Virginia’s coastline offers some of the most relaxing and family-friendly beach destinations on the U.S. East Coast. From wide Atlantic Ocean shorelines to calm Chesapeake Bay beaches, families can find safe swimming areas, beautiful scenery, and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you’re planning a summer vacation or a weekend getaway, these beaches stand out for their clean sand, family-friendly facilities, and nearby attractions. Below are 15 of the best beaches in Virginia where families can enjoy sun, water, and memorable coastal experiences.
1. Virginia Beach Oceanfront – The Most Popular Family Beach
If you’re looking for a classic beach vacation with plenty of activities, Virginia Beach Oceanfront is the top choice. This famous coastal area features a lively beachfront, a long boardwalk, and many hotels and restaurants.
The beach is located along the Atlantic Ocean and is known for its three-mile boardwalk, which connects dozens of attractions, shops, and resorts.
Families love this destination because it offers:
Lifeguard-protected swimming areas
Bike paths and walking trails along the boardwalk
Family entertainment and seasonal festivals
Easy access to restaurants and ice-cream shops
- Kids can also visit nearby attractions such as the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. You can explore exhibits, touch tanks, and nature trails. Learn more on the official site:
- Best time to visit: May–September
- Why families love it: Safe swimming zones and plenty of activities.
2. Sandbridge Beach – A Quiet Family Escape, Virginia
Located just south of Virginia Beach, Sandbridge Beach offers a more peaceful coastal experience. Unlike the busy Oceanfront, this beach is quieter and surrounded by natural scenery.
Sandbridge features wide sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and calm ocean waves, making it ideal for relaxing family vacations.
Things families enjoy here include:
Building sandcastles on uncrowded beaches
Surfing or boogie boarding
Fishing from nearby piers
Exploring wildlife areas nearby
- Right next to Sandbridge is the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, a beautiful area with hiking trails, bird-watching spots, and kayaking opportunities.
- Best time to visit: Late spring to early fall
- Why families love it: Fewer crowds and beautiful nature.
3. First Landing State Park Beach – Perfect for Kids, Virginia
For families traveling with young children, the beach at First Landing State Park is one of the safest choices in Virginia.
This beach sits along the Chesapeake Bay, where the water is usually calm and shallow. That makes it ideal for children who want to splash in the water without large ocean waves.
The park itself covers nearly 3,000 acres of protected coastal forest and marshland, offering miles of hiking and biking trails.
Family-friendly activities include:
Swimming in calm bay waters
Hiking scenic nature trails
Picnicking in shaded areas
Camping near the beach
- The park also has historical significance because it marks the landing site of English colonists in 1607 near Cape Henry.
- Best time to visit: Spring through early fall
- Why families love it: Calm water and nature activities.
4. Cape Charles Beach – One of Virginia’s Safest Beaches
Located on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Cape Charles Beach is a hidden gem that families absolutely love.
What makes this beach unique is the very shallow water of the Chesapeake Bay, where kids can walk far out without the water getting deep.
Calm, shallow water perfect for toddlers
Soft sand and beautiful sunset views
A charming small town with shops and cafes
A fishing pier and kayak rentals
- The town itself has a relaxed coastal vibe with restored historic buildings and boutique stores.
- Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn
- Why families love it: Shallow water and a charming small-town atmosphere.
5. Buckroe Beach – A Hidden Gem on the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia
Located in Hampton, Virginia, Buckroe Beach is one of the oldest recreational beaches in the state.
This bay-side beach offers a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of family-friendly amenities.
What you’ll find here:
Calm swimming waters
A playground and picnic areas
Summer concerts and events
Fishing pier and kayaking spots
- The beach also offers scenic views of ships passing through the Chesapeake Bay, which kids often find fascinating.
- During summer, lifeguards are on duty, making it a safe destination for families.
- Best time to visit: May to September
- Why families love it: Free access, calm waters, and family events.
6. Chincoteague Island Beach – Nature and Wild Ponies, Virginia
If your family enjoys wildlife and peaceful beaches, Chincoteague Island is one of the most unique coastal destinations in Virginia. The beach is located inside Assateague Island National Seashore, an area known for its natural beauty and famous wild ponies.
Families often visit this beach because it offers clean sand, gentle waves, and amazing opportunities to explore nature. Kids especially love spotting the wild Chincoteague ponies that roam the nearby marshes.
Popular activities include:
Swimming and beachcombing
Watching wild ponies and birds
Kayaking through coastal marshes
Visiting the historic Assateague Lighthouse
- For park information and seasonal updates, visit:
- Best for: Nature lovers and wildlife adventures.
7. Yorktown Beach – Small but Charming, Virginia
Located along the York River, Yorktown Beach is a smaller beach but perfect for a relaxing family afternoon.
Because the water is part of the river rather than the open ocean, it tends to be calm and gentle, making it great for kids who want to swim safely.
Families visiting Yorktown Beach can enjoy:
Walking along the scenic riverfront
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Exploring nearby museums and historic sites
- The beach is also close to Colonial National Historical Park, making it a great stop during a family history trip.
- Best for: Families who enjoy history and quiet waterfront views.
8. Ocean View Beach – A Local Favorite in Norfolk, Virginia
Located in Norfolk, Virginia, Ocean View Beach is a long stretch of shoreline along the Chesapeake Bay.
Unlike some of the busier resort beaches, Ocean View is more relaxed and popular with locals. The calm bay water makes swimming easier for families with young children.
