When hearing Virginia Beach, most people probably think about the City’s beautiful beaches and classic boardwalk. Crashing waves, beach activities, oceanfront hotels and restaurants—Virginia Beach really is the quintessential coastal town. With approximately 35 miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach’s quality beaches are above and beyond. Adventures or relaxation, or a little of both, enjoy it all here.
The Virginia Beach Oceanfront’s Resort Area is a bustling section of town filled with numerous accommodations and attractions. This is the heart of the City’s beach activities, including its famous three-mile boardwalk extending from 2nd Street to 40th Street, plus a variety of family-friendly attractions, excellent restaurants and beach shops.
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North of the Resort Area, the Northern Beaches are a quieter, less crowded beach area, and to the south, Croatan Beach, is a go-to for the locals and surfers. Continuing south along the coast, Sandbridge Beach is a more remote beach popular with families due to the range of convenient amenities offered, from a children’s playground to a fishing pier to picnic areas.
On the Chesapeake Bay, Chesapeake Bay Beach (or Chic’s Beach, as it is better known) is known as a locals favorite and for being dog friendly. First Landing State Park, Virginia’s most visited state park, is located nearby offering outstanding outdoor recreation including hiking, paddling and camping—just to name a few.
The calm waters of the Chesapeake Bay—as well as areas like Virginia Beach’s Marina District at Rudee Inlet and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge—are ideal spots for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, while the Oceanfront beaches are just right for thrilling watersports such as surfing, jet skiing and parasailing. Water sports outfitters can be found in Rudee Inlet. Whether wishing to rent a kayak or sign up for a boat tour, this is a great place to start.
Due to hosting the annual East Coast Surfing Championships, Virginia Beach is often referred to as the East Coast surfing capital. (Come celebrate the 64th Annual Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships this year on Aug. 23-30 at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.)
Speaking of surfing, Virginia Beach’s brand new Wavegarden surf lagoon, called Atlantic Park Surf, is a must-do this summer or any time of the year (as it’s open year-round). Boasting top-of-the-line technology, the park has the ability to produce more than 20 types of waves and up to 1,000 waves per hour. Atlantic Park Surf is part of the new Atlantic Park entertainment district that opened in 2025.
For a more traditional water park loaded with a large variety of fun, family-friendly attractions, a short drive away, Virginia Beach has that covered, too. Families also appreciate the beach play areas here as well. J.T. Grommet Island Park, located on 2nd Street at the Oceanfront, is perfect for younger children and is also wheelchair accessible. Sandbridge Beach’s Little Island Park is another beach playground that little ones enjoy and was recently renovated with brand new play equipment.
Booking a charter boat is another very popular activity in Virginia Beach, especially for a fishing excursion. Both offshore and inshore fishing charters are available with many charters even supplying all of the gear necessary for a day, or half day, of adventure. A variety of boat tours are also available.
Not to be missed, there are a number of large VA250 events happening along Virginia Beach’s coastlines this spring. From April 24-26, the Stars, Stripes and Spurs: Virginia Beach Military Appreciation Weekend will take over the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Free and open to the public, the festival will stretch from 3rd Street to 31st Street Park with activities for the whole family including live concerts. Also, a fun community event for all ages, Sail250® Virginia, June 16-19, will feature a display of tall ships near the Lesner Bridge before they set sail into the Chesapeake Bay.
No matter what kind of beach fun you choose, come enjoy Virginia Beach’s coastal charm.