The beaches of Virginia

The beaches of Virginia are on the forefront of state tourism, attracting millions of annual visitors looking for fun under warm, sunny skies. Featuring more than thirty excellent beaches across 5,000 sandy miles of shoreline, the scores of beaches in Virginia are found in five main beach regions of the state, all offering a wealth of things to do both at and away from the water. Virginia beaches are located along the state's rivers, on Chesapeake Bay and directly on the Atlantic Ocean. From world-famous beaches to unknown gems, a beach vacation in Virginia can be laid back, loaded with excitement and activity, or a bit of both for the best of each world. The beauty of the large choice of beaches in Virginia is a host of different atmospheres are reflected throughout the many different public beaches available, catering to a huge variety of visitors.

Virginia Beach sits at the southeastern point of the state. It is by far one of the most famous beaches within the United States along with many pristine Hawaii beaches and Florida beaches. Featuring the renowned Virginia Beach Boardwalk, a historical, oceanfront landmark that has withstood the test of time, Virginia Beach brims with entertainment opportunities, the most popular being seaside activities. Visitors will find some of the best known Virginia beach hotels and beach resorts along this long stretch of beachfront property. Shopping, dining, and other attractions can be found lined up along the boardwalk. Virginia Beach vacation rentals are most popular along the Sandbridge Beach in the south and North End, two of the quieter Virginia beaches in the area. Top local attractions include Virginia Beach Oceanfront Waterpark, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and the Cape Henry Lighthouses. Numerous special events such as Sandstock and the Boardwalk Art Show & Festival Weekend attract thousands of visitors each summer.

Norfolk's eight-mile-long Ocean View Beach is another of the fine Virginia beaches attracting beach lovers from near and far. Only fifteen miles west of Virginia Beach, Ocean View presents a chance to enjoy a more tranquil setting along Chesapeake Bay. Four distinct beaches of Virginia in Norfolk each offer a calm surf, picnic facilities, summertime lifeguards and free parking. There are a number of beach rentals to choose from including kayaks, canoes, jet skis, sailboats and paddleboats. Harborfest is only one of the many special festivals and events kicking off in Norfolk each summer.

Buckroe Beach, a top contender in popular beaches in Virginia, is located in Hampton which rests on the Virginia Peninsula only a short distance from Newport News and Yorktown Beach. The beaches of Virginia throughout the Hampton Roads peninsular area tend to be the most frequented, especially in the warmer months which are typically from may through September. In addition to Buckroe, Hampton's signature beach, there are twelve marinas dotting the water, popular with anglers looking for fishing opportunities and boaters. Buckroe Beach is favored by windsurfers but it is also a great swimming beach ideal for families. There are many excellent Hampton hotels to choose between, interesting attractions to visit and local events to attend.

A large network of tributaries connected to Chesapeake Bay comprise ideal areas where dozens of lesser-known Virginia beaches are found. These undiscovered treasures yield ample opportunity for anglers to enjoy a unique fishing experience where both fresh and saltwater fish are the possibilities. Between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, the Northern Neck stretches through, featuring five smaller beaches in Virginia sitting on the banks of the Potomac. These include Colonial Beach and Westmoreland State Park Beach. Colonial Beach is notable for being the birthplace of George Washington, where several historical attractions draw visitors off the beaches to explore the area further. Tours of the eastern shore are great for discovering many more small beaches of Virginia, as well as numerous interesting attractions and scenic areas.