Best Beaches in Virginia
Virginia’s beaches blend Atlantic beauty with a touch of Southern charm. You'll find soft sands, refreshing ocean breezes, and an inviting coastal atmosphere. I discovered lively boardwalks, quiet stretches of shoreline, and beaches and very good swimming, sunbathing, and seaside things to do.
With family-friendly spots, natural escapes for couples, and stunning sunrises over the water, Virginia’s coast has something for every occasion. Here are the beaches I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve
Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve is one of the last undeveloped stretches of Chesapeake Bay shoreline. I loved my day trip to Virginia’s Middle Peninsula because it's so unspoilt. You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing and explore the tidal pools. I thought the landscape was rugged, serene.
We drove one hour 30 minutes from our house in Richmond on a day trip. I wandered along the sandy footpath out to the beach. At low tide, wide tidal flats had fiddler crabs and seashells in them.
- Map and DIrections
- How Many Days: A half-day to full day is perfect for exploring
- Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve Website
The preserve didn’t have visitor facilities or lifeguards, so it was very much a “leave-no-trace” type of experience. It was a reminder that I was stepping into an untouched natural sanctuary.
2. Ocean View Beach
I found Ocean View Beach to be laid-back and family-friendly. You will find Ocean View Beach right on the Chesapeake Bay with calm waves and broad sand that make it a perfect spot for easy swimming and sunbathing for the whole family. I could see the Norfolk skyline in the distance and there were small eateries along the boulevard.
From our 2-star Best Western Plus Holiday Sands Inn & Suites Norfolk where we stayed two nights, it was only about a 15-minute drive north. In the morning, my favorite was getting up early and going for a jog on the Ocean View Fishing Pier. Locals told me that its one of the longest free-standing piers in North America.
- Best Airport: Norfolk International (ORF)
- Map and Directions
- Ocean View Beach Website
What sets Ocean View apart is its community vibe! You’ll find families picnicking, anglers casting from the pier, and children wading in the shallow waters. My favorite were the sunsets over the bay, usually orange and pink.
3. Chesapeake Beach, Virginia
Chesapeake Beach (Chic’s Beach to locals) is a beloved stretch of Chesapeake Bay shoreline tucked away in Virginia Beach. Unlike the bustling Oceanfront, it feels like a neighborhood beach where life moves at an easy pace. I loved how calm and local it felt, with families, runners, and paddleboarders sharing the sand.
You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and long shoreline walks, and because the bay waters are gentler than the ocean, it’s great for kids or anyone who prefers a quieter beach day. We checked into Delta Hotels Virginia Beach Waterfront Suites, 4-star hotel for two nights.
- Map and Directions
- Best Time of Year to Visit: May–September for warm water and lively atmosphere
I love that the vibe is cozy and unspoiled, perfect for relaxing without crowds, while still so close to restaurants like Waterman's Surfside Grille and Chix on the Beach.
4. First Landing State Park
We drove just 10 minutes from Chesapeake Beach, Virginia to First Landing State Park and I loved how visiting this park felt like stepping into a living tapestry of history and wilderness all at once. It's the place where English colonists first landed in 1607.
I found First Landing State Park sort of mysterious in a way with its mix of maritime forest, cypress swamps, and golden dunes that completely won me over.
We hiked along the easy Bald Cypress Trail, where twisted trees rose out of mirror-like swamps. It was cool to see sandy dunes, tidal marshes, and bay waters all in one place. I paused at the historic markers that commemorate the First Landing of the English colonists.
- Map and Directions
- Time of Year to Visit: Spring through fall for the best weather, though winter brings peaceful solitude
- First Landing State Park Website
For me, First Landing offers the best of both worlds: a beach for relaxing, plus an extensive trail system to see habitats and walk through history which is why I think it's one of the best beach trips in Virginia. Plus we could enjoy Chic’s Beach and First Landing State Park while staying at the same hotel Delta Hotels Virginia Beach Waterfront Suites which made our beach weekend getaway more relaxing with less driving.
