Best Beaches Near Williamsburg, Virginia
While Williamsburg is best known for its history, it’s also close to some wonderful beaches that make for the perfect coastal escape. Having explored the area, I’ve found that the nearby rivers, bays, and stretches of the Atlantic coast offer a mix of relaxation, fun, and scenic beauty. These spots have become some of my favorite places to enjoy the water while staying in or around Williamsburg. I have some options for you that are literally just minutes away!
I discovered family-friendly beaches with gentle waves, quiet hidden shores for a peaceful walk, and sandy stretches where the sunsets reflect beautifully over the water. Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or a longer seaside getaway, the beaches near Williamsburg offer something for everyone. Here are the ones I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Jamestown Beach Park - 15-minute drive from Williamsburg
We found Jamestown Beach Park especially family-friendly, with a sandy shore plus a grassy area to relax out and enjoy the sun.
We left Colonial Williamsburg after lunch and drove just fifteen minutes south, the road winding through woods before opening to the James River.
I thought that Jamestown Beach Park was one of the best beaches near Williamsburg. Why? It was wonderfully relaxing for parents and the shallow water made it safe for kids to wade and splash. 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: Map & Directions
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays in summer for smaller crowds
2. College Creek - 10-minute drive from Williamsburg
College Creek completely surprised me with how peaceful and beautiful it felt. Tucked right off the Colonial Parkway, it’s easy to reach yet has that hidden-away vibe that makes it feel like a secret escape. 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.
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.
- Location: Map & Directions
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays is the most peaceful time
3. Yorktown Beach
Yorktown 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 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.
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.
- Location: Map & Directions
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays is the most peaceful time
4. Buckroe Beach and Park - 1-hour drive from Williamsburg
Buckroe Beach and Park in Hampton, just about an hour from Williamsburg, gave me the perfect mix of family-friendly fun and coastal relaxation. With its wide sandy shoreline along the Chesapeake Bay, it felt like a cool alternative to the bigger resort beaches, and I loved how welcoming and easygoing the atmosphere was from the moment we arrived. It completely won me over!
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. The park added so much, too with picnic shelters, a playground, and even seasonal events that gave it a joyful community feel.
What really stood out to me was how convenient and affordable it all felt. Parking was simple, the facilities were clean, and everything was close enough that we never felt rushed. I thought it was underrated compared to some of Virginia’s better-known beaches, yet it offered spectacular views across the bay that made the day feel extra special.
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
First Landing State Park in Virginia 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.
I also 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
North End Beach in Virginia Beach gave us that perfect mix of wide-open shoreline and a laid-back, local vibe. I loved how it felt far less commercial than the main Virginia Beach Boardwalk area, yet still offered miles of soft sand and rolling surf. It instantly struck me as a cool spot where you could breathe, stretch out, and let the ocean set the pace for the day. We found the beach especially inviting for long walks.
- Location: Map & Directions
For me, North End is one of Virginia Beach’s hidden gems, blending simplicity, beauty, and a timeless seaside spirit.
Conclusion
After exploring the beaches near Williamsburg, I realized just how much variety you can find within an easy drive of the historic town. From the quiet, hidden feel of College Creek to the joyful, community vibe of Buckroe Beach, every shoreline offered something a little different.
My favorite part was realizing that Williamsburg is also a gateway to some of Virginia’s best coastal spots. For me, the beaches near Williamsburg are a gem, offering everything from family fun to quiet sunsets, and always leaving me with that refreshing, timeless seaside feeling.
Booking Checklist
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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.
