The 9 Best Beaches to Visit in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is hands-down Virginia’s most popular beach destination. But here’s the thing: it’s not just one beach; this city has several beach spots, each with its own unique vibe and features. You can find everything from national park coastlines and state park beaches to relaxed residential shorelines scattered between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay.
In other words, whether you prefer pebbly beachfronts or soft sandy shores, Virginia Beach has you covered. There’s a beach to fit every family’s idea of summer fun, which is a big reason why it’s such a favorite getaway for families in the Hampton Roads area and beyond. From bustling boardwalk spots to serene natural retreats, Virginia Beach truly offers a bit of everything along its coastline. Let’s dive into some of the best beaches around town and what makes each one special.
1. Virginia Beach Oceanfront
If it’s your first time in Virginia Beach, you have to stop at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. This historic, central beach is where all the classic boardwalk action happens, and it really showcases the heart of the city’s beach scene.
Sure, it’s touristy and always buzzing with people, but that’s part of the fun. The Oceanfront area is loaded with shops, attractions, and seafood restaurants along Atlantic Avenue and the famous three-mile boardwalk. You can spend the day relaxing on the sand and splashing in the waves, then stroll over to grab some fresh local seafood or pick up a souvenir. It checks all the boxes for a perfect sand-and-sea getaway.
2. North End Beach
Just north of the main resort area, North End Beach offers a completely different vibe from the Oceanfront. It’s tucked away in a residential area, so far fewer people venture out this way. That seclusion means quieter days and plenty of sandy space for you to spread out your blanket and play.
If you feel the urge to explore beyond the shore, the nature trails around North End Beach are perfect for a casual hike or bike ride. You get the best of both worlds here: a peaceful beach setting and a bit of coastal nature adventure.
3. Grommet Island Park
Head south of the boardwalk and you’ll find Grommet Island Park, an awesome spot for a quick beach outing with the kids. The beachfront here is a manageable 15,000 square feet, so it’s easy to keep an eye on everyone. Plus, families love the playground at this park, it’s packed with unique features like a sensory board, a hand-operated sand scoop, and raised sand tables that make it accessible and fun for all abilities.
Grommet Island’s focus on inclusive play means no one is left out of the fun. It’s the ideal beach if you have little ones or anyone in the family with special needs, since the environment is designed to be welcoming and easy to navigate. You can enjoy some surf and sand, and then let the kids loose on the playground for a bit, a win-win for a short beach day.
4. Sandbridge Beach
If you’re looking to slow things down a notch, head to Sandbridge Beach, which lies a few miles south of the bustling Oceanfront. Sandbridge is all about a calmer pace. The beach’s seclusion is its best quality, giving visitors a chance to really soak in the natural beauty of the Atlantic Ocean without the big crowds.
You’ll love the views here, dunes on one side, gentle waves on the other, it’s pretty spectacular. Insider tip: stop by the little fishing pier for a quick family photo session; you’ll get one of the best panoramas of the coastline as your backdrop. Sandbridge Beach is also conveniently close to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park, so you can easily turn your beach day into a nature adventure.
5. Little Island Park
Also in the Sandbridge area, Little Island Park is a gem packed with activities for a fun day in the sun. There are picnic tables and grills if you’re in the mood for a beachside barbecue, plus playgrounds and sports courts if the kids (or the adults!) feel like getting a game going. This park even has a 400-foot pier that’s great for fishing or just taking in the view.
If you own a kayak or canoe, bring it along; Little Island Park has a designated launch area right from the beach. It’s a fantastic spot to enjoy the water from a different perspective. Swim, paddle, fish, or lounge, you can pretty much do it all here.
6. Chic’s Beach
Locals know Chic’s Beach, and it’s a favorite for those seeking calmer waters. Parents especially appreciate the smooth, gentle waves on the bay side; it makes for easy, safe playtime for the kids. The calm bay water is perfect for swimming, wading, and paddleboarding without the stronger surf you’d get on the ocean side.
Chic’s Beach stretches about two miles, offering plenty of space to set up for the day. It’s a laid-back spot that’s popular with both locals and in-the-know tourists. If you’re looking for a relaxed beach day where you can watch the sunset over the bay, Chic’s Beach is the place to be.
7. First Landing State Park
If you’re up for a little adventure with your beach day, check out First Landing State Park, fun fact, it was Virginia’s first planned state park. This beach sits within the Seashore State Park Historic District and gives you a beautiful slice of Chesapeake Bay shoreline. It’s a great spot to swim and splash around, but you can also mix in a history lesson by visiting the Chesapeake Bay Center on site.
Beyond the sandy beach itself, First Landing offers nearly 20 miles of hiking trails that wind through impressive cypress trees and around peaceful lagoons. It’s a perfect blend of beach time and nature exploration. You could spend the morning on the sand and the afternoon walking shaded trails, not a bad way to spend a day!
8. Croatan Beach
Surfers, this one’s for you: head to Croatan Beach! Even if you’re a newcomer to surfing (calling all wanna-be surfers!), you can sign up for lessons here on the spot and be riding the waves in no time. This beach is a bit off the beaten path, with a more secluded location, but it does have lifeguards on duty during the summer for safety.
Croatan’s relative seclusion means you won’t be battling huge crowds, which surfers definitely appreciate when they’re looking to catch a break. It’s tucked near Rudee Inlet in a residential area, so it tends to be frequented by locals who know where to find the good surf. With friendly vibes and decent swells, Croatan Beach is a great place to hang ten or just watch others do so.
9. False Cape State Park
If your idea of a perfect beach trip includes camping under the stars, False Cape State Park is calling your name. This is about as remote and “back to basics” as it gets for beach camping – we’re talking no-frills, primitive camping right by the ocean. By day, the park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. You can hike through undeveloped beaches and maritime forests, bike down trails, or even join guided kayak tours through the marshes. There’s really something for everyone, and yes, that includes organized boating trips if paddling isn’t your style.
False Cape sits between the Atlantic Ocean and Back Bay, giving you unique access to both beachfront and bay environments. Keep in mind, you can’t drive directly to the campsites; part of the adventure is getting there by foot, bike, or boat, so pack accordingly. But if you’re craving an off-the-grid beach experience, False Cape State Park won’t disappoint.
Dogs on the Beach
And now for the question every dog owner has: Can you bring your pup to the beach? The answer is yes! Your furry friend can definitely enjoy a day of sun and sand with you in Virginia Beach.
During the off-season (before Memorial Day and after Labor Day), leashed dogs are allowed on all public beaches at any time of day. If you want to let your dog off-leash during these quieter months, just make sure they’re very well trained with reliable voice commands (and of course, always clean up after them).
Dogs are restricted in the following areas during peak season:
Beaches (Summertime): From Memorial Day to Labor Day, dogs can only be on the beaches before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. Even then, they’re limited to the less crowded areas, specifically, the north end of Virginia Beach above 42nd Street, and the south end in the Sandbridge area.
Boardwalk: In that same peak season, dogs are allowed on the boardwalk only between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. (outside of those hours, the boardwalk is off-limits to our four-legged buddies).
There’s a reason, well, actually many reasons, why families love Virginia Beach. Year-round adventures await here, from beach fun in the summer to festivals and outdoor activities the rest of the year. Plus, you’ll never have to twist anyone’s arm to come visit; friends and family will jump at the chance to join you for some beach time!
