Best Virginia Beaches for Families

Virginia is known for its beautiful beaches, and families looking for a fun and relaxing vacation spot will find plenty to love here. Whether you’re looking for miles of golden sand, crystal-clear waters or a variety of family-friendly activities, Virginia has something for everyone. From the bustling Virginia Beach boardwalk to the peaceful seclusion of Assateague Island, the state’s beaches offer a diverse range of experiences and are perfect for families with kids of all ages.

But with so many beaches to choose from, it can be difficult to know which ones are the best for families. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the top Virginia beaches for families, highlighting their unique features, amenities, and attractions. We’ll also answer some common questions that families may have when planning a beach trip in Virginia, including what to expect in terms of weather, safety, and activities. So whether you’re a first-time visitor to Virginia or a seasoned beachgoer, read on to discover some of the best beaches that this beautiful state has to offer for families.

List of Best Virginia Beaches for Families

With miles of golden sand and crystal-clear waters, Virginia is home to some of the best beaches on the East Coast. But with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which beaches are the best for families. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of the top Virginia beaches for families, taking into consideration their amenities, attractions, and overall family-friendly atmosphere. From the bustling boardwalk at Virginia Beach to the quiet seclusion of Sandbridge Beach, these beaches offer a little something for everyone. So whether you’re looking for a day trip or a longer stay, read on to discover some of the best beaches that Virginia has to offer for families.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is perhaps the most well-known beach in Virginia and for good reason. With miles of golden sand and a bustling boardwalk, Virginia Beach is a great spot for families looking for a variety of activities and amenities.

For families with younger children, Virginia Beach offers a wide range of kid-friendly attractions, including amusement park rides, arcades, and water sports. The beach also has several playgrounds and is home to the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, where families can learn about marine life and even touch stingrays.

In addition to its family-friendly attractions, Virginia Beach also offers a wide range of restaurants and shops, making it a great spot for a day trip or a longer stay. The beach also hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Boardwalk Art Show, the Neptune Festival, and the East Coast Surfing Championships.

Chesapeake Beach

Located in the city of Chesapeake, this beach is a great option for families looking for a more low-key beach experience. With calm and shallow waters, Chesapeake Beach is a safe and inviting spot for younger children to play and swim.

The beach is also well-equipped with family-friendly amenities, including restrooms, showers, and a playground. The picnic areas and grills make it easy for families to pack a lunch and spend a whole day at the beach. Additionally, the beach is staffed by lifeguards during the summer months, providing an extra level of safety for families with children.

Chesapeake Beach is also known for its annual Chesapeake Jubilee, a family-friendly festival that celebrates the city’s history and culture. The festival features live music, carnival rides, and a fireworks display, making it a great addition to any family’s beach vacation.

Sandbridge Beach

Located just south of Virginia Beach, Sandbridge Beach offers a more secluded and peaceful alternative to the bustling boardwalk scene. The beach stretches for over five miles and is characterized by its soft white sand, clear waters, and natural dunes.

Families visiting Sandbridge Beach can enjoy a range of activities, from swimming and sunbathing to fishing, kayaking, and surfing. The beach is also home to several nature trails and wildlife refuges, providing families with opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.

One of the main advantages of Sandbridge Beach for families is its quiet and family-friendly atmosphere. The beach is not as crowded as other popular Virginia beaches, and its shallow and calm waters make it a safe spot for children to play and swim. The beach is also well-equipped with amenities such as restrooms, showers, and picnic areas.

Families looking for a more adventurous beach experience can also rent a beach house or cottage and spend several days exploring the area. With its serene and natural beauty, Sandbridge Beach is the perfect choice for families looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in a peaceful and relaxing beach vacation.

Croatan Beach

Nestled between Rudee Inlet and the North End of Virginia Beach, Croatan Beach is a hidden gem that offers a unique and memorable experience for families. This secluded and lesser-known beach provides a peaceful and serene atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the more popular beaches.

One of the unique features of Croatan Beach is its natural surroundings. The beach is situated in a quiet and tranquil neighborhood, surrounded by beautiful sand dunes and lush vegetation. This provides families with an opportunity to relax, unwind, and enjoy nature.

Another standout feature of Croatan Beach is its fantastic fishing opportunities. The calm waters and rocky outcroppings make it an excellent spot for fishing, and the nearby Rudee Inlet provides access to deeper waters for more experienced anglers. Families can try their hand at catching a variety of fish, including flounder, trout, and bluefish.

Croatan Beach is also a great place for families to learn about the local environment and wildlife. The beach is home to a variety of seabirds, including seagulls and pelicans, and is also a popular spot for dolphin sightings. Families can observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat and learn about their behaviors and habits.

