Looking for a great beach to take the family to this summer? Look no further!
Virginia is home to some of the best beaches in the country, and many of them are perfect for kids.
From sandy shores to rocky coastlines, there is something for everyone in Virginia.
In this blog post, we will highlight 15 of our favorite family-friendly beaches in the state.
So pack your sunscreen and put on your swimsuit – it’s time to hit the beach!
#1. Assateague Island
Virginia’s Assateague Island is a great destination for families who enjoy spending time outdoors. The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and birds.
Visitors can also spot wild ponies roaming the beaches. In addition to its natural beauty, Assateague Island offers a number of activities for families.
There are several marked hiking trails, perfect for exploring the island’s dunes and forests. The beach is also a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.
With so much to see and do, Assateague Island is sure to please visitors of all ages.
#2. Bethel Beach
Bethel Beach is one of the best family-friendly beaches in Virginia. The beach is wide and sandy, and there are plenty of amenities nearby.
There are also lifeguards on duty during the summer months, making it a safe place for swimming and sunbathing. Bethel Beach is also a great place for fishing, as there are many prime spots for casting a line.
In addition, the beach is located near some of Virginia’s best hiking trails, making it easy to explore the area’s natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or an adventurous destination, Bethel Beach is sure to please.
#3. Buckroe Beach
Buckroe Beach is a great destination for families looking to enjoy all that the Virginia coastline has to offer. The beach features a wide range of amenities, including a playground, picnic areas, and bathhouses.
In addition, the gentle waves make it an ideal spot for swimming, boating, and windsurfing. Best of all, the beach is just a short drive from many of Virginia’s major cities, making it easy to get to from almost anywhere in the state.
So whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, Buckroe Beach should be at the top of your list.
#4. Cape Charles Beach
If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach destination in Virginia, look no further than Cape Charles Beach.
This beautiful beach is located on the Chesapeake Bay and offers stunning views, plenty of activities, and a variety of accommodations to suit every budget.
The Cape Charles Beach area is also home to several restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops, making it the perfect place to refuel after a long day in the sun.
Best of all, the beach is just a short drive from many of Virginia’s major cities, making it the perfect getaway for busy families. So whether you’re looking to relax on the sand or explore the local area, Cape Charles Beach should definitely be at the top of your list!
#5. Chesapeake Beach
Virginia’s Chesapeake Beach is the perfect spot for a family vacation. The wide, sandy beach is perfect for building sandcastles or playing a game of beach volleyball.
There are also plenty of opportunities for fishing, crabbing, and kayaking. And if you’re looking for a break from the sun, the nearby town of Chesapeake Beach offers a variety of shops and restaurants.
Best of all, the beach is just a short drive from major Virginia cities like Richmond and Norfolk. So if you’re looking for a fun-filled family vacation, be sure to add Chesapeake Beach to your list!
#6. Colonial Beach
Looking for a beach that the whole family can enjoy? Look no further than Colonial Beach, Virginia! This beach town is nestled on the Potomac River and offers plenty of activities for both kids and adults.
The sandy beaches are perfect for building sandcastles or relaxing in the sun, and there are also several parks and playgrounds nearby for when the kids need to burn off some energy.
Plus, the town’s restaurants and shops are all within walking distance of the beach, so you can grab a bite or do some shopping in between swims.
Whether you’re looking to relax or have some fun, Colonial Beach is the perfect place for a family beach vacation.
#7. Croatan Beach
Croatan Beach is the perfect place to take your family for a day of sun and surf. Located on the southern coast of Virginia, this beach is known for its gentle waves and wide expanse of sand.
It’s also a great place for fishing, crabbing, and kayaking. And when you’re ready to take a break from the water, you can enjoy a picnic lunch on one of the many sheltered pavilions.
Croatan Beach is also conveniently located near some of Virginia’s best attractions, including the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. So whether you’re looking for a day of fun in the sun or a weekend getaway, be sure to add Croatan Beach to your list!
