The best beaches in the world
While the history of Jamestown, the local wine trails, and the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway will all attract visitors to Virginia, it is the beaches that are truly the star. For many people, beaches in Virginia bring to mind the Eastern Shore, a stretch of land that extends 70 miles with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Chesapeake Bay on the other. Here you can spend days soaking up the sun by day and eating fresh oysters by night. This area of Virginia is beloved for its out-of-the-way beaches where you can enjoy the atmosphere without being interrupted by too many neighbors.
Perhaps the most popular place in the state to work on your tan is Virginia Beach. These well-maintained beaches are free and open to the public, and this spot has also earned quite the reputation for nightlife. Visitors that want to stay active can rent bikes or roller blades while those who want some thrills might visit the Virginia Beach oceanfront water park. If you’re looking for more secluded beaches in the area, places to check out include the North End and Sandbridge. To come face to face with the local wildlife, the best places to explore are amid the 8,000 acres of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
West of Virginia Beach is another popular beach destination: Norfolk. The eight miles of beaches here are known for gentle surf and sailboat rentals. Another great beach option is called Hampton. This spot is especially popular with windsurfers. Many visitors don’t know that there are also several options for river beaches in Virginia. Two of the best options are Westmoreland State Park and Colonial Beach. Of all the beaches in Virginia, the beaches of the Eastern Shore might be the most beloved by the locals. Spend a few days on Cape Charles Beach or Kiptopeke State Park and you might find out why, as they say, Virginia is for lovers.
Colonial Beach, nestled on the Potomac River, has a long history as vacation hotspot. The town and the beach of the same name was a popular shoreline destination long before the first highways were ever built. People used to arrive by boat from Washington, D.C. Today’s visitors typically come by car to experience one of [...]
Yorktown Beach is a part of the Historic Triangle Region. Best known for Colonial Williamsburg and the Yorktown Victory Park, the region offers a full slate of scenic places to explore, too. The York River meanders through the center of the Triangle, providing a backdrop for all types of outdoor adventure. When the weather is [...]
Lake Anna Beach is a highlight of a state park also called Lake Anna. For many years, this scenic land an hour north of Richmond was best known for its gold. Long after the mine closed, it began to offer new treasures—beautiful outdoor settings primed for outdoor adventure. Whether you’re looking to while away an [...]
Assateague Island National Seashore preserves a barrier island along of the border of Virginia and Maryland. While many Eastern Seaboard islands have been turned over to developers, Assateague has managed to remain a pristine mix of sand dunes and ocean waves. If you’re looking for a place to relax and escape from the crowds and [...]