. Its proximity to some of the area’s amazing seafood restaurants and bars cements its place as a local hotspot.

Practical Information

Good for: Families · Budget · Kayaking · Pets

Sandbridge Beach

Image by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Norfolk District from

Located a short drive south of the Oceanfront District, Sandbridge is a hidden gem on the pristine sand dunes dotted with sea oats. It is a relaxing and peaceful beach where you can truly slow down and let loose on your vacation. The trek down the country road that leads to Sandbridge Beach will make your beach trip slap differently. Sandbridge Beach has everything you could ever want and is one of the best vacation beaches in Virginia Beach. There are no hotels at this beach but there are a number of beach houses available for rent. The beach stretches down a sandy strip of owned and rented beach homes. There are free parking lots and ample restroom options, plus foot showers to rinse off sandy feet. While many tourists do opt to stay in the countless beach rental properties located at Sandbridge Beach, the pace is much more relaxed and the atmosphere much more family-friendly than at the oceanfront boardwalk.

Other than that this is a big beautiful beach neighbourhood with nothing around but the Atlantic Ocean. There is one road in and one road out so it feels like you are on an island vacation. If you’d like to make an event of it, there are also some picnic shelters that can be reserved ahead of time, and they include volleyball nets and charcoal grills. Sandbridge Beach also offers plentiful opportunities to explore Virginia Beach’s great outdoors as it is close proximity to the marshes and open waters of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park.

Practical Information

Good for: Families · Budget · Picnics

Cape Charles Beach

A beach in Cape Charles. Image by Bruce Emmerling from

Cape Charles lies at the southern tip of the peninsula that makes up the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The Atlantic Ocean sits on one side, and the Chesapeake Bay sits on the other, so there is no shortage of beaches near Cape Charles. The Beach is located along Bay Avenue with beach access at the end of every block. Cape Charles Town Beach is the only public beach on the Eastern Shore of Virginia that does not require an entrance or parking fee. Residents and visitors of the Town use the beach for swimming, sunbathing, and similar recreational pursuits. Located at the ends of Tazewell and Randolph Avenues are two wooden beach access points with view platforms and benches for people to enjoy views of the Chesapeake Bay and our spectacular sunsets. A large pavilion and park benches are located on the sidewalk that runs parallel to the beach. Public restroom facilities are provided at the southern end of the beach by the entrance to the fishing pier. Families love Cape Charles Beach, as the waters of the Chesapeake Bay are calm and shallow at this vast public stretch of shoreline.

Practical Information

Good for: Families

Croatan Beach

Lone tree on Croatan Beach. Image by Lauren “Lolly” Weinhold from Maryland, USA from

Croatan Beach is three-quarters of a mile long and stretches from Rudee Inlet to Camp Pendleton. a go-to spot for those looking for a quieter beach experience. It is Virginia’s surfer’s preferred spot with 2 designated surfing areas – one at the north beginning at Rudee Inlet and one at the south at Camp Pendleton and has long been a favourite of local surfers. Lifeguard services are available in season for swimmers and surfers alike and are situated along the entire beachfront. This chilled-out beach stretch is a popular spot for newbie surfers, thanks to its unintimidating left and right breaks. Surf camps operate throughout the summer and offer board rentals at affordable prices. Croatan Beach is just south of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, but it feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of huge crowds. Because of the popularity of the beach, The City of Virginia Beach operates a large parking lot year-round adjacent to Camp Pendleton. You’ll find plenty of parking available in the area for as little as $5* per day. The restroom facilities here are well-maintained, and a lifeguard keeps an eye on proceedings during the busier months. The beach has plenty of spots for taking in the views and the sun.

Practical Information

Address: Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, USA

Good for: Families · Sun Worshippers · First Time Surfers

First Landing State Park’s Beach

Image courtesy of Virginia State Parks from

First Landing State Park is a 2,888-acre park that fronts the Chesapeake Bay and features 1.25 miles of beach and more than 19 miles of interpretive hiking trails through protected salt marsh habitat, freshwater ponds, beach, dunes, forest, tidal marsh and cypress swamp. A registered Natural Landmark, First Landing is the most visited state park in Virginia and contains one of the most endangered habitat types in the world, the maritime forest community. There are four boardwalks that provide convenient walkways to carry people over the dunes and onto the beach. Walking across the dunes is discouraged as it is most likely to damage some of the plants ultimately undermining the stability of the dunes. This historic park is Virginia’s most visited state park. There is a beach within the park’s borders where visitors can swim, launch boats, fish, or rent kayaks on the Chesapeake Bay. Swim at your own risk as there are no lifeguards on duty.

Find more about First Landing State Park

Practical Information

Good for: Families · Budget · Picnics

Little Island Park/ Sandpiper’s Beach

Image by from

Little Island Park, sometimes known as Sandpiper’s Beach is a family-friendly 122-acre beach park in Sandbridge. The swell is calm here, which makes it ideal for children to play with and in the water. The park has a 775-foot beach north of the 400-foot fishing pier for surfing and a 2,000-foot beach for swimming and fishing south of the pier. Back Bay, a brackish lake, provides excellent fishing and crabbing along the western border of this unique park. Just behind the beach, you’ll find a well-equipped recreational centre with basketball and volleyball courts, plus a playground. Other amenities include; Four Picnic Shelters with Charcoal Grills, Picnic Area with Charcoal Grills, Lighted Tennis Courts, Pickleball Court, Canoe/Kayak Launch Area on Back Bay, Public Restrooms, Seasonal Concessions and Vending Machines. There is plenty of equipment available for hire, the following items can be checked out of the park office with a drivers’ license or any other form of photo identification: badminton equipment, basketballs, baseball bats, corn hole boards and bags, footballs, frisbees, rubber playground balls, soccer balls, volleyballs and volleyball nets. Lifeguards patrol the stretch in summer and leashed pets are welcome under certain conditions.

Practical Information

Address: 3820 S Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456

For shelter reservations call: (757) 385-PARK

Open: Daily from 7.30 am to 8.30 pm

Good for: Families · Budget · Picnics · Photos · Adventure

Fort Story Jetty Beach

Image by U.S. Navy, Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Eric Clement from

This is an Army base with a very small community feel and even has its own beach! It is beautiful and peaceful and away from all the tourist traffic. This area is within an active military base, you’ll need to arrange your access before arriving. Due to security requirements of the site be ready to present your driver’s license and vehicle registration upon entering the gates. You can visit the spot where the Jamestown colonists first landed their vessels upon arriving in North America in the early 1600s. There are a few memorials commemorating this event, and you can also walk a short boardwalk across some dunes to get a clear view of the ocean. Make a point of checking out the two nearby lighthouses – one historic and one active. In addition to housing the historic Cape Henry Lighthouse, the first lighthouse authorized by the U.S. government, Fort Story is also home to a small stretch of pristine beach on the Chesapeake Bay – and a great spot for dolphin-watching!

Practical Information

Address: Bldg 529, Virginia Beach, VA 23459, United States

N/B: Remember to carry your driver’s license and vehicle registration if driving yourself.

Good for: Families · Dolphin Watching · Picnics · Photos · Adventure

Virginia Beach is not just about sparkling sand or glittering waters. While these would make any travel destination worthwhile, Virginia Beach is much more than a beach. For starters, Virginia Beach packs a lot of history and is well-known for the ocean and lake beaches nearby. It isn’t hard to find a shorefront as the city is surrounded by many nice beaches with different terrain, from rocky and grassy to golden and white sands.

Click here to learn more about  Virginia Beach attractions.