Best Beaches Near Williamsburg, Virginia
Looking for a relaxing beach day near Williamsburg, Virginia? What a fun idea! When we moved to the East Coast, I found some wonderful beaches that make for the perfect coastal escape at rivers, bays, and stretches of the Atlantic coast, some just minutes by car from Williamsburg. Here are the ones I recommend, and I hope you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Jamestown Beach Park - 15-minute drive from Williamsburg
This is my favorite family beach near Williamsburg. I love that it has a sandy shore plus a grassy area to relax out and enjoy the sun. In addition, not having to drive far with a car full of impatient kids is always a plus.
We left Colonial Williamsburg after lunch and drove just fifteen minutes south, the road winding through woods before opening to the James River. We stayed at 4-star Kingsmill Resort for two care-free days.
Yes, inevitably it gets crowded on summer weekends when everyone heads out to cool off, but I liked seeing families grilling at the picnic areas while others set up umbrellas right by the shoreline. It had that joyful, community feel. Best of all, it was super close to Williamsburg, making it an easy half day trip.
- Location: On Conanicut Island in Jamestown, Rhode Island, along the eastern shore facing the Newport Bridge
- Map & Directions
- Jamestown Beach Park website
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays in summer for smaller crowds
What I loved best:
It was wonderfully relaxing for us parents because the shallow water made it safe for kids to wade and splash.
2. College Creek - 10-minute drive from Williamsburg
This place completely surprised me with how peaceful and beautiful it felt, and it quickly became one of my favorite romantic beaches near Williamsburg! Tucked right off the Colonial Parkway, it’s easy to reach yet has that hidden-away vibe. I loved how the sandy shoreline opened up to calm water, making it a cool spot to relax on a warm afternoon.
We left Jamestown Beach Park in the late afternoon and drove about ten minutes along the Colonial Parkway, where trees arched overhead and the James River gleamed through breaks in the forest.
We found it especially inviting for a quick getaway. I enjoyed sitting on the sand with a book while my husband and son waded into the water. I wished we could have another picnic here but we were full from our last stop. College Creek had that joyful balance of being close enough to town for convenience, but far enough away to feel like a break from the bustle of Williamsburg’s historic streets.
What stood out to me most was the scenery. The view over the water was open and relaxing, more than I expected.
- Location: Along the James River near Williamsburg
- Map & Directions
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays is the most peaceful time
What I loved best:
My favorite moment came late in the day, when the sun began to sink and the water shimmered in golden light. It felt like the absolute best reminder of how much natural beauty surrounds Williamsburg, even just a few minutes from the historic core. For me, College Creek is a gem, quiet, scenic, and perfect for a simple coastal escape.
3. Yorktown Beach
Chris and I both absolutely love Yorktown Beach, and have been many times. This beach, right along the York River and only minutes from Williamsburg was one of my favorite nearby escapes when I visited last month. I loved how easy it was to get there and how it’s small and walkable, yet it offers so much charm packed into one stretch of sand. Sitting on the shoreline with historic Yorktown just steps away gave me that cool mix of history and coastal relaxation.
We left Williamsburg in the late morning and drove about half an hour southeast, following the Colonial Parkway along the James River until it opened into Yorktown.
I thought the atmosphere was joyful, with a boardwalk-style path, shops, and cafés nearby, which made it easy to spend the whole day without needing to leave the area. I liked being able to walk from the sand to the Riverwalk Landing for ice cream (of course!) or a meal—it gave the whole outing a unique balance of beach time and small-town exploration. Does it get crowded? Yes, VERY! But you can arrive early in the morning and have the beach almost to yourself for a while before everyone rolls in with beach toys, chairs and their picnics.
- Location: On the York River in Yorktown, Virginia, near the Colonial Parkway and the historic Yorktown waterfront
- Map & Directions
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays is the most peaceful time
What I loved best:
Being so close to Williamsburg made it an absolute best choice for a quick getaway, and for me, Yorktown Beach is a real local gem, relaxed, scenic, and perfectly tied to the spirit of Virginia’s coast.
A downside? It gets busy in the summer.
4. Buckroe Beach and Park - 1-hour drive from Williamsburg
This Hampton beach, just about an hour from Williamsburg, gave me the perfect mix of family-friendly fun and coastal relaxation. It's one of the best beaches near Williamsburg and the only way it could have been better if the drive was shorter (though I didn't mind one hour in the car on our family day trip!)
