Virginia Beach is a major Atlantic Ocean resort city in southeastern Virginia, and its Oceanfront district is the main beach area, centred on the boardwalk around Atlantic Avenue. The beach is wide and sandy, with fine tan sand, steady ocean surf and water that is typically green to blue and warms to comfortable temperatures by midsummer. The shoreline runs for several miles, with the main stretch protected by regular beach nourishment, and the surf is suitable for bodysurfing and board sports as well as swimming.
A boardwalk of about three miles runs along the Oceanfront, lined with hotels, restaurants, shops and a fishing pier, and punctuated by public art, including a large statue of King Neptune at the northern end. Lifeguards patrol the beach in season, and visitors should swim only in guarded areas and follow flag warnings about rip currents. Beach chairs, umbrellas, surfboards and bikes can be rented along the Oceanfront, and public restrooms and showers are placed at street ends along the boardwalk.
The vibe at the Oceanfront is lively and family-oriented, with a younger crowd, summer events and live music in the evenings. Quieter beaches lie north of the main strip, near the resort area at Chesapeake Bay, and south at Sandbridge, where the sand is less crowded. Surf fishing, kayaking and dolphin watching are all popular. Summer weekends are busy, with heavy traffic and paid parking in garages and lots.
Virginia Beach is reached by car in about three and a half to four hours from DC via I-95 South and I-64 East, though summer weekend traffic and the Hampton Roads tunnels can add delays. Amtrak runs to Norfolk, from where local transit and the Virginia Beach Wave bus connect to the Oceanfront. The beach suits a multi-night trip rather than a day outing from the capital.
| Distance | About 200 miles from DC |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Car, about 3.5-4 hours from DC via I-95 South and I-64 East; Amtrak to Norfolk then local transit |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | June-early September |
| Address | Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 |
Amenities
- Atlantic Ocean beach
- Oceanfront boardwalk
- Lifeguards in season
- Water sports rentals
- Hotels and restaurants
Good to know
- Best for
- families, surfers, swimmers, partiers
Location
Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
36.8529, -75.9780 View on map
Highlights
- Wide Atlantic beach with surf suitable for swimming and board sports
- Three-mile oceanfront boardwalk with restaurants and shops
- Lifeguards patrolling in season
- Equipment rentals for chairs, umbrellas and bikes
- Fishing pier and dolphin-watching trips
Tips for visiting
- Swim only in lifeguarded areas and heed rip current flag warnings
- Arrive early on summer weekends; parking is paid and fills up
- Allow extra time for traffic through the Hampton Roads tunnels
- Try quieter beaches north of the main strip or at Sandbridge
- Book accommodation ahead for summer
When to visit
June through early September; early mornings and weekdays are least crowded, with late spring and early autumn quieter still.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Virginia Beach from Washington, DC?
About 200 miles, roughly 3.5 to 4 hours by car via I-95 South and I-64 East. Amtrak runs to Norfolk, then local transit continues to the beach.
Are there lifeguards at Virginia Beach?
Yes. Lifeguards patrol the Oceanfront beach in season, and visitors should swim only in guarded areas.
Is there a boardwalk at Virginia Beach?
Yes. A roughly three-mile boardwalk runs along the Oceanfront with hotels, restaurants, shops and a fishing pier.