Beaches close to and in Norfolk, VA

Article by:

Tein Hlwa

Those who love visiting a beautiful beach or two will find plenty of options in and around the City of Norfolk, VA, and throughout Norfolk - Virginia Beach.

Norfolk - Virginia Beach is bordered by other cities in Virginia, including Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Portsmouth.

Despite having a relatively short coastline of 112 miles, unlike North Carolina and other surrounding states Virginia abounds with friendly beaches and bountiful activities to enjoy.

Yes, along the Atlantic Coast of the United States lies some of the world's most beautiful vacation destinations that are perfect for nature lovers and almost anyone.

There's no doubt, Norfolk County's proximity to populous areas has made it a popular holiday destination any time of the year.

Once you arrive at Norfolk International Airport and/or Norfolk International Terminals in Norfolk County should you be visiting from places nearby like North Carolina, Newport News, or South Carolina you can enjoy so much here in Norfolk County:

  • Spectacular sandy beaches and the Atlantic Ocean's amazing scent and ocean views.
  • A beach day that offers a great family outing in any of its ocean view beach parks.
  • Take in Norfolk County's stunning, sheltered stretches of sand as well as places like Lake Wright and other pretty lakes, or river water where there are shallow waters and where gallons of water are pumped in.

Rest assured, before you head out there are also plenty of transportation options to get you to and from where you want to go be it to Ocean View Beach Park, East Beach, shallow waters, a friendly beach, or a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean.

Beaches and More

From beautiful beaches to the Norfolk Botanical Garden, Ocean View Beach Park, or East Beach or taking in the Nineteenth Century, and 21st Century architecture, there's plenty of sightseeing, great museums, tons of nature, and green parks.

 

No, you certainly won't be bored in Norfolk County.

Here's a thought, before hitting one of the beaches, perhaps pay a visit to the Norfolk Historical Society or Norfolk Public Library for expert advice about the many beautiful beaches before scouting the area of Norfolk County on your own.

We invite you to gather your swimming attire and beach accessories, as we explore the top beaches in Norfolk County Virginia.

 

Best of the Best

The stunning scenery of Bethel Beach in Mathews County, Virginia is well known. This sliver of sand amounts to 105 acres. The dunes shift in shape as the wind and tides affect the shoreline. The channels are quite deep, and there is a small bay.

Diverse bird species are attracted to the salt marshes whilst waders can be seen frequenting the lagoons in search of nourishment. Visiting this Natural Area Preserve is a perfect combination of exploration and relaxation, especially with its sandy beaches.

Virginia demonstrates its dedication to preserving the natural environment by restricting access to certain parts of the coastline during bird nesting seasons.

Maryland

The towns of Chesapeake Beach, Chesapeake City, and St. Michaels can be found in Maryland. This residential area has been known for its stunning beachfront and many popular beaches since the early 19th century and is located between Lynnhaven Inlet and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.

Chic's

In Virginia, Chic's Beach is popular and is known as one of the area's premier beaches, drawing large numbers of visitors over the summer and during weekends.

Chic's Beach has jet skiing and paddle boarding which are two popular water sports, and kids usually have tons of fun making sand castles. For adults, the ocean views are awesome at Chic's Beach. This location is also popular with walkers, nature lovers, and cyclists who often ride along the shoreline.

Westmoreland State Park, Westmoreland County

Westmoreland County's Potomac River is home to the 1.5-mile-long Westmoreland State Park. Thanks to its protective measures, the park is a beautiful setting that invites people to appreciate and honor it.

If you just want to relax on the beach, you can do that, but there are also plenty of other activities available such as hiking, fishing, camping, or renting a cabin in the woods.

Admire the stunning views of Horsehead Cliffs, ocean views, and its mighty current that spans up to six miles at times. This area features more than 1,300 acres of paradise.

Whether you're into history or not, you won't have to travel far to visit the birthplace of both Robert E. Lee and George Washington.

Colonial Beach, Westmoreland County

Colonial Beach is a resort town located along the 2.5-mile shoreline of its namesake beach. Dating back to the early 20th Century, Washington D.C. residents have been known to enjoy the quaint town - with its rich history - especially for its beach which is the top attraction.

