Best Beaches in Virginia to Enjoy with Kids

Jul 5

Best Beaches in Virginia to Enjoy with Kids

Virginia may not be the first state that comes to mind for United States beach vacations, but it’s packed with beautiful family-friendly coastal gems. From Atlantic Ocean waves to calm bay waters and riverfront sands, these beaches offer safe swimming, nature exploration, and nearby attractions that are perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway with the kids any time of year!

1. Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Location: Virginia Beach (Atlantic Ocean)
Why It's Great for Kids: Wide sandy beautiful beaches, gentle surf areas near the south end, and a 3-mile boardwalk with playgrounds, biking paths, and live performances in the summer. You have plenty of shops for forgotten items and restaurant options however these beaches get packed during the summer months. If you are looking for a calm or chill beach day, the summer season is not my recommended destination. You can enjoy bike ride options on the boardwalk!
Cost: Free beach access; metered parking ($2/hour) or lot parking ($10–$40/day).
Parking: Multiple city lots, metered spaces, and garages. Consider the 25th Street or 9th Street garages.
Extras: Visit the Virginia Aquarium or ride a bike along the boardwalk.

2. Sandbridge Beach

Location: Southern end of Virginia Beach
Why It's Great for Kids: Quieter and more natural than the Oceanfront, with calm waters and fewer crowds. Great for boogie boarding and building epic sandcastles.
Cost: Free; parking at Little Island Park (~$5/day during peak season).
Parking: Little Island Park lot is the best option, with restrooms and picnic shelters.
Nearby Activities: Visit Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge or rent bikes to explore nature trails.

3. First Landing State Park

Location: North end of Virginia Beach on the Chesapeake Bay
Why It's Great for Kids: Calm, shallow bay water perfect for younger children and lots of shade from wooded picnic areas.
Cost: $7 parking fee for Virginia residents; $10 for non-residents.
Parking: On-site lot near the beach access trail.
Activities: Swimming, hiking, biking, and camping. Educational programs about history and nature are offered.

4. Chesapeake Bay Beach (Chic’s Beach)

Location: Virginia Beach near Shore Drive
Why It's Great for Kids: Low waves from the bay, great for toddlers or early swimmers.
Cost: Free access; limited free and metered parking.
Parking: Mostly street parking; be mindful of neighborhood restrictions.
Best For: A laid-back, local feel with room to dig and splash without big crowds.

5. Cape Charles Beach

Location: Cape Charles on the Eastern Shore
Why It's Great for Kids: Calm, warm bay water, shallow depth for wading, and a nearby pier for fishing and crabbing.
Cost: Free beach access.
Parking: Free parking close to the beach and Main Street.
Extras: A shaded beachfront playground, public restrooms, and ice cream shops in walking distance.

6. Colonial Beach

Location: Northern Neck of Virginia along the Potomac River
Why It's Great for Kids: One of the few river beaches with a long sandy shore, a fishing pier, and calm water.
Cost: Free access; parking is $2–$3/hour or $20–$25/day in high season.
Parking: Street parking and town lots near the beach.
Activities: Paddleboat rentals, seasonal events, and beach volleyball.

7. Assateague Island National Seashore (Virginia side)

Location: Near Chincoteague Island on the Eastern Shore
Why It's Great for Kids: Wild ponies, seashell hunting, and nature discovery at its best in a relaxed atmosphere.
Cost: $10–$20 vehicle entry fee depending on season.
Parking: Available at the National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center.
Extras: Ranger programs, nature trails, and family-friendly wildlife watching.

8. Buckroe Beach

Location: Hampton, VA (Chesapeake Bay)
Why It's Great for Kids: Less crowded than VB, with gentle surf, lifeguards, a brand new playground, and seasonal ice cream stands.
Cost: Free access; free public parking.
Parking: Multiple large lots close to the beach.
Extras: Concerts and family movies on the beach in summer.

9. Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve

Location: Near Kilmarnock, VA in the Northern Neck
Why It's Great for Kids: Secluded natural beach with interpretive trails for a leisurely stroll and lots of wildlife.
Cost: Free.
Parking: Small gravel lot, arrive early on weekends.
Best For: Nature lovers and calm family strolls rather than swimming.

10. Lake Anna State Park Beach

Location: Spotsylvania County, central Virginia
Why It's the Perfect Spot for Kids: Freshwater swimming area with a roped-off section, sandy beach, picnic tables, and snack bar.
Cost: $7–$10 per car entrance fee.
Parking: Large on-site lots.
Extras: Canoe rentals, a visitor center, and shaded picnic areas.

11.False Cape State Park

Location: Southeast corner of Virginia Beach, hidden gem accessible only by foot, bike, or boat via Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Why It’s Great: Six miles of coastline that is pristine, undeveloped Atlantic shoreline—ideal for adventurous kids who love hiking, exploring dunes, and camping

Cost & Access: Parking at Back Bay Refuge; access via tram (summer) or Terra Gator; free park entry

Parking Tip: Start early—tram departs around 9 a.m., returns by 1 p.m. Arrive prepared: no restrooms or potable water on-site, and strong bug repellent is essential

12. Ocean View Beach Park

Location: Norfolk, along the Chesapeake Bay

Why It’s Great: A calm 6.5-acre beach park with lifeguards, boardwalks, accessible ramps, green spaces, picnic tables, showers, restrooms, and a music shell for live events

Parking: Free public lots with easy access to the beach

13. Yorktown Beach (Riverwalk Landing Beach)

Location: Yorktown, along the York River

Why It’s Great: Quiet spot ideal for paddling and sand play, with historical ambiance nearby

Parking & Cost: Free parking garage at Riverwalk Landing (270-space, lower-level 3-hour limit, upper deck unlimited)

Extras: Free trolley connects to town attractions and Colonial National Historical Park

14. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

Location: On Assateague Island, near Chincoteague

Why It’s Great: Clean sandy beaches with wild ponies, shell and horseshoe-crab hunting, sandy dunes, and wildlife/birding trails for kids

Cost: Standard vehicle fee ($10–20), funding visitor safety, lifeguards, trails, and educational programs

Tips: Bring bug spray during marsh hikes; best to go early or mid-week to avoid crowds

15. Bayside Beach Options Near Cape Charles

Cape Charles Beach: Free public bay beach experience with calm, shallow waters; playground, pier, restrooms, and nearby ice cream

Savage Neck Dunes: Nearby natural beach with dunes and nature trails, perfect for wildlife exploration

16. Kiptopeke State Park

Location: A few miles south of Cape Charles on Virginia's Eastern Shore

Why It’s Great: Two Chesapeake Bay beaches with calm swimming, a fishing pier (with fish-cleaning station), boat ramp, playground, and bathhouse

Cost & Parking: Standard state park fees—$7/passenger vehicle on weekends (April–October)

Extras: Cabins and lodges for overnight stays; birdwatching opportunities as this is located on the Atlantic Flyway

Tips for Enjoying Virginia Beaches with Kids:

🌞 Pack sunscreen, shade (umbrellas or tents), and lots of water and snacks to avoid local restaurants if you want to save money.
🚿 Check for restrooms and rinse stations—not all beaches have them!
🕒 Arrive early to secure good parking, especially at the more popular beaches.
🎓 Bring changes of clothes and towels—kids will get sandy and soaked.
🍟 Picnic supplies or snacks are essential; not every beach has food nearby.

Whether you’re looking for a bustling boardwalk scene, a quiet nature beach, or a safe bay for wading toddlers, Virginia has many public beaches that are perfect for your family. From Virginia Beach to Cape Charles, these destinations offer memorable sand-and-surf days kids will talk about all summer. Let the shoreline adventures begin for the beach lover in your family!

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Erin Smith

Mom of 3 sharing tips for parenting, DIY and crafts, recipes for kids, and lifestyle tips for families on the go.

http://www.xoxoerinsmith.com

Best Beaches in Virginia to Enjoy with Kids