Once we arrived, the first thing we noticed was how underrated and calm Buckroe Beach felt compared to busier Virginia Beach, which made it one of the best surprises.
We walked along the boardwalk first, taking in the vibrant bay views, cool breeze, and watching locals fish, which was a simple but joyful experience.
After that, we kicked off our shoes and stepped into the sand, and the water was calm and perfect, making it one of my favorite beach moments ever.
We found the beach itself ideal for swimming, since the bay waters were calm and gentle. Families spread out with umbrellas, kids built sandcastles, and I enjoyed wading in the warm shallows before stretching out on the sand to soak up the sun.
Later we explored Buckroe Beach Park, which is right next to the sand, and it felt like a brilliant idea for families and weekend visitors. The park added so much, too with picnic shelters, a playground, and even seasonal events that gave it a joyful community feel.
We sat near the picnic areas and playgrounds and I kept thinking how this place is such an amazing underrated coastal gem near Williamsburg.
Then we grabbed snacks and just relaxed, watching the sky change colors, which was easily one of the most peaceful experiences of the trip.
As the afternoon went on, the light over the bay looked absolutely spectacular.
We loved how close everything was, since Buckroe Beach is near Hampton Roads and still an easy drive back toward Williamsburg.
Before leaving, we walked along the shoreline one last time and it honestly felt like the absolute best way to end a coastal day.
- Location: On the Chesapeake Bay in Hampton, Virginia, just north of Fort Monroe and southeast of downtown Hampton
- Map & Directions
- Buckroe Beach and Park Website
What I loved best:
We stayed for sunset at the pier in the evening and it was worth it!
5. First Landing State Park - 1.5-hour drive from Williamsburg
This beach, just under a two-hour drive from Williamsburg, completely won me over with its blend of history, nature, and shoreline beauty.
I loved that it’s the exact site where English settlers first landed in 1607, which gave every walk along the sand an added layer of meaning. With over a mile of Chesapeake Bay beachfront, it felt like both a cool swimming spot and a step back in time.
We left Yorktown in the morning and drove about an hour southeast, the road hugging stretches of marsh and pine forest before opening toward the Atlantic. It's a nice drive that went by quickly.
We found the beach itself to be calm and inviting. The waters of the bay were gentle, which made it especially family-friendly, and I liked how easy it was to wade out or float without worrying about strong waves.
If you want a truly stress-free way to experience the park, guided kayak and eco-tours are a fantastic option. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who share insight about the park’s wildlife, ecosystems, and history while taking you through some of its most scenic waterways. It’s a great way to see parts of the park you might otherwise miss and learn along the way.
- Location: On the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia Beach, near Cape Henry at the northern end of the city
- Map & Directions
- Buckroe Beach and Park Website
What I loved best:
I loved the trails winding through maritime forests, cypress swamps, and dunes, perfect for mixing in a hike before or after a swim. I thought it was unique how one place could offer both outdoor adventure and coastal relaxation, all within the same visit.
6. North End - 1.5-hour drive from Williamsburg
We started our weekend getaway early from Williamsburg, knowing North End was about a 1.5-hour drive, and the anticipation already felt like a dream.
The drive itself was part of the experience, passing quiet towns and coastal views, and by the time we arrived it felt like discovering a hidden gem.
First thing we did was park near the North End area by the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, which is close but feels way more underrated and calm.
I loved how uncrowded it was, easily one of the best beaches near Williamsburg if you want a peaceful, family or romantic escape.
We walked along the sand first, soft and clean, with gentle waves, and it felt like magic compared to busier beach spots nearby.
What made it my favorite was the natural vibe, no loud crowds, just dunes, sea grass, and that cool ocean breeze you see in my photos.
Later we laid out our towels and relaxed for hours, and honestly this was one of the most joyful and affordable beach experiences we’ve had.
The water was refreshing but not rough, making it perfect for swimming, especially if you’re visiting with kids or just want an easy beach day.
We grabbed snacks and watched the sky change colors, and the sunset here felt spectacular and kind of unusual in the best way.
North End is near Virginia Beach but feels like its own secret spot, which makes it an amazing and underrated alternative to crowded shores.
By the end of the day we both agreed it was a brilliant idea to come here, and easily one of the absolute best coastal gems nearby.
What I loved best:
For me, North End is one of the best beaches near Williamsburg, Virginia. It truly is one of Virginia Beach’s hidden gems, blending simplicity, beauty, and a timeless seaside spirit.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
