11 Best Family Beaches in Virginia [for 2023]
Virginia is a wonderful place for a family beach vacation, from its colorful coastal bays to the perfect setting for a fun-filled day by the lake. Here you can help the kids build their sandcastles or enjoy a fun-filled day with the family at the beach.
To enjoy your perfect family beach vacation in Virginia, we have put together a list of the 11 best family beaches in Virginia that you must visit and make the most of your vacation.
1. Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Virginia Beach
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Virginia Beach is one of the best and most popular beaches in the state, this beach can be a really great place to spend a memorable time with family. This beach attracts people with its sparkling water, and gorgeous golden sand and this beach is full of facilities where you can enjoy from building sand castles to surfing.
The specialty of this beach is that there are many lifeguards working on the beach, which makes it one of the safest beaches in Virginia. How can you miss enjoying the 3-mile boardwalk along the beach here that hosts festivals, concerts, and events,
If you want to stay here and enjoy your holidays, then you will also find some great family hotels here, where you can stay. To add some extra excitement to your beach getaway, the Virginia Aquarium and Ocean Breeze Waterpark can also be visited.
2. Sandbridge Beach, Virginia Beach
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If you want to enjoy your holidays with your family in a peaceful environment then Sandbridge Beach is a great option for you. This serene beach takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the city, where you and your family enjoy a peaceful getaway.
This beach offers a truly soothing environment that will rejuvenate your tired soul with its refreshing sea breeze and peaceful atmosphere. If you have active kids who get bored easily, don’t worry. This beach is located within a short drive of many great attractions and fun things to do with kids in Virginia.
For those looking for a more extended stay, Sandbridge Beach is famous for its extravagant vacation homes. A stay at one of these vacation homes will allow you to enjoy all that your neighborhood has to offer.
3. Chincoteague Island, Eastern Shore
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Chincoteague Island is a family-friendly beach resort in Virginia that is famous for its ponies, outdoor activities, and picturesque beaches. The perfect destination for families seeking fun and adventure in a relaxing environment Chincoteague Island is also home to some of the best-preserved beaches in the country and the island is steeped in culture and history, attracting visitors of all ages.
The island also offers plenty of activities that the whole family will enjoy. You can go crabbing here, and rent a boat and bike, which is easily available here. You can also enjoy delicious fresh seafood here when you get hungry.
Don’t miss visiting the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, where visitors can glimpse wild ponies and other exotic species. However, it is essential to note that mosquitoes can be a challenge on the island. Be sure to pack bug spray to protect your family from bug bites, and don’t forget to wear sunscreen to prevent damage from harmful UV rays.
4. Ocean View Beach, Norfolk
Photo by Joshua Sukoff on Unsplash
If you are looking for a beach in Virginia to spend a fun-filled day with your kids, then Ocean View Beach could be the place for you to spend a fun-filled day with your kids.
The beach’s calm and clear waters are wonderful for doing things with kids, making it one of the best family beaches in Virginia. The best thing about this beach is that lifeguards are also present here.
If you’re traveling with your four-legged friend, you’ll be happy to know that Ocean View Beach has pet-friendly policies. Indeed this beach is a wonderful place to spend a blissful time with family and friends. Make sure to reach early if you are visiting during peak season, as the beach can get crowded.
5. Chesapeake Beach, Virginia Beach
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Chesapeake Beach is a favorite with families in Virginia, the beach’s picturesque setting and laid-back atmosphere make it one of the best family beaches in Virginia. You’ll be sure to enjoy stunning views when you visit, and you’ll find no shortage of activities at this classic beach.
If you’ve got kids with you, you can help them build sandcastles and you’ll find plenty of great activities like paddleboarding, jet skiing, and boating here. If you are planning to visit this beach then reach the beach early as parking is usually scarce and there are no public toilets at this beach.
6. Cape Charles Town Beach, Cape Charles
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Cape Charles Town Beach has been a family favorite for many years, this spectacular beach is popular for its wonderful atmosphere and calm waters. One can enjoy swimming at this beach anytime and there is plenty of space to relax.