5. Buckroe Beach, Virginia
Just 40 minutes from First Landing State Park, Buckroe Beach had such a laid-back, local charm—it felt like stepping back into a classic seaside getaway. I loved how families spread out picnic blankets, kids splashed in the surf. The beachfront park, with its playgrounds and shaded picnic areas, added to the welcoming, family-friendly vibe.We spend the night at The Landing at Hampton Marina, a 3.5-star hotel in Hampton.
In the summer, you can catch a festival or concert here and sunrises over the Chesapeake Bay are especially beautiful if you are an early riser!
6. Westmoreland State Park
We visited Westmoreland State Park on a different road trip while we were based further north in Fredericksburg, VA (a 45-minute drive away). The feel here is completely different with bluffs, quiet woodlands, and a wide river horizon. I hiked along the scenic Bluff Trail, which winds along dramatic cliffs with sweeping views over the Potomac River. We enjoyed the solitude and savored our picnic sandwiches we brought with us from our hose in Fredericksburg, VA.
- Directions and Map
- Time of Year to Visit: Spring through fall for the best weather; fall brings beautiful foliage
- Westmoreland State Park website
Don't miss the view from Horsehead Cliffs, one of the most photographed spots in the region.
7. Sandbridge Beach
Back in Virginia Beach area but 30 minutes south, Sandbridge Beach was one my favorite Virginia beaches! Why? I thought this stretch of coastline was like something out of a dream with its golden dunes rolling toward the horizon and the vast Atlantic spreading out in shifting shades of blue! We stayed 25 minute away at 2-star Schooner Inn for two nights and stopped at Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center along the way which our son loved. But you can also look for a vacation rental closer to or right on Sandbridge Beach.
- Directions and Map
- How Many Days: 2 days to enjoy both the beach and nearby parks
- Sandbridge Beach website
Known as “the Outer Banks of Virginia,” Sandbridge offers a more secluded coastal experience and is ideal for anyone seeking a quieter retreat on the Atlantic.
8. Cape Charles Beach
I thought this little bayside gem was like stepping into a coastal painting! Cape Charles Beach is calm and welcoming, with soft sands sloping gently into the Chesapeake Bay. Instead of the roaring Atlantic surf, the water here is quiet and glassy—perfect for wading, watching kids play, or just floating with the sun overhead. It felt almost timeless, with sailboats drifting by in the distance and the faint laughter of families on the shoreline.
From Sandbridge, I drove a hour and 30 minutes north across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and into the charming town of Cape Charles. I stayed for the afternoon, wandering the small beachside park, dipping into the warm shallows, and watching the rhythm of the bay. The relaxed pace and friendly atmosphere made it feel like a step back into an easier time.
- Directions and Map
- Time of Year to Visit: Late spring through early fall for the warmest water and liveliest atmosphere
I loved how Cape Charles enjoys peaceful bay waters and spectacular sunsets, making evenings here especially magical. Just steps from the sand, you’ll find a historic downtown full of boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants that add to the town’s welcoming vibe.
9. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
One hour and a half drive from our previous stop at Cape Charles Beach, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge was a nature lover’s dream! This spot simply brims with wild beauty, including marshes, pine forests and dunes touching the Atlantic. I loved listening to birds and waves, and the sudden thrill of spotting wild ponies grazing in the distance.
From Cape Charles, we drove north along Virginia’s Eastern Shore, crossing causeways until I reached Assateague Island and the refuge entrance. We based ourselves at 3-star Hampton Inn & Suites Chincoteague-Waterfront for two days. We spent the whole time exploring along the Wildlife Loop, hiking the woodland trails, and relaxing on the large beach.
- Map and Directions
- Time of Year to Visit: Spring and fall for bird migrations, summer for beach fun and pony events
- Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Website
From birdwatching to biking, kayaking to beachcombing, the refuge offers something for everyone. It’s also home to the annual Chincoteague Pony Swim in Julu, a beloved tradition that has drawn visitors for decades.
Conclusion
There you have it! These are the best beaches in Virginia... In the end, what I love most about Virginia’s beaches is the variety. They offer something for everyone, whether you’re drawn to the calm Chesapeake Bay, the spectacular stretches of the Atlantic, or the hidden gems tucked into small more remote coastal towns.
I recommend planning two separate road trips or many day trips like we did but I organized this post so that you can see all these stunning Virginia beaches in a few days if you are up for some driving.
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.
