Virginia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast. With over 5,000 miles of shoreline, there are plenty of spectacular sandy stretches to explore. From the lively resort beaches of Virginia Beach to the serene shores along the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia has a beach for every taste. Here is an overview of some of the best beaches in Virginia.
Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is by far the most popular and well-known beach destination in Virginia. This vibrant city has over 30 miles of sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. The three-mile Virginia Beach oceanfront boardwalk is bustling with hotels, restaurants, amusement parks, and entertainment. Famous for its warm sand and consistent waves, Virginia Beach is a surfing mecca. It also boasts many fishing piers and charter boat services.
Virginia Beach has something for everyone when it comes to beach activities. Families will appreciate the resort amenities, waterparks, oceanfront parks, and events like the Neptune Festival. Those seeking peace and relaxation can head to Sandbridge Beach, a barrier island south of Virginia Beach. Water sports enthusiasts will enjoy sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, and kiteboarding. With mild temperatures through fall and winter, Virginia Beach provides a perfect seaside escape year-round.
Chincoteague Island
For a protected barrier island experience, visit Chincoteague Island. Part of the Assateague Island National Seashore, Chincoteague offers miles of unspoiled sandy shores. Beach access here is mainly through Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, where you might spot the island's famous wild ponies grazing by the shoreline. NASA's Wallops Flight Facility is also located on Chincoteague, offering spectacular rocket launches over the water.
Recreational opportunities on Chincoteague range from beachcombing and birdwatching to surf fishing and kayaking. The beach has gentle surf, making it an ideal family destination. At Assateague Island, beachgoers can swim, sunbathe, and picnic across 1.5 miles of oceanfront. For overnight stays, Chincoteague Island has an array of vacation rentals, campgrounds, and motels. The small-town ambiance coupled with pristine protected shores make Chincoteague a treasured getaway.
Sandbridge Beach
For the quintessential private beach experience in Virginia, head to Sandbridge Beach south of Virginia Beach. Tucked away from the larger resorts, Sandbridge offers a five-mile stretch of peaceful shoreline. It's surrounded by natural sand dunes, bay forests, and wetlands. Since no hotels or high-rise buildings are allowed, it retains a remote feel.
While the main beach access has parking and facilities, long walks in either direction lead to untouched sandy expanses. The wave action is gentle, making swimming a delight. Fishing is also popular from the shoreline or Sandbridge Pier. Locals love surfing here, especially near the jetty where swells are more consistent. Vacation homes and cottages line the streets, providing a relaxed community vibe. For even more solitude, head to the beaches of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge just across the bay.
York River State Park
On the York River shoreline, York River State Park offers over a mile of sandy coastline along the Chesapeake Bay. The beach here is untouched, with peaceful water views. Swimming is possible along the creek inlets lined with grassy marshes. This is one of the few bay beaches with amenities like parking, restrooms, picnic areas, and hiking trails through maritime forests.
Since it faces west, the York River beach is ideal for sunsets. Visitors can comb the shoreline for shark teeth and fossils, prevalent finds on the bay side. The park offers sweeping vistas across the river, with memorable scenery of oyster reefs and secluded coves. Camping and cabins are available within the state park. Overall, the beach here provides a perfect patch of sand in a pristine park setting.
Cape Charles Beach
On Virginia's Eastern Shore, Cape Charles Beach provides family-friendly amenities steps from a quaint downtown. Located near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, this area offers shallow waters and smaller waves. The large beach has clean sand, with plenty of facilities like restrooms, showers, snack bars, and volleyball courts.
Cape Charles Beach is popular for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and crabbing. Rent a golf cart or bike to explore the Cape Charles Historic District nearby. Grab an ice cream and admire the bay views from the public pier. To experience this beach town at its best, visit during one of its many festivals or events. The combination of a spacious beach and small-town charm make Cape Charles a delightful Chesapeake Bay destination.
First Landing State Park
For a dose of history with beach access, visit First Landing State Park. This is located by the Chesapeake Bay, near the site of the first English colonists' landing in 1607. The park has two miles of sandy shoreline where the Lynnhaven River meets the bay. Swimming is possible here, and anglers will find plenty of fishing spots along the beach and trail.
First Landing State Park offers over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails. Follow them through woodlands and wetlands to reach secluded stretches of beach. Amenities include a boat launch, picnic areas, and a full-service campground. The on-site visitor center provides exhibits and programs to immerse yourself in nature and history. Whether you're seeking an afternoon on the beach or a weekend of outdoor explorations, First Landing State Park is a prime destination.
Conclusion
From the Atlantic waves of Virginia Beach to the peaceful shores along the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia has an array of spectacular and diverse beaches. Families will appreciate the amenities and entertainment of resort beaches like Virginia Beach. For outdoor enthusiasts, quiet barrier islands like Chincoteague provide miles of recreation and wildlife viewing. Secluded beaches like Sandbridge, York River, and First Landing give visitors a chance to relax and reconnect with nature. Whether you want to swim, fish, surf, or just stroll the sand, Virginia has a perfect beach option waiting.
