Sandy beach
Yes
Hike-in Required
No
Surfing
Yes
Snorkeling / SCUBA
No
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Virginia Beach is located at the southeasternmost corner of Virginia in the city of Virginia Beach along the Atlantic Coast. It consists of almost 3 miles of prime, sandy Atlantic coastline, a boardwalk, fishing pier, and plenty of accommodations.

The beaches are free for the public, but you will be hard-pressed to find free parking, especially near the beach itself. If you plan on being there all day, your best bet is to find a lot with a set, all-day price and get there early.

From mid-May to mid-September, the beach is watched by lifeguards from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day. Dogs are allowed on the beach between Labor Day and Memorial Day anytime without restrictions, but during the summer months pets are only allowed on the boardwalk area from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and must be on a leash.

The beach has many other amenities, such as a row of volleyball nets, a playground, and a fishing pier. The volleyball nets are located on 11th, 19th, and 33rd street beaches and are free—just bring a ball and some friends. There are large playgrounds for children located at 10th and 31st street beaches. The fishing pier is located in between 14th and 15th street beaches. Fishing and crabbing gear may be rented here. It costs $10 for adults, $5 for children, and $2 for spectators.

In addition to the beach itself, the Virginia Beach boardwalk runs parallel to the ocean, and it has many shops and restaurants to take a break from the sun or grab a bite to eat. One of the best parts of this particular boardwalk is a dedicated bike lane.

This is a very popular destination, especially in the summer months, so be prepared for crowds.

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Free beach. Dedicated bike lane.

Cons

Crowded. Parking can be an issue.

Features

ADA accessible
Crabbing
Fishing
Lodging
Surfing
Bird watching
Wildlife

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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