#8. First Landing State Park
Virginia is renowned for its beautiful coastline, and First Landing State Park is one of the best places to enjoy it. With two miles of sandy beach, the park is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles.
There are also plenty of opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and exploring the tide pools.
The park’s visitor center offers an array of educational programs about the local wildlife and ecology, making it a great destination for families with children.
And with its convenient location just minutes from Virginia Beach, First Landing State Park is the perfect place to enjoy a day by the water.
#9. Kiptopeke State Park
Kiptopeke State Park is one of Virginia’s best-kept secrets. This hidden gem is located on Virginia’s Eastern Shore and offers a beautiful sandy beach, calm waters, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
The beach area is well-maintained and the perfect place to relax and enjoy the stunning views. There are also plenty of picnic tables and grills if you want to enjoy a beach day with a BBQ.
If you’re looking for a little more excitement, Kiptopeke State Park also offers hiking trails, kayaking, and bird watching. This is an ideal spot for a day trip or a longer vacation, and it’s sure to please everyone in the family.
#10. Ocean View Beach
Ocean View Beach in Norfolk, Virginia is a great choice for families looking for a fun and affordable beach vacation.
The beach is situated close to all the main attractions in Norfolk but remains quiet and relatively uncrowded. It features a wide range of facilities and activities for families, including a playground, picnic areas, and a basketball court.
The beach is also patrolled by lifeguards, making it a safe place for swimming and sunbathing. Best of all, the admission fee is only $8 per vehicle, making it very budget-friendly. So if you’re looking for a great family-friendly beach in Virginia, be sure to check out Ocean View Beach.
#11. Sandbridge Beach
Virginia’s Sandbridge Beach is a popular destination for families looking for a relaxing beach vacation. The beach is located just south of Virginia Beach, and it offers all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.
There are several restaurants and cafes in the area, as well as plenty of shops for souvenirs and beach supplies. The beach itself is beautifully maintained, and the water is clean and clear.
There are also plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, from swimming and sunbathing to fishing and kayaking. Best of all, the prices are very reasonable, making Sandbridge Beach an ideal choice for families on a budget.
#12. Smith Mountain Lake Beach
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Smith Mountain Lake is one of Virginia’s hidden gems. The lake is 13 miles long and features 500 miles of shoreline, making it a perfect destination for families who love the outdoors.
Smith Mountain Lake Beach is located on the north shore of the lake and offers stunning views of the mountains. The beach is well-known for its calm water and sandy shores, making it a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Families can also enjoy picnicking in the park or hiking on one of the many trails in the area. With so much to do, Smith Mountain Lake Beach is a great choice for a family-friendly vacation.
#13. Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the East Coast, and it’s easy to see why. The miles of sandy beaches are perfect for building sandcastles, flying kites, and searching for shells.
The boardwalk is a great place to stroll, people-watch, and enjoy the scenery. And the nearby attractions, including the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, offer plenty of things to do for families with children.
If you’re looking for a beach vacation that will please everyone in the family, Virginia Beach should be at the top of your list.
#14. Westmoreland State Park
Westmoreland State Park is a great destination for a family beach vacation. The park offers a wide variety of activities, including hiking, biking, and fishing.
There are also plenty of opportunities to explore the local wildlife. The beach itself is well-maintained and offers stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay.
Best of all, the park is less than three hours from Washington, D.C., making it an easy trip for families. So if you’re looking for a beautiful and family-friendly beach destination, be sure to add Westmoreland State Park to your list.
#15. Yorktown Beach
If you’re looking for a beautiful, family-friendly beach in Virginia, look no further than Yorktown Beach. With its wide, sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, Yorktown is the perfect spot for a summertime getaway.
The beach is also well-equipped for families, with plenty of public restrooms and showers, as well as a playground and picnic area. And if you’re looking for something to do beyond swimming and sunbathing, the beach is also a great place for fishing, boating, and windsurfing.
So whether you’re looking for a relaxing day by the water or an action-packed adventure, Yorktown Beach is the perfect destination for your next Virginia beach vacation.