The Hampton Roads area is famous for its luxurious beaches. Some, like Virginia Beach’s Oceanfront stretch on for miles. Others are tucked away into little coves and hidden inside semi-private inlets or as a part of public state parks. There is a beach in Virginia for just about anyone who loves to sunbathe, swim, ski, or boat. Here are some of our favorites:
Buckroe Beach, borders the Chesapeake Bay in Hampton, Virginia. The beach consists of eight acres of family-friendly – – including pets – – beautiful sand as well as play areas of children, picnic shelters with tables and grills (by reservation), a wonderful walking and bike path, and a convenient parking area.
Rentals are available for umbrellas, chairs, kayaks, and paddelcraft. Certified lifeguards are on duty during the season, which runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
During the summer months, visitors can swing to the sounds of the Sunday night Groovin’ by the Bay concerts, or view an outdoor movie as part of the Tuesday night POMOCO Family Movie Series.
For more information, contact the City of Hampton at 757-727-8311 or Buckroe Beach at 7575-850-5134.
Croaton Beach is almost hidden from the main drag of General Booth Boulevard. Extending from the rock jetty at Rudee Inlet to nearby Camp Pendleton, the beach provides an amazing mile of soft sand and raging surf. Tucked safely away behind a thick growth of trees and unusually beautiful mansions, Croaton is a popular spot for local surfers, families, and couples alike. open from 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and has lifeguards on duty.
Several access areas are available through the sand dunes and thick saw grass of this beautiful beach. The Camp Pendleton entrance provides easy access for both wheelchairs and strollers.
Swimming is restricted in certain areas of the beach but worshipers of the sun are welcome almost everywhere. Surfers abound at both ends of the beach. Four lifeguards man the waters; two at each end.
There are no water fountains, food vendors or rentals located anywhere nearby, so tourists and residents alike are encouraged to come well prepared for their visit.
During the height of the season between May 15 and September 30, beach activities involving balls and Frisbees are prohibited during the beach’s open hours between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Parking is relatively easy to find within the residential area as well as in Camp Pendleton’s 200-space free parking lot at the end of Vanderbilt Avenue. However, Camp parking is open between 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
False Cape State Park, located at 4100 Sandpiper Road in Virginia Beach. This lovely beach is open from sunrise to sunset. It is perfect for those who love to camp, with is four different camping areas. However, be aware that this is a “tents only” area; no fancy campers or RVs are allowed. The area is not recommended for inexperienced campers or children as it tends to be a bit primitive.
The park, which can only be accessed by foot or bike, is perfect for those who like to explore. It features a shipwreck site just off of the coast, which can be seen viewed during low tide. Hiking trails lead to old church ruins and a graveyard complete with grave sites.
For those who just want to visit during the day, trams from Little Island City Park run during the summer only. Another option is Terra Gater, a low eco-impact vehicle is available for tours, for a fee, from November through March.
Wash Woods Environmental Center is available for group overnight trips.
The beach is typically open from sunrise to sunset but no lifeguards are available. For more information, contact the park office at 757-426-7128 for more information.
Fort Story Beach is one of the area’s best kept secrets. Like many of the local beaches, there is nothing tourist fancy about this one. It doesn’t feature concession stands or souvenir shops. However, what it lacks in amenities, it makes up for in wonderfully less crowded beaches with lots of free parking and easy access.
Although pets and surfboards are “no no’s” on Fort Story Beach, its okay to bring your picnic baskets and coolers, balls, and Frisbees. And children are welcome because lifeguards are on duty and emergency medical technicians are nearby at all times.
This beach is not open to the public except on the weekend, during tourist season, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Hours are from 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. It is closed during the week for military exercises.
Dolphin watching is a popular sport at this beach since the animals often congregate in the area.
Great Neck Park Beach is another beautifully scenic beach that is strictly no-frills. Forget the typical rentals, public facilities, drinking fountains, and concessions. There are none located on the beach, although informal eating places are located close by. However, there is lots of fun to be had like looking for crabs at low tide or walking along the yards of unblemished sand.
This beach is popular with families, particularly those with children since the water tends to be calmer here than it is on the oceanfront. It is important to note, however, that this beach does not have lifeguards so parents are expected to pay close attention to the little ones.
There is an area where families can grill with their own equipment, for those who just want to rest and relax against a the beautiful Chesapeake Bay.
Free parking is available nearby.
The beach is open during tourist season from Memorial Day through Labor Day from sunrise until 7:30 p.m. daily.
Lynnhaven Inlet Beach, located along the shoreline (Shore Drive) of the Chesapeake Bay (in Virginia Beach), this particular beach has lots of relaxing charm. Its quaint, low-key charm appeals to locals and tourists alike. This beach, unlike some of the others, has its own particular fan base. The beach’s calm water and less crowded atmosphere make it a real favorite of many sunbathers who seek some peace and quiet.
Campfires are not allowed on the beach and don’t bring alcohol because those kinds of beverages are taboo. However, food and drinks are available at “Duck-In” and other local restaurants.