Things families enjoy here include:
Picnicking along the waterfront
Watching boats pass through the bay
Fishing from nearby piers
Sunset walks along the beach
- There are also playgrounds and parks nearby, making it easy to spend an entire day here.
- Best for: Relaxed beach days with fewer tourists.
9. Kiptopeke State Park Beach – Perfect for Outdoor Adventures, Virginia
Nature-loving families should definitely consider visiting Kiptopeke State Park.
Located on the Eastern Shore near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, this park offers a quiet beach surrounded by forests and wildlife habitats.
Unlike busy resort beaches, Kiptopeke focuses on outdoor exploration. Families can enjoy:
Swimming along the calm bay shoreline
Hiking scenic nature trails
Fishing from the park pier
Camping and birdwatching
- The park is also one of the top bird-watching destinations in Virginia, especially during migration seasons.
- Best for: Families who love nature and camping.
10. Grandview Beach – A Hidden Coastal Treasure, Virginia
One of Virginia’s most underrated beaches is Grandview Beach.
Located inside Grandview Nature Preserve, this beach feels wild and untouched compared to commercial resort areas.
Getting to the beach requires a short walk through marshland trails, but the reward is worth it. Visitors are greeted by beautiful dunes, peaceful shoreline, and incredible birdlife.
Families often come here to:
Explore tide pools and shells
Take nature walks
Watch coastal birds and wildlife
Enjoy quiet beach picnics
- Because it’s less crowded than other beaches, it’s perfect for travelers who want a more natural beach experience.
- Best for: Quiet family trips and nature photography.
11. Colonial Beach – A Classic Chesapeake Bay Escape, Virginia
Located along the Potomac River, Colonial Beach is one of the most charming small-town beach destinations in Virginia. It offers a relaxed atmosphere and a wide sandy shoreline that’s perfect for families.
Unlike many ocean beaches, the water here is usually calm and gentle, which makes swimming safer for kids. Visitors can walk along the waterfront boardwalk, enjoy seafood restaurants, or simply relax on the beach.
Popular activities include:
Swimming in calm river water
Fishing and boating
Exploring the waterfront shops and cafes
Watching beautiful sunset views over the Potomac
- For visitor information and events, check:
- Best for: Families looking for a peaceful small-town beach getaway.
12. Westmoreland State Park Beach – Scenic Cliffs and Fossils, Virginia
Nature-loving travelers often visit Westmoreland State Park for its unique shoreline and scenic views of the Potomac River.
The park’s beach area is famous for fossil hunting. Visitors sometimes find prehistoric shark teeth along the sand, which makes the experience especially exciting for kids.
Things families enjoy here include:
Fossil and shell collecting
Hiking scenic cliffside trails
Kayaking and canoeing
Camping near the water
- Best for: Outdoor adventures and fossil hunting.
13. Belle Isle Beach – A Quiet Local Spot, Virginia
Located in Lancaster County, Virginia, Belle Isle State Park offers a peaceful shoreline along the Rappahannock River.
This park is less crowded than most coastal beaches, making it ideal for families who want a relaxing day outdoors.
Swimming in calm river water
Hiking and biking trails
Kayaking and paddleboarding
Wildlife watching
- The park covers more than 800 acres of forest, farmland, and waterfront, giving visitors plenty of space to explore.
- Best for: Quiet nature escapes and outdoor recreation.
14. Outlook Beach – A Historic Coastal Spot, Virginia
Located inside Fort Monroe National Monument, Outlook Beach is one of the most scenic beaches in the Hampton Roads region.
This beach offers a combination of history and beautiful coastal scenery. Families can relax on the sand while enjoying views of the Chesapeake Bay and passing ships.
Swimming and sunbathing
Exploring historic fort structures
Walking along scenic waterfront trails
Visiting nearby museums
- Best for: Families who enjoy history and coastal views.
15. Croatan Beach – A Favorite for Surfers, Virginia
Just south of the main resort area in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Croatan Beach is known for its strong waves and beautiful shoreline.
While it’s popular with surfers, families also visit this beach because it tends to be less crowded than the main Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
Great surfing conditions
Cleaner, quieter shoreline
Scenic sand dunes and ocean views
Opportunities for fishing and beach walks
- Because it’s close to the main Virginia Beach area, visitors can easily combine a relaxing beach day with nearby restaurants and attractions.
- Best for: Families who enjoy surfing and quieter ocean beaches
Virginia offers a wide variety of beautiful beaches, from the lively shoreline of Virginia Beach, Virginia to the peaceful coastal charm of Chincoteague Island. Whether you prefer family-friendly boardwalks, quiet nature escapes, or calm Chesapeake Bay waters, there is a beach in Virginia for every type of traveler. Planning ahead and choosing the right beach can make your trip more relaxing and enjoyable for the whole family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the most popular beach in Virginia?
The most popular beach is the Oceanfront area in Virginia Beach, Virginia, known for its long boardwalk, restaurants, and family-friendly attractions.
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2. Which Virginia beach is best for families with kids?
Beaches along the Chesapeake Bay, such as First Landing State Park, are great for families because the water is usually calm and shallow.
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3. When is the best time to visit Virginia beaches?
The best time to visit is from late May to early September when the weather is warm and most beach facilities are open.
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4. Are there quiet beaches in Virginia?
Yes, places like Sandbridge Beach offer a quieter atmosphere compared to busy resort beaches.
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5. Can you see wildlife at Virginia beaches?
Yes. Areas near Assateague Island National Seashore are known for wildlife, including the famous wild ponies and many coastal birds.
