Top 12 Best Beaches in Virginia

Best Beaches in Virginia (Complete 2026 Guide)

Virginia offers more beach variety than many travelers expect. From the lively Atlantic Ocean shoreline of Virginia Beach to the quiet barrier islands of the Eastern Shore and the calm waters of the Chesapeake Bay, there’s a beach here for every travel style.

This guide covers the best beaches in Virginia, including where to swim, which beaches are best for families, where to find quieter shoreline, and what to know before you go — so you can confidently plan your beach day.

Top 12 Best Beaches in Virginia

1. Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Preview: Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Virginia’s most famous beach features a three-mile boardwalk, wide sandy shoreline, seasonal lifeguards, restaurants, and hotels steps from the sand.

Water: Atlantic Ocean
Best For: Families, nightlife, first-time visitors
Parking: Garages and paid lots nearby

2. Sandbridge Beach (Virginia Beach)

Preview: Sandbridge Beach

A quieter alternative to the Oceanfront, Sandbridge offers residential beach vibes, fewer crowds, and beautiful dune scenery.

Best For: Relaxing vacations, families, fewer crowds

3. First Landing State Park

Preview: First Landing State Park – Virginia Beach, Virginia

Located where the Chesapeake Bay meets the ocean, this park offers calm bay beaches, shaded picnic areas, and hiking trails.

Water: Chesapeake Bay (calmer than ocean)
Best For: Kids, kayaking, nature lovers

4. Cape Charles Beach

Preview: Cape Charles Beachfront

A hidden gem on the Eastern Shore with calm, shallow water and beautiful sunsets over the Chesapeake Bay.

Best For: Families, sunset views, peaceful beach days

5. Assateague Island (Virginia Portion)

Preview: Assateague Beach – Chincoteague, Virginia

Part of the wild barrier island system shared with Maryland, Assateague offers undeveloped shoreline and wildlife viewing.

Best For: Nature, solitude, photography

6. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Beach

A scenic and natural beach experience on Virginia’s Eastern Shore with dunes, wildlife, and fewer crowds.

7. Buckroe Beach (Hampton)

Preview: Buckroe Beach and Park

A Chesapeake Bay beach with gentle waves, playgrounds, and family-friendly amenities.

8. Ocean View Beach (Norfolk)

Preview: Ocean View Beach

Located along the Chesapeake Bay, this beach offers calmer swimming and residential surroundings.

9. Croatan Beach (Virginia Beach)

Preview: Croatan Beach, Virginia

Popular among surfers and locals looking for a quieter stretch near the Oceanfront.

10. Yorktown Beach

Preview: Yorktown Beach

A small but charming beach along the York River with historic surroundings and calm waters.

11. Colonial Beach

Preview: Colonial Beach, VA

Located along the Potomac River, this beach town offers a laid-back boardwalk atmosphere.

12. Grandview Nature Preserve (Hampton)

Preview: Grandview Beach

A quiet and undeveloped stretch of shoreline ideal for walking and birdwatching.

Best Virginia Beaches by Experience

Best for Families

• Virginia Beach Oceanfront
• Sandbridge Beach
• Cape Charles Beach
• First Landing State Park

Best Quiet Beaches

• Sandbridge
• Grandview Nature Preserve
• Assateague Island (VA side)

Best for Nature & Wildlife

• Chincoteague Refuge Beach
• Assateague Island
• First Landing State Park

How to Choose the Right Virginia Beach

• Want classic boardwalk energy? Choose Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
• Prefer calmer water? Chesapeake Bay beaches are gentler than the Atlantic.
• Looking for quiet and natural? Head to the Eastern Shore barrier islands.
• Traveling with kids? Sandbridge and Bay beaches are ideal.
• Want scenic dunes and wildlife? First Landing State Park or Assateague area beaches are great choices.

Best Time to Visit Virginia Beaches

Beach season in Virginia runs from late May through September. July and August offer the warmest water temperatures but also the largest crowds. June and September are ideal for fewer crowds with comfortable weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best beach in Virginia?

Virginia Beach Oceanfront is the most popular and offers the most amenities.

Are Virginia beaches free?

Most public beaches are free, though parking fees may apply in peak season.

Which Virginia beach has calm water?

Chesapeake Bay beaches like Cape Charles and First Landing State Park typically have calmer water than the Atlantic Ocean.

Explore All Virginia Beaches Below