While Virginia might be more readily associated with historical landmarks, battlefields, and the rolling landscapes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the state boasts a remarkable wealth of coastal treasures. With over 7,000 miles of shoreline, encompassing rivers, estuaries, the expansive Chesapeake Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean’s edge, Virginia offers a diverse array of beaches, each with its unique charm and appeal. From the bustling shores of Virginia Beach to the secluded sands of Tangier Island, accessible only by boat, the state provides ample opportunity for seaside relaxation and adventure. Let’s explore The 7 Best Beaches in Virginia that deserve a spot on your travel itinerary.
1. Virginia Beach: A Coastal City with Diverse Shores
Virginia Beach, a vibrant city nestled where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, is more than just a pretty face. It’s a hub of activity, brimming with unique neighborhoods, enticing restaurants, craft breweries, and captivating art galleries. However, its most alluring feature is undoubtedly its beaches. This coastal city boasts an impressive 38 miles of coastline, recognized by the "Guinness Book of World Records" as the world’s longest pleasure beach.
Due to its extensive length, the Virginia Beach shoreline is divided into distinct sections, each offering a unique experience. The Oceanfront, the energetic heart of Virginia Beach, pulsates with life. Here, you’ll find charming seaside cottages housing outdoor cafes, captivating street performers, miniature golf courses, and the iconic 3-mile boardwalk, illuminated by vibrant neon lights. The boardwalk itself is a destination, offering a classic beach town experience with arcades, souvenir shops, and the ever-present scent of saltwater taffy.
For those seeking tranquility, Sandbridge Beach, located south of the bustling boardwalk, provides a secluded escape. This serene realm is characterized by rolling sand dunes and undisturbed stretches of Atlantic coastline. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park. These protected areas offer opportunities for kayaking through serene marshes, hiking along scenic trails, and casting a line in the open waters, all while surrounded by the beauty of Virginia’s natural landscape.
Chic’s Beach, situated on the Chesapeake Bay facing the impressive Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, offers a nostalgic, old-school beach experience. With 2 miles of gentle beach and calm waters, it’s perfect for families and those seeking a relaxed atmosphere. The area also features laid-back restaurants and breweries, adding to its charm. Perhaps most remarkably, Chic’s Beach is one of the few locations on the East Coast where you can witness the sun setting over the water, painting the sky with breathtaking hues.
Finally, First Landing State Park, named in honor of the 100 English settlers who first set foot here in 1607 before venturing inland to establish Jamestown, offers 1.25 miles of stunning Chesapeake Bay frontage. This park is not only a place to enjoy the beach but also a step back in time, allowing visitors to connect with the very beginnings of American history. The 7 Best Beaches in Virginia couldn’t be complete without this gem.
2. Colonial Beach, Northern Neck: A Waterfront Paradise
Venture to the Northern Neck peninsula, east of Fredericksburg, and you’ll discover a captivating realm of historic villages, flourishing oyster farms, significant historical sites, and expansive, inviting beaches. Tucked away on the Potomac River, Colonial Beach boasts the second-largest waterfront in Virginia, stretching for over 2 miles and encompassing five distinct beach fronts.
Downtown Beach is the epicenter of activity, offering a vibrant atmosphere with food trucks serving up local delicacies, waterfront restaurants providing stunning views, souvenir shops offering mementos of your visit, and outfitters renting stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and waterskiing equipment. For those seeking a more serene experience, the beach areas located north and south of downtown offer a quieter retreat. Regardless of where you choose to relax, the sunrises and sunsets in Colonial Beach are truly spectacular, painting the sky with vibrant colors that reflect off the tranquil waters of the Potomac River.
3. Cape Charles, Eastern Shore: Golden Sands and Clear Waters
Located on the Chesapeake Bay at the southern tip of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Cape Charles is a charming town with golden sands and clear blue waters that make it one of the state’s most beloved beaches. The calm, shallow waters are particularly appealing to families with young children, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for swimming and playing.
A boardwalk and fishing pier add to the appeal, offering opportunities for leisurely strolls and angling adventures. The town’s laid-back, small-town charm is evident in its walkable downtown area, where you’ll find a variety of restaurants and coffee shops. For a sweet treat, Brown Dog Ice Cream is a must-visit, sourcing its ingredients, including peaches and coffee, from local farmers.
For those seeking adventure on the water, outfitters offer stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and guided excursions. One particularly popular trek involves paddling to Chatham Vineyards for a unique wine tasting experience. Cape Charles truly embodies the spirit of The 7 Best Beaches in Virginia.
4. Assateague Island National Seashore: Wild Horses and Untamed Beaches
Stretching for 37 miles between Virginia and Maryland, Assateague Island National Seashore is a unique and captivating destination. The island’s main draw is undoubtedly its population of wild horses, descendants of Spanish horses that either swam ashore from sunken galleons or were released by colonists seeking to avoid mainland fence taxes. These hardy creatures roam freely along the surf-swept sands, adding a touch of untamed beauty to the landscape.
However, Assateague Island offers more than just wild horses. Protected by the Assateague National Wildlife Refuge, the island’s beaches remain in a remarkably natural state. Here, you can spread out your towel on the golden sands and find yourself surrounded by nothing but swaying oat grass, rolling sand dunes, and, of course, the ever-present wild horses. The Virginia gateway to the island is Chincoteague, a charming town offering B&Bs, seafood restaurants, and nature tours.
5. Ocean View Beach, Norfolk: A Navy Town’s Coastal Gem
Norfolk, best known as a Navy town, also boasts over 7 miles of sandy beaches along the Chesapeake Bay, located in the aptly named Ocean View neighborhood. Public walkways provide easy access to the shoreline every few blocks.
To enhance your beach day experience, consider planning your visit around one of three parks: Community Beach Park, Sarah Constant Beach Park, and the bustling Ocean View Beach Park. Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, these parks offer convenient parking, restrooms, shade trees, and lifeguard services. While summer concerts and dances are a highlight at Ocean View Beach Park, the sight of playful dolphins frolicking in the water and the spectacular sunset views over the bay are a constant delight, regardless of where you choose to relax.
6. Jamestown Beach, Williamsburg: History and Relaxation
Jamestown, renowned as the first permanent English settlement in North America, offers a unique blend of history and relaxation. While the original colonists were likely preoccupied with survival rather than sunbathing, today, Jamestown is home to a small, mostly freshwater beach on the James River.
Particularly popular with families, this beach offers inviting shallow waters and a newly renovated shoreline. Amenities include charcoal grills, shaded picnic tables, launches for kayaks and canoes, and an observation pier. Nearby Yorktown Beach, the site of the final Revolutionary War battle, also offers a two-acre public beach with a fishing dock and picnic area, further enhancing the historical and recreational appeal of the area. Jamestown Beach is a unique addition to The 7 Best Beaches in Virginia.
7. Tangier Beach, Tangier Island: A Remote Escape
Located in the heart of the Chesapeake Bay, Tangier Island exudes a timeless charm, where watermen have harvested crabs and oysters for centuries. Reaching Tangier Beach requires a bit of effort – a ferry ride from the mainland towns of Irvington or Reedville followed by a 20-minute walk (or a quick bike ride) to the island’s southern tip.
However, the reward is well worth the journey. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a remote expanse of blue-green water, pristine white sands, and, often, complete solitude. Given the ferry schedule, you’ll typically have a few hours to enjoy this secluded paradise, unless you opt to stay overnight in one of the island’s charming B&Bs. This secluded and unique experience truly earns Tangier Beach a place among The 7 Best Beaches in Virginia.
