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 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 left Colonial Williamsburg in the late afternoon and drove just fifteen minutes south, the road winding through woods before opening to the James River.
Jamestown Beach Park in Rhode Island gave me that perfect blend of relaxation and small-town coastal charm. Just outside the center of Jamestown, it sits right on Narragansett Bay, and I loved how easy it was to get to yet how peaceful it felt once I arrived. With its sandy shoreline and calm waters, it immediately struck me as a cool spot for a laid-back beach day.
We found it especially family-friendly, with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the sun. The shallow water made it safe for kids to wade and splash, and I liked seeing families grilling at the picnic areas while others set up umbrellas right by the shoreline. It had that joyful, community feel that makes a beach more than just sand and sea.
What I thought was unique about Jamestown Beach Park was the view. Looking across the bay, I could see boats sailing past and even catch glimpses of Newport in the distance. Sitting there, watching the water sparkle under the afternoon sun, felt like a spectacular reminder of how beautiful Rhode Island’s coast really is. The park’s mix of grassy areas and sandy beach made it easy to switch between lounging and strolling.
My favorite moment was staying through sunset, when the sky turned shades of pink and gold over the bay. Being so close to Jamestown’s shops and restaurants made it convenient, but what stayed with me most was the simple, relaxed atmosphere. For me, Jamestown Beach Park is one of Rhode Island’s underrated gems—easygoing, scenic, and perfect for a summer day by the water.
2. College Creek - 10-minute drive from Williamsburg
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.
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 found it especially inviting for a quick getaway. I enjoyed sitting on the sand with a book while others waded into the creek or set up picnics under the trees. It 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 mix of forest and water created a spectacular backdrop, especially when the light filtered through the trees onto the water. I thought it was unique how this little beach area offered a mix of relaxation and nature—it wasn’t a crowded tourist spot, but rather a calm retreat that felt almost underrated compared to bigger Virginia destinations.
My favorite moment came late in the day, when the sun began to sink and the creek 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. North End - 1.5-hour drive from Williamsburg
North End Beach in Virginia Beach, about a 1.5-hour drive from Williamsburg, 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. The shoreline seemed endless, and I enjoyed watching dolphins surface just offshore while seabirds glided overhead. Families built sandcastles, couples strolled hand-in-hand, and surfers waited patiently for waves—it had that joyful energy that made the beach feel alive without ever feeling too crowded.
What stood out to me most was the sense of community. Many of the visitors seemed like locals, which gave the beach an underrated charm compared to the busier tourist areas. I thought it was spectacular to see how unspoiled and natural the North End felt, with dunes and sea oats framing the sand. It had a peacefulness that made me want to linger long after the sun began to dip.
My favorite moment was sitting in the late afternoon light, watching the water turn golden as the tide rolled in. Being just a short drive from Williamsburg made it feel like an absolute best coastal escape—easy, convenient, and always refreshing. For me, North End is one of Virginia Beach’s hidden gems, blending simplicity, beauty, and a timeless seaside spirit.
4. Yorktown Beach
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.
Yorktown Beach, right along the York River and only minutes from Williamsburg, has always felt like one of my favorite nearby escapes. I loved how easy it was to get there—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 found the beach perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The water was calm, making it safe for families, and I noticed lots of kids splashing happily while parents lounged under umbrellas. 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.
What really stood out to me was the setting. Looking out across the York River while sailboats glided past felt spectacular, especially knowing how much history has unfolded along those same waters. 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.
My favorite moment was staying for sunset, when the river glowed orange and pink and the whole town seemed to slow down. Being so close to Williamsburg made it an absolute best choice for a quick getaway, and for me, Yorktown Beach is a gem—relaxed, scenic, and perfectly tied to the spirit of Virginia’s coast.
5. First Landing State Park - 1.5-hour drive from Williamsburg
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.
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 wasn’t just a beach—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 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. It had that joyful atmosphere of kids playing in the sand, couples strolling along the shoreline, and friends gathering for a relaxed picnic under the sun.
What stood out to me most was how spectacular the park’s variety felt. Beyond the beach, there are 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.
My favorite moment came late in the afternoon, when the golden light filtered through the trees and reflected off the water. Being so close to Williamsburg made it an absolute best choice for a quick getaway, and for me, First Landing State Park is a gem—historic, scenic, and unforgettable in every way.
6. 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.
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—there were 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.
My favorite moment was walking the pier in the evening, watching the sunset spill colors across the Chesapeake while fishermen cast their lines. Being only about an hour from Williamsburg made it an absolute best choice for a quick coastal getaway. For me, Buckroe Beach and Park is a gem—easy, scenic, and full of simple seaside charm.
Beaches Near Williamsburg: Conclusion
I came to Williamsburg chasing history, but I found something else too, places to pause, breathe, and stretch out under a wide sky.
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. I loved that within an hour or two, I could choose between the calm waters of Yorktown Beach, the spectacular expanse of North End in Virginia Beach, or the historic charm of First Landing State Park.
We found that the biggest advantage of these beaches is their accessibility. Whether it was a quick 10-minute drive to College Creek, a family afternoon at Yorktown, or a full-day adventure out to the Chesapeake Bay coastline, each spot felt like an easy getaway. That flexibility made it simple to fit a beach visit into a weekend or even just a few spare hours.
What stood out most to me was how unique each experience was. Some beaches felt underrated and peaceful, like Ellisville-style escapes tucked into nature, while others were lively, with piers, playgrounds, and waterfront dining nearby. That mix of history, relaxation, and community spirit made every visit feel memorable in its own way.
My favorite part was realizing that Williamsburg isn’t just about colonial history—it’s 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.
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