Top 10 Northern Virginia Beaches to Visit This Summer (2024)

While the coronavirus may have shut down beaches for a little while, they are starting to open throughout Virginia again. If you’re ready to get outside, enjoy some time near the water, and get some much-needed vitamin D, choosing one of the Northern Virginia beaches will make a difference.

According to an article from PilotOnline.com, Northern Virginia beaches were able to reopen on May 29th.

If you’re itching to get outside, a trip to the beach might be the perfect option. Just make sure to follow the posted guidelines as you enjoy some time outside.

Northern Virginia Beaches: The Best 10 Options

1. Chesapeake Beach

One of the top Northern Virginia beaches is found between the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and the Lynnhaven Inlet, Chesapeake Beach offers one of the best options in Northern Virginian. It’s known as Chic’s Beach by locals and attracts plenty of people when the weather is good.

Enjoy jet skiing, paddle boarding, and plenty of other activities here. You can even enjoy a long walk or take a bike ride throughout the area.

2. Bethany Beach

While it’s actually in Delaware, those living in Northern Virginia can enjoy Bethany Beach. It’s a family-friendly beach with plenty of amenities throughout. It’s not one of the Northern Virginia beaches, but it’s close enough to enjoy some sand and sun at Bethany Beach.

3. Dewey Beach & Rehoboth Beach

Two more options in Delaware, Dewey Beach and Rehoboth Beach offer great choices for families. Rehoboth provides a mile-long boardwalk with plenty of entertainment, food, and shopping. Dewey Beach is found next to Rehoboth Beach and offers plenty of beautiful areas for skimboarding, catamaran sailing, and more.

4. Ocean City

Top 10 Northern Virginia Beaches to Visit This Summer (1)

While Ocean City is actually in Maryland, it’s a very popular choice for those living anywhere near Washington D.C. Ocean City provides about 10 miles of white sand beaches with areas for swimming, kite flying, surfing and so much more. It’s filled with things to do from mini-golf to shopping to arcade games.

If you want to enjoy a great time for the entire family, Ocean City offers plenty of options. The three-mile boardwalk provides go-kart tracks, an amusem*nt park, restaurants, nightclubs, and much more.

5. Chincoteague Island

Those looking for more than just a place to lay out in the sun will love Chincoteague Island. The island offers biking, hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, and so much more. You can enjoy the beach, but you can also enjoy plenty more when you head to this popular island.

6. Virginia Beach

A Virginia Beach not found in Northern Virginia, but worth mentioning, Virginia Beach is very popular. It’s the most popular beach in the state with plenty of things to do, dining options, and so much more. While it may be a bit of a drive, it’s worth it if you’re looking to take a weekend trip.

7. Colonial Beach

About 2.5 miles of sand await at Colonial Beach. It’s one of the most popular beaches near Washington D.C. and offers plenty of history, as well.

Enjoy a walk on the boardwalk or head out for fun sailing on the water. There are plenty of dining options, great views, and so much more to enjoy here.

8. Westmoreland State Park

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Offering 1.5 miles of shoreline on the Potomac River, the Westmoreland State Park is a unique spot for beach fun. You can enjoy laying out or hit the hiking trails. If you’re into fishing, you can enjoy plenty of good fishing and there are even cabins for rent here.

With more than 1,300 acres to enjoy, there’s something for anybody trying to get outside at the Westmoreland State Park

9. Lake Anna

Another option for a weekend trip, Lake Anna offers 200 miles of shoreline with beaches. It’s one of the best lakes in the state for fishing and offers plenty of things to do for those willing to make the drive.

Enjoy water sports, such as waterskiing and boating with plenty of from for fun. Many marinas and outfitters are found on the lake if you need gear for your time at the beach or out on the water.

10. Assateague Island National Seashore

Maryland offers the beautiful Assateague Island National Seashore for those in Northern Virginia to enjoy, as well. You may need to take a weekend trip to really enjoy all the hiking, fishing, bird watching, clamming, swimming, and seashell collecting offered here.

Of course, the main draw is the more than 300 wild ponies you will find wandering the beaches. If you want one of the most memorable beach trips, head to the Assateague Island National Seashore.

There are plenty of great Northern Virginia beaches and others nearby. If you’re ready to get outside and enjoy plenty of fun in the sun this summer, choose one of these beaches, pack up the family, and go have some fun!

Top 10 Northern Virginia Beaches to Visit This Summer (2024)

FAQs

What is the clearest beach water in Virginia? ›

Ocean View Beach has some of the cleanest water in the state. It's so beautiful that it's even earned the nickname the jewel of Virginia. The water is gentle, and you can sit on the shore and listen to the soft and consistent sound of the tide, or you can wade or swim in the water leisurely.