Visitors of the community beach park may tan, swim, take a stroll up the boardwalk, sail, fish, or spot an osprey.

There are many restaurants in the area, providing families with plenty of options for a wonderful holiday near the Atlantic Ocean and Potomac Rivers. It is a great spot for long-distance swimming, as long-distance swimmers enjoy visiting Cape Charles Beach on Chesapeake Bay.

Although unknown, Virginia's East Shore beach has yet to be fully developed, and those who are aware of it are pleased that it remains a hidden gem. This quaint town has a storied past, viewing shops and hotels on the charming streets, and taking the kids to the public beach are great activities.

The water is shallow, and it's safe to swim in as it tends to collect into small pools. If you'd like to be active in the water, there is kayak rental and other water sports available. If you're looking for a delicious dinner, there will often be freshly caught fish on the menu due to fishing being such a popular recreational activity. This is a very popular spot for people looking to enjoy the summer sun and enjoy ocean views.

Croatan Beach, Virginia Beach

A beloved destination for those wanting to soak up the summertime rays, this diminutive beach, which is a mere mile long and favored by surfers, has two designated surfing spots.

This location has lifeguards present, as well as shallow waters, restrooms, and showers. If you're interested in surfing, you can get lessons during the summer months. The parking fee must be paid, but admission to the beach is complimentary.

In 1898, a religious group had plans to turn this into a training center, but nothing ever came of it, but it is a popular spot for families.

Chincoteague Beach on Chincoteague Island

At the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, you can relax on stunning beaches beside the Atlantic Ocean. On windy days, you can find sheltered areas and due to the large volume of beach-goers in the summertime, lifeguards are always on duty.

Birdwatching, angling, and beachcombing can often be very rewarding activities for those who visit here. The Wild Beach trail stretches 11 miles, providing hikers with plenty of opportunities to explore, including Toms's Cook Hook which is almost as long.

Water sports enthusiasts love the waves and have a great chance of spotting crabs in the rocky tidal pools.

Landing State Park, Cape Henry

Stretching for a mile and a quarter, this beach offers an idyllic, peaceful atmosphere. During the summer, First Landing has tranquil and warm waters.

The park, which covers approximately 3,000 acres, offers various activities such as hiking and cycling, as well as the more traditional coastal choices like swimming, fishing, and boating. You can camp overnight in cabins and enjoy picnicking during the day for a fun time.

In certain locations, swimming is forbidden and there are no lifeguards on duty. Visitors to the beach are guided along boardwalks to protect the delicate plants in the dunes.

Buckroe Beach, Chesapeake Bay

Spanning eight acres, Buckroe Beach offers a playground, BBQ, and picnic tables, as well as walking and cycling trails - all packed into less than one mile.

During the hot season, this beach is commonly frequented and there is ample parking as well as lifeguards on duty.

Sundays in the summer offer concerts and Tuesdays provide outdoor movies suitable for families. No dogs are permitted during the summer months.

The swimming is excellent and there are kayaks and paddle boats available to rent.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

At the junction of the Atlantic and Chesapeake Bay, lies Virginia Beach, a long stretch of sand drawing in many visitors annually.

Rising early to witness the magical moment of sunrise and the calling of the sands and waters is an experience not to be missed.

Renting a bike is an excellent way to explore if you're looking for something more than just sunbathing. Also, you have a great chance of spotting dolphins in the surf. When dining, you can enjoy the taste of freshly caught fish since they are abundant.

Ocean View Beach, Norfolk

Ocean View Beach is a great destination for sunbathers and swimmers alike, offering up to 7.5 miles of pristine beach with its gentle waters. Families will be delighted by the organization and abundance of supplies provided.

Fishing is a popular pastime and exploring rock pools can be an exciting experience, as one might find crabs or other sea creatures at Ocean View Beach.

A sheltered area with picnic tables and a bathhouse gives visitors a reprieve from the sun. The calm and shallow waters of the area make it a safe and fun place for children, as well as those looking to paddleboard and kayak. People come to enjoy a leisurely walk or even a jog along the waterfront.

North End Beach, Virginia Beach

This is an ideal location for surfing enthusiasts and this beach in Fort Story is a popular spot among families and dog owners, making it the perfect place to relax.