You can also enjoy family outings in its splendid surroundings and it is indeed a wonderful beach to make some memories with the family. This beach is also a great place for a picnic. Here you also get a picnic pavilion and facilities include public toilets and benches. You can also enjoy paddleboards or kayaks which are easily rented here and the best thing about this beach is that it is budget-friendly.
You should also consider the other cultural attractions, shopping, and dining options here, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or weekend getaway. It would interest you to know that this is the only beach on the East Coast that is completely free to the public and there is no entrance fee to access the beach or even for parking.
7. Westmoreland State Park, Montross
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If you’re looking to enjoy an action-packed getaway, Westmoreland State Park may be the place for you. This beach is also well-liked by families, who often come here to enjoy their holidays.
You can climb the Horsehead Cliffs here, which offer breathtaking views of the Potomac River. Climbing the cliffs is a popular activity for adventurous visitors, and the view from the top is definitely worth the effort.
For those who want to enjoy a leisurely holiday, the park’s beach is a great place to sunbathe and take a dip in the river. There are also several hiking trails that offer beautiful views of the river and surrounding forests, including the Overlook Trail and the Potomac River Trail.
If you’re planning on staying overnight here, this park offers wooden cabins and camping facilities for a truly immersive outdoor experience, making it one of the best family beaches in Virginia.
8. Jamestown Beach, Williamsburg
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Jamestown Beach is one of the best family beaches in Virginia, this luxurious beach also offers modern amenities including concessions for its guests. You can enjoy plenty of fun in the sun at this family-friendly park. You also find shaded areas, restrooms, and a pier at this beachfront park, making it a convenient and relaxing place to spend the day.
If you like picnics then you can also enjoy picnics here with your family or friends. Don’t forget to visit nearby Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Historic Jamestown, which can make your trip even more amazing.
9. Buggs Island Lake, Clarksville
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If you want to enjoy a great deal of nature with the family in Virginia, Buggs Island Lake is a great option for you. The lake is home to more than 40,000 acres of fresh water with more than 800 miles of beautiful shoreline. The lake offers a lot of activities to its guests like sailing, boating, and even water skiing that you can enjoy here.
There’s also plenty of sunbathing space, where families can spend the day sunbathing on its sandy beaches while enjoying the crystal-clear waters.
Buggs Island Lake is surrounded by parks where visitors can camp and stay overnight in its spectacular surroundings. Some of our favorite parks include Longwood Park, Palmer Point Park, Rudds Creek, and Ivy Hill Park.
These parks offer a variety of amenities including campsites, picnic areas, and hiking trails, making them the perfect place to spend a few days surrounded by nature.
10. Colonial Beach, Colonial Beach
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Colonial Beach A great place for a relaxing family holiday, this beach continues to be a favorite with its historical significance, gorgeous coastline, and small-town charm.
The beach has ample space for you to spread out and, you can also enjoy a variety of activities here. You can go fishing, enjoy boating, and indulge in plenty of water sports.
But perhaps the best thing about Colonial Beach is its pet-friendly policy. If you’re traveling with your furry friends, you’ll be happy to know that they’re welcome on the beach from October 1 through March 31, as long as they’re on a leash. So don’t hesitate to bring your four-legged family members along for the ride!
11. Yorktown Beach
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Yorktown Beach is a family-friendly beach located in historic Yorktown. This two-acre public beach offers a variety of amenities that cater to visitors of all ages and abilities.
At this beach, you’ll find access to mobi-mats and mobi chairs, which provide a smooth surface and easy access to the water for visitors in wheelchairs. This spectacular beach is also home to an ADA-accessible fishing pier for guests and a grassy area for picnicking.
One can enjoy a lot of activities at this beach like boating and swimming. Visitors can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and bikes to explore the area, or simply relax on the beach.
FAQs
1. What is the best time to visit Virginia’s beaches?
The best time to visit Virginia’s beaches is during the summer months, from June to August.