What part of Virginia Beach is the least crowded? ›

First Landing State Park's Chesapeake Bay Beach

Located within our beloved local state park, First Landing State Park's beach remains relatively uncrowded most of the time, even when the summer season is in full swing.

Which side of Virginia Beach is best? ›

Virginia Beach has two contrasting sides to it—the north and south. Many would say the south side is better for its range of activities, while the north side is better for a calmer, quieter experience.

What is the number one beach in Virginia? ›

Named the world's largest pleasure beach by Guinness World Records, Virginia Beach is known for its vibrant nightlife, family-friendly activities and affordable attractions. Combine these highlights with stunning Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean coastline, and it's no wonder why Virginia Beach is a fan favorite.

What is the number one most beautiful beach? ›

These 10 beaches were deemed the best in the world, according to TripAdvisor reviewers.
  • No. 1: Praia da Falésia in Olhos de Agua, Portugal. ...
  • No. 3: La Concha Beach in San Sebastian-Donostia, Spain. ...
  • No. 5: Grace Bay Beach in Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos. ...
  • No. 6: Anse Lazio on Praslin Island, Seychelles. ...
  • No. ...
  • No. ...
  • No.
Feb 24, 2024

What beach has the bluest and clearest water? ›

These are the beaches with the bluest water in the world
  • Pasqyra Beach (Mirror Beach), Albania.
  • Paralia Mpouka (Long Beach), Greece.
  • Kassiopi, Greece.
  • Plage de la Vernette, France.
  • Kaputas Beach, Türkiye.
  • Voulisma beach, Greece.
  • Foki Beach, Greece.
  • Praia do Carvalho, Portugal.
Mar 26, 2024

Where is the cleanest water in Virginia? ›

Nestled In The Virginia Mountains, Lake Moomaw Has Some Of The Clearest Water In Virginia.

Is there sea glass in Virginia Beach? ›

There's a spot on the North End, not far from where the ocean meets the bay, that's the best place in Virginia Beach to find sea glass.

Is Buckroe Beach crowded? ›

Small but clean. Quiet and relaxing area. Not crowded like other beaches in the area. Nice place to spend an afternoon - resting, swimming, and sunning.

What do the locals call Virginia Beach? ›

It's Either “Vah” Beach or VB—If You Call It Anything Else, You're Not From Around Here. Want to instantly tip your outsider status off to a VBer? Then just call Virginia Beach “V Beach”.

Which is better, North or South Virginia Beach? ›

South Virginia Beach is mostly hotels/ condos, very busy area, popular with the younger crowd. North Virginia Beach is mostly homes, at least one hotel. Its more quiet, family friendly, and its just a 10-15 minute drive to the resturants and shops in South VA Beach. Hope this helps....

Is Ocean City or Virginia Beach better? ›

Few crowds and just peaceful. Been to both several times, Frontiertown in Ocean City and Holiday Travel Park in Virginia Beach. We like both but prefer Ocean City because although both offer plenty to do, it's easier to get around, , less congested than VA Beach, and a lot closer to home.

What is the best part of Virginia Beach Boardwalk? ›

The boardwalk's most famous piece of art is the 34-foot bronze statue of King Neptune standing at the entrance to Neptune Festival Park. Colorful marine statues of fish, shells and other nautical themes dot streets and businesses on the boardwalk, making perfect backdrops for photos.

Which beach is better in Virginia Beach? ›

SANDBRIDGE BEACH

Consider Sandbridge to be Virginia Beach's answer to the Outer Banks… it's more Lily Pulitzer sheath dress than Daisy Dukes. Dunes and swaying sea oats add ambience to this five-mile swathe of sand at the southernmost end of the Atlantic shoreline in Virginia Beach.

Is North or South Virginia Beach better? ›

South Virginia Beach is mostly hotels/ condos, very busy area, popular with the younger crowd. North Virginia Beach is mostly homes, at least one hotel. Its more quiet, family friendly, and its just a 10-15 minute drive to the resturants and shops in South VA Beach. Hope this helps....

Is Virginia Beach nicer than Ocean City? ›

Interestingly, the northern parts of both beach cities—normally tend to be a little quieter and less crowded. But overall, the major parts of Ocean City (around the boardwalk), tend to be more crowded than similar areas in Virginia Beach. Ocean City boardwalk is also more sensory than her Virginia Beach counterpart.

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