You may take a tour of the two significant lighthouses if you have enough energy to get off the beach. The Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, first established in 1792 and replaced by a newer structure in 1881, is still operational today.

North End Beach remains relatively serene, making it popular among locals and those wishing to avoid large crowds. Due to its popularity among locals, there are no typical beach facilities at this destination.

Sometimes it can be difficult to find parking due to residential permit parking.

Sandbridge, Virgina Beach

Sandbridge in Virginia Beach offers some amazing seaside rental properties if you're looking for an unforgettable beach vacation.

This tranquil spot is positioned in front of a residential area and offers a welcome contrast from the busier beaches found at the center of town.

Families can have a wonderful beach holiday by renting a home and staying for a few days. There are few cafes and restaurants available.

Explore the marshes, observe the wildlife, and take part in outdoor activities such as hiking in the dunes, kayaking, or fishing.

When you stay at Sandbridge, you'll have plenty of room to explore and appreciate the shoreline.

Sandbridge is extremely popular with locals, yet it goes unnoticed by tourists and out-of-towners.

Also, the remote, sandy beaches of Currituck Banks Peninsula south of Virginia Beach offer appealing views. You can see the Atlantic Ocean on one side of the peninsula, and Back Bay Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park on the other. The beach is around 4.5 miles long and on the southern part of Sandbar.

False Cape State Park, Virginia Beach

False Cape State Park is on the list of Sandbridge beaches, even though technically it can be seen as separate from the group; however, it still has its unique appeal.

Called 'False Cape' because boats often mistook it for the higher-up Cape Henry, many vessels ended up being unable to navigate the shallow waters of this coast as a result of their confusion.

For the adventurous traveler, this beach is a great opportunity to explore the wildlife around and relax on the sandy shores while admiring the crashing waves.

The National Wildlife Refuge has beautiful scenery to admire. The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge features dunes, waterfowl, and interior valleys that are reminiscent of another great Virginia park. Its stunning landscape is worth a visit.

Croatan Beach, Virginia Beach

Croatan Beach, located in Virginia Beach, is renowned for its water sports and surfing. The East Coast Surfing Championships have been held at the site located between Rudee Inlet and Camp Pendleton for the past 40 years.

Surfers flock to Croatan's two surf spots: one near Rudee Inlet in the north and the other near Pendleton in the south. Every morning, these beaches are bustling with activity.

Throughout the summer months, lifeguard services are available along the entirety of the beachfront. If you want to take a surf lesson or go to a surf camp, this is the place to be.

First Landing State Park

Commemorated as Virginia's most renowned state park, First Landing State Park wins acclaim for being the original disembarkation anchorage of English settlers in the New World. Revered for its legacy, sparkling marshes, camping, and stunning seashores. You can simply stay on the coast if desired. Go to First Landing State Park, celebrated for its chronicle, lustrous swamps, camping grounds, and breathtaking shores. If you desire you can just idle on the shoreline or take a trip to First Landing State Park for the day.

First Landing is geographically viewed as a Chesapeake Bay beach but could also be deemed one of the Atlantic's beaches due to its proximity to the North End Beach area.

First Landing Beach, technically a Bay Beach, and the North End Beaches, are Atlantic Beaches where visitors can enjoy some of the best hikes in Virginia Beach that culminate at the shore.

At the edge of town, Little Island Park is an excellent destination for both solo travelers and families.

Market Place Beach and Little Island Beach each have 4-10 lifeguard stands that are open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer season. The area is often called the "Outer Banks of Virginia" due to its landscape and geography, however, there are no hotels in Sandbridge, just beach rentals and condos.

Wherever you decide to spend a day at the beach any of these locals will well be worth your while to spend the day soaking up the sun, doing water sports, or just doing nothing.

Last Minute

Other last minute places in and around the area include Lake Wright, Town Point Park, South Hampton Roads, the City of Norfolk, Norfolk Southern, Norfolk Scope, Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk Academy, Norfolk Town, and the 13,800-seat Norfolk Scope Indoor arena, Chrysler Museum, Chrysler Museum of Art, Hermitage Foundation Museum, and Newport News.

There's plenty of transportation from Hampton Roads Transportation, Paratransit Services, and many more additional services to get you around like the Transit, and Norfolk Checker Cab.

Have fun!

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