First Landing State Park Beach

Located at the northern end of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, First Landing State Park Beach is a pristine and picturesque beach that offers a wealth of outdoor activities and family-friendly amenities. Here are some reasons why this beach is a great option for families:

• Scenic and natural setting: First Landing State Park Beach is nestled within a lush and tranquil natural setting, with towering trees, stunning wildlife, and a variety of hiking trails. Families can enjoy scenic views and a peaceful environment while soaking up the sun and playing in the water.
• Soft sand and calm waters: The beach boasts a wide expanse of soft, white sand and calm, shallow waters, making it a safe and inviting spot for children to play and swim. Parents can relax and enjoy the scenery while their kids splash and play in the water.
• Outdoor activities: First Landing State Park Beach is a hub for outdoor activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Families can rent equipment on-site and explore the scenic waterways, or take a hike on one of the many nearby trails.
• Family-friendly amenities: The beach is equipped with a variety of family-friendly amenities, including a playground, restrooms, and picnic areas with grills. Families can enjoy a day of fun in the sun while having access to everything they need.
• Educational opportunities: The park also offers educational programs that are perfect for families. Programs include guided hikes, nature walks, and history tours, providing a fun and informative way to explore the area.

First Landing State Park Beach is a great option for families looking for a natural and scenic beach experience with a variety of outdoor activities and family-friendly amenities. With its soft sand, calm waters, and educational opportunities, it is the perfect spot for a fun and memorable day at the beach.

Buckroe Beach

Located in the city of Hampton, Virginia, Buckroe Beach is a beautiful and family-friendly beach that offers a range of activities and amenities for visitors of all ages. Here’s why it’s a great beach for families:

• Safe and calm waters: Buckroe Beach is situated on the Chesapeake Bay and offers calm and gentle waters, making it a safe and inviting spot for families with young children. The beach is also protected by a wide sea wall, providing an extra layer of safety.
• Family-friendly amenities: Buckroe Beach is equipped with a variety of family-friendly amenities, including restrooms, picnic areas, and a playground. Families can enjoy a day of fun in the sun while having access to everything they need.
• Beautiful location: The beach is situated in a beautiful location, with stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay and the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. Families can enjoy a scenic stroll on the boardwalk or take in the beautiful sunsets over the water.
• Easy access and convenience: Buckroe Beach is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. It is also located near a variety of shops and restaurants, providing easy access to food and other necessities.
• Lifeguards on duty: Buckroe Beach is staffed with trained lifeguards, ensuring a safe and secure environment for families to enjoy.

In summary, Buckroe Beach is a great option for families looking for a safe and convenient beach experience with beautiful views and family-friendly amenities. With its calm waters, stunning location, and dedicated lifeguards, it’s the perfect spot for a fun and stress-free day at the beach.

Yorktown Beach

Yorktown Beach is a great beach for families. It’s located in Yorktown, Virginia, which is about an hour south of Williamsburg and an hour west of Richmond. The beach is open year-round and has lifeguards on duty during the summer months (when Virginia’s ocean water temperatures can reach as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit). There are also bathrooms nearby and plenty of space for kids to run around.

Yorktown Beach offers plenty of opportunities for swimming and fishing, as well as boating access via its docks. Other activities include volleyball courts and horseshoe pits–the perfect way to spend some time outside with friends or family!

There are also plenty of places to eat and drink nearby, making Yorktown Beach a great place to spend the day. The beach is located off Route 258 at 605 Long Wharf Drive in Yorktown, Virginia.

North End Beach

North End Beach is a great place to spend the day with your family. The beach is dotted with sand dunes, which are perfect for climbing and exploring. If you’re looking for an active beach day, North End has plenty of activities to offer: swimming, surfing and fishing are all popular here! There are also plenty of restaurants and shops nearby if you want to grab lunch before heading back home.

North End Beach is also known as one of Virginia’s most popular spots for wedding ceremonies–the beach itself offers stunning views of downtown Norfolk and its historic district.

There are also plenty of restaurants and shops nearby if you want to grab lunch before heading back home. North End Beach is also known as one of Virginia’s most popular spots for wedding ceremonies–the beach itself offers stunning views of downtown Norfolk and its historic district.

Fort Monroe Beach

Fort Monroe Beach is located in Hampton, Virginia, and is one of the best beaches for families in Virginia. It’s free to the public and has a small parking lot, but you can also park along Fort Monroe Drive if you’re able to find a spot there. The beach itself is dog friendly (if your pooch doesn’t mind getting wet), but there are no lifeguards on duty at Fort Monroe Beach so it’s important that you keep an eye on any kids that may be swimming or playing in shallow water.

The beach itself has restrooms and other facilities like changing rooms available as well as picnic areas nearby if you’d like to bring lunch with you before heading out into the waves!

The beach can get extremely crowded during the summer months, so if you’re looking for a quieter experience then it’s best to visit during the winter when temperatures drop below 70 degrees. The water at Fort Monroe Beach is usually pretty calm so it’s great for families with small children or anyone wanting to enjoy a low-key day on the shore!

Assateague Island National Seashore Beach

Assateague Island National Seashore Beach is a great place for families to spend the day. It is located on the Atlantic coast of Maryland and is only accessible by boat or ferry. The beach has beautiful sand dunes and marshes which make it a wonderful place for bird watching. The beach is very clean and there are no rocks or seaweed to step on while walking around in bare feet.

There is plenty of parking and restrooms, but the beach does not have any food or drink vendors. The beach is located in an area that is very popular with boaters, so there are often a lot of boats in the area.