Virginia is where American history begins—from the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown in 1607 to the birth of the Constitution and eight US presidents born within its borders. The Commonwealth stretches from Atlantic barrier islands and the Chesapeake Bay in the east to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachian Plateau in the west, offering visitors an extraordinary mix of Colonial history, Civil War battlefields, mountain wilderness, wine country, and vibrant coastal cities.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Virginia.
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- lively resort strip with boardwalk crowds and family activities
- Lifeguards (Memorial Day–Labor Day)
- Boardwalk
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Bike Rentals
- Beach Volleyball
Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 9am on summer weekends to secure free parking on side streets near 1st–10th Streets before the garages fill
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- wild and undeveloped, famous for free-roaming ponies and Atlantic solitude
- Wild Ponies
- Lifeguards (summer)
- Restrooms
- Nature Trails
- Fishing
Assateague Island National Seashore (Virginia)
Editor’s tip. Arrive at the refuge entrance early, particularly during the annual Pony Swim in late July when crowds reach maximum and parking is extremely limited
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- quiet and residential, a local retreat from the resort crowds
- Residential/Natural beach
- Limited parking
- Back Bay access
- Kayak launch
Sandbridge Beach
Editor’s tip. Parking fills quickly on summer weekend mornings; aim to arrive before 9am or park further along Sandbridge Rd and walk to the beach
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- calm bay-side retreat within a historic coastal forest
- Kayak Launch
- Hiking Trails
- Fishing Pier
- Picnic Areas
- Campground
First Landing State Park Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrive at the park entrance by 9am on summer weekends; the park occasionally closes to new vehicles after reaching capacity by mid-morning in peak season
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- free, local, and laid-back with a Hampton Roads community feel
- Lifeguards
- Restrooms
- Picnic Pavilions
- Playground
- Bandstand for concerts
Buckroe Beach
Editor’s tip. Evening visits reward visitors with scenic northwest-facing sunset views over the Chