• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of walt1957 - Fotolia.com

2. Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of sherryvsmith - Fotolia.com

3. Ocean View Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Courtesy of Nikonite - Fotolia.com

4. Cape Charles Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Courtesy of bonniemarie - Fotolia.com

5. Chesapeake Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Courtesy of alwayspp - Fotolia.com

6. Chincoteague

© Courtesy of Matthew Carroll - Fotolia.com

7. First Landing State Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of sherryvsmith - Fotolia.com

8. Colonial Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Courtesy of Nikonite - Fotolia.com

9. Kiptopeke State Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of jayyuan - Fotolia.com

10. Resort Area Beach

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Courtesy of ScottymanPhoto - Fotolia.com

11. Sandbridge Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Courtesy of sherryvsmith - Fotolia.com

12. Westmoreland State Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Zack Frank - Fotolia.com

13. Buckroe Beach, Virginia

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Ben/stock.adobe.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • Even long before bridges made them easy to reach, Virginia beaches were attracting tourists from Washington D.C. and other communities on the eastern coast.
  • Virginia offers something for everyone – the lively attractions of Virginia Beach, the quiet and protected sands of Assateague Island with its wild horses, the constantly changing sandy spit of the Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve, the playgrounds and live music on Buckroe Beach, or the warm and quiet waters off Cape Charles Beach.
  • There are beaches on the Potomac River, such as Colonial Beach, while others are in the Chesapeake Bay, where the warm, protected waters are perfect for family outings.

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