When most people think of beachgoing throughout the state of Virginia, their thoughts tend to automatically sway to the resorts and attractions found in Virginia Beach, specifically. It’s understandable, given “Beach” is in the very title of the community’s name. But for those who know where to look, there are a host of alternative suggestions to the popular resort beach scene. Many lesser-known offerings include low-key suggestions for escaping crowds and all that hustle and bustle. All are hidden gem experiences in their own right. Here are just a few statewide samplings of Virginia’s versatile, underrated beach scene.
Assateague Island
Assateague Island is best known for its Maryland associations as Assateague State Park and Assateague Island National Seashore. But Virginia also owns a one-mile stretch of land that includes a lifeguarded beach, facilities, and other attractions, all managed by the National Park Service (NPS) section. Like its Maryland side, the wild ponies here are the undeniable highlight. Other points of interest include Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Assateague Lighthouse, Tom’s Cove, and more.
Belle Isle State Park
Often considered a boater’s dream, Belle Isle State Park boasts a beautiful bucolic escape into nature. Its location along the Rappahannock River provides excellent fishing and exploring, along with the gentle current that makes shallow waddling, low-key bodyboarding, and other swimming activities ideal for even the smallest beachgoers. It’s the perfect escape from hustle and bustle crowds while still retaining a relaxing escape to the beach.
Buggs Island Lake
Also known as “John H. Kerr Reservoir,” Buggs Island Lake stands out as the largest lake in all of Virginia. Encompassing 850 miles of shoreline in all, it goes without saying that the lake provides a plethora of recreational swimming and beachgoing opportunities to boot. Fishermen take delight in the aquatic enticements, too, as well as the fact that this is the only lake in the state to contain a naturally reproducing population of striped bass.
Buckroe Beach
A visit to Buckroe Beach is about the closest you can get locally to a transcending step back through time. There’s somewhat of a Coney Island ambiance here, but on a much smaller old-town kind of scale. It provides the perfect family-friendly recreational fun retreat, laden with all the simple beachside pleasures and activities, like coastal swimming, volleyball, and sandy playgrounds, in addition to a classic carousel and other simple amusements.
Cape Charles
Here is a real treat in the way of free old-timey bayside beach scenes with calmer waters. In addition to Victorian homes and a charming main street feast for the eyes and quaint shopping soul alike, you can enjoy sandy shores that offer swimming and other free recreations, as well as on-pier fishing.
Chesapeake Bay Beach
This locale provides the perfect time-traveling ambiance, from an old-fashioned boardwalk to a charming, postcard-like surrounding town. The seaside shore is still largely uninhabited by crowds, even in the busiest of summer months, making it even more esoteric.
Chincoteague Island
Aside from Assateague, Chincoteague Island also boasts the novelty of wild ponies and naturalistic beauty. It’s an excellent example of history, nature, and beachgoing culminating into the perfect getaway experience.
False Cape State Park
False Cape State Park is an undeniable hidden gem. The remote location captivates those seeking a true disconnect from the mundane and modern life that seems to rule the show of our living experiences. Here, you get to restore something remarkably rejuvenating to the soul. Unbridled beaches provide the perfect setting for beachgoing nature-seekers.
First Landing State Park
A treat for history buffs and nature lovers alike, First Landing is literally the site where the first English colonists in Virginia arrived. As a park, it consists of winding trails, forest, and wildlife. For swimming and water-based recreational purposes, the bay and beach provide plenty of options.
Grandview Beach
You’ll find the grandness of Grandview Beach located within Grandview Nature Preserve in Hampton. Access is free, and even leashed pets are welcome between September and March.
Historic Port of Falmouth Park
Interestingly enough, this Stafford County summer retreat can get pretty popular during the swim season. It also provides the ideal setting for picnicking and other nature-based recreations. The area is rocky and can be slippery, so exercise caution. Swimming is at-your-own-risk as well.
Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve
This is the place to be for those longing for a pristine, secluded, seemingly untouched-by-man coastal experience. From natural dunes to roaming wildlife, surrounding trees, and soothing waves crashing along the shore, it is the perfect escape from reality into a more idealistic Eden.
Jamestown Beach
While Jamestown’s most apparent claim to fame is being home to the historic Jamestown Settlement, what is less widely realized is that it has its own beachside attraction. For that, Jamestown Beach is a viable hidden gem in plain sight. The beach is open to the public and even boasts concession stands, which operate during the summer season. Picnic tables and public grills are available for use as well.
Kiptopeke State Park
Here, you have a nature lover’s ultimate dream come true. Serving as a sanctuary to animals and an attraction for families, the beach offers ideal respite and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle. Nearby hiking opportunities add diversity to the activities to take in on a visit here as well.
New River
Ironically, New River is really one of the five oldest rivers in the world, connecting multiple states. Visitors here get to enjoy various on-water recreations and pursuits, from the several boat ramps that provide public access along the waterway to shallow shores. The northern end is great for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming, of course.
Ocean View Beach Park
This novelty nook in Norfolk offers an excellent 6.5-acre park for folks to gather together at and cool off during the summer months. The site features free, public restrooms and nearby food for your convenience.
Onancock
In 1607, Captain John Smith dubbed this specific location “Gem of the Eastern Shore.” Today, it boasts an entire nautical community laden with small-town living callouts, including locally owned businesses and low-key attractions. In addition to swimming, the coast here offers boating and explorations of the Onancock Creek and its marshes.
Outlook Beach
As one of Hampton’s hidden treasures, this Chesapeake hideout offers pristine beaches and a host of other attributes. Leashed pets are permitted during the off-season months as well (September through May).
Philpott Lake
With more than 100 miles of shoreline, the beach boasts an array of spaces to enjoy in any way you choose, whether that be sunbathing, sandcastle-building, or even nature hiking. It is free to use for campers, although non-campers are charged a daily fee when swimming here.
Sandbridge Beach
If you’re looking for large beach spaces for family gatherings, reunions, or milestone celebrations, then this is the perfect haven to come to. The unbridled beauty also serves as an ideal photography location.
Sherando Lake
Plenty of beach terrain provides optimum enjoyment, while the swimming lake (there are two, but only one you can swim in) delivers cool, refreshing enjoyment. Managed by the United States Forest Service, fishing, hiking, kayaking, and camping are all delightful pastimes to enjoy here.
Warm Springs Pools in Bath County
Did you know that Bath County is home to several natural warm spring pools? These historic spas are naturally fed by a 98 °F mineral spring and are excellent attractions to visit as an alternative to Virginia Beach beachgoing.
Yorktown Beach
For a truly nostalgic blast to the beachy keen past, head to Yorktown Beach. Here you won’t find all those widespread modern beach experiences but rather quaint, charming old-fashioned Americana callouts.
These are all excellent examples of Virginia Beach alternatives to consider this summer. There are, of course, several others in addition to these selections at various state parks, lakes, and other regions.