The privately owned beach does provide rentals for jet skis, windsurfing, and catamarans. Playing is allowed. The beach features volleyball poles throughout for those who want to play. However, bring your own balls and nets. Also be aware there are no lifeguards on duty.
Parking is free for Duck-In patrons, and the restaurant offers limited parking for beach goers, as well. The cost is $3 Monday through Thursday, and $5 Friday through Sunday. Other parking is limited but not terribly difficult to find.
The beach is open during the season, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
For more information, contact 757-481-7071.
North End Beach, located off Atlantic Avenue. This quaint little area comes complete with sand dunes but it doesn’t offer the standard tourist trappings like equipment rentals, water fountains, restrooms, and lifeguards. There is, however a limited number of catamarans allowed in the area.
North End Beach is popular with a wide variety of people who don’t like frequenting the larger, more commercial spots. It isn’t unusual to see this beach packet with families, children, and even senior citizens. Volleyball nets have balls are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are a number of posts available throughout the beach area.
Dogs are not allowed on the beach and surfing is forbidden between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Hours during that time run from 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Free parking is available along either side of Atlantic Avenue. Parking is fairly easy to find during the week, but can be a bit of a problem on the weekends, so it is best to come early in order to find a spot.
Oceanfront Beach is likely the best known of the Virginia Beach beaches. This highly popular resort area has rigid regulations, however, because of the huge number of people that are packed into a relatively small strip of land.
Oceanfront is a big tourist area. In fact, most the people you will find along the beach are not residents of the community. Most locals prefer some of the smaller, out of the way beaches. This is definitely a resort strip for the definitive sun worshipper.
Lifeguards are stationed throughout the beach. Equipment rental is available for umbrellas, chairs, surfboards, boogie boards, jet skis, bikes, in-line skates and more. Public restrooms are located at 17th, 24th, and 30th streets. Ramps are available for the handicapped. Water fountains are located on just about every block of the boardwalk.
Nearby is a myriad of souvenir and gift shops, as well as lots of concessions and restaurants.
Parking is premium for this beach. You’d better come early if you want to use one of the parking meters or even one of the several hundred available spots allotted by municipal parking lot. If you come after noon, chances are you will be out of luck unless you want to try one of the $10-a-day private lots; which are still somewhat limited.
Parking meters will cost you $.25 for each 20 minutes and failure to fee the meters on time can be expensive. Offenders can expect a $12 to $24 fine. And parking is strictly enforced.
Four municipal lots are located at 19th and Pacific (2), at 25th and Pacific (1), and one at the oceanfront at 31st Street (1). These charge $4 per day on weekdays and $5 for weekends. After 5:00 p.m., city residents can catch a break if they have their city stickers; paying only $1 per day.
Oceanfront is open between 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., as are most of the parking areas. Shops, concessions, and restaurants are typically open during the same times.
Sandbridge Beach is about 4.5 miles in length. Similar in nature to the layout of the Outer Banks, the beach has houses and condos surrounding it that tourists can rent during the season. The water comes closed to the sea walls that have been built to keep the homes safe during tropical storms.
The beach is typically open during the season, which runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Hours during the week run from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Lifeguards are on duty during those hours.
Tourists can rent the typical beach accouterments like umbrellas, chairs, boogie boards, and rafts. The market also allows for souvenir shopping and picking up those forgotten items. Food and drink is also available in nearby shops.
Cars are not allowed on the beach. Parking lots are located near the beach for typical vehicles, however RVs and buses are not allowed. The cost is $3 per weekday and $4 on weekends. Residents with a city sticker can park for $1 per day.
Yorktown Beach, located near the George P. Coleman Bridge and the heart of historic Yorktown, is a quiet little beach that is perfect for swimming, windsurfing, surfing, and boating. Although not all tourists are aware of this little gem of a spot, the locals certainly are and that is predominantly what you will find here.
Although this beach doesn’t have the amenities of some of the larger ones located in the Virginia Beach area, you will definitely enjoy the view. The way the water meets the beautiful shoreline is a sight worth seeing all on its own.
Parking is somewhat limited but certainly not impossible to find. There are no rentals located on the beach but visitors are welcome to bring their own equipment, food, and drink. Or close by you can certainly find wonderful restaurants with a seafood flare.
The beach is open during the season from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
For fun in the sun, Hampton Roads and the state of Virginia certainly have a lot to offer. Beyond that, however, this historic area also offers the sites and sounds of history through nearby Yorktown, Jamestown, and Williamsburg and lots of amusement at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Museums galore also offer something for just about anyone with the:
Casemate Museum,
Mariner’s Museum,
Air & Space Museum,
Edgar Cayce Museum, and so much more.
Then there are the terrific restaurants including Ruth Chris, Steak & Ale, Kelly’s Tavern, Chili’s, Saddle Ridge, Lone Star, Texas Roadhouse, UNO Chicago Grill and so many more. For those who like to shop there are outlet stores galore in Williamsburg, several town centers, Patrick Henry Mall, and strip centers galore. There is literally something for everyone. Oh, and don’t forget: “Virginia is For Lovers!”
