A Guide to the Best Beach Vacations in Virginia

Virginia is blessed with a long and varied coastline, with pristine beaches and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you’re a sun worshipper, a beachcomber, or a nature lover, Virginia has a beach vacation to suit your style. From the Northern Neck to the Eastern Shore, this guide will help you plan the perfect beach vacation in Virginia, with tips on the best beaches, the best activities, and the best places to stay.

Northern Neck Beaches

The Northern Neck offers a variety of beaches, from the wild and rugged shores of the Potomac River to the calm and tranquil Chesapeake Bay. The beaches at Reedville, Reedville Fisherman’s Museum, and Windmill Point are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing, while the beaches at White Stone, Indian Creek, and York River are perfect for kayaking, nature walks, and bird watching. The Northern Neck is also home to the historic Town of Kilmarnock, which is a lovely spot for a leisurely stroll along the waterfront.

Eastern Shore Beaches

The Eastern Shore of Virginia offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the state. From the wide open beaches of Chincoteague to the serene shores of Assateague, the Eastern Shore has something for everyone. Beachgoers can explore the wild and rugged shores of the Atlantic Ocean, take a boat tour of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, or just relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of the Eastern Shore. Chincoteague is also home to some of the best seafood restaurants in Virginia, so be sure to sample the local delicacies during your stay.

Cape Charles Beaches

Cape Charles is a charming little town on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, with some of the best beaches in the state. The beaches in Cape Charles are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing, while the nearby Kiptopeke State Park is great for fishing, boating, and camping. Cape Charles also offers plenty of restaurants, galleries, and shops to explore, and the nearby Cape Charles Beach Club offers a variety of activities, from yoga to paddleboarding.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a popular beach destination on the east coast of the United States, and is home to miles of pristine beaches and a lively boardwalk. Virginia Beach is perfect for swimming, surfing, jet skiing, and parasailing, and the boardwalk offers plenty of restaurants, shops, and nightlife. The nearby First Landing State Park is also a great spot for camping, fishing, and kayaking, and the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is a great place to explore the fascinating marine life of the area.

Sandbridge Beach

Sandbridge Beach is a popular spot on the Virginia coast, and is known for its wide open beaches, tranquil waters, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Sandbridge Beach is perfect for swimming, surfing, fishing, and beachcombing, and the nearby Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to explore the abundant wildlife of the area. The nearby Sandbridge Beach Club offers a variety of activities, from beach volleyball to sand sculpting.

The Outer Banks

The Outer Banks of North Carolina and Virginia offer some of the best beaches in the United States, with miles of pristine white sand and crystal clear waters. The Outer Banks is perfect for swimming, surfing, fishing, and beachcombing, and the nearby Roanoke Island National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to explore the abundant wildlife of the area. The Outer Banks is also home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the country, so be sure to sample the local delicacies during your stay.

Virginia Beach Islands

The Virginia Beach Islands are a group of barrier islands located off the coast of Virginia, and are home to some of the best beaches in the state. Spend your days swimming, surfing, and fishing in the pristine waters of the Atlantic Ocean, or explore the nearby Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park. The nearby Sandbridge Beach Club also offers a variety of activities, from beach volleyball to sand sculpting.

The Tides Inn

The Tides Inn is a luxurious beachfront resort on the Northern Neck of Virginia, with a beautiful beach and access to the nearby Chesapeake Bay. Spend your days relaxing on the beach, swimming in the pool, or exploring the nearby towns of Irvington and Kilmarnock. The Tides Inn also offers a variety of activities, from fishing and kayaking to golf and tennis, and the nearby Tides Inn Beach Club offers a variety of water sports, from kayaking and paddleboarding to sailing and windsurfing.

Colonial Beach

Colonial Beach is a quaint little beach town on the Northern Neck of Virginia, with a beautiful beach and access to the nearby Potomac River. Colonial Beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing, while the nearby Colonial Beach State Park is great for exploring the area’s wildlife. The beach also offers plenty of restaurants, galleries, and shops to explore, and the nearby Colonial Beach Club offers a variety of activities, from beach volleyball to kayaking.

Smith Mountain Lake

Smith Mountain Lake is a beautiful lake in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, with a variety of beaches and access to the nearby Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Spend your days swimming, sunbathing, and fishing in the lake, or explore the nearby town of Moneta. The lake also offers plenty of restaurants, galleries, and shops to explore, and the nearby Smith Mountain Lake Beach Club offers a variety of activities, from paddleboarding to kayaking.

Conclusion

Virginia offers a variety of beach vacations to suit every taste, from the wild and rugged shores of the Potomac River to the tranquil and serene shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway or an adventure-filled beach vacation, Virginia has something for everyone. So don your swimsuit and pack your beach bag, because Virginia is the perfect destination for a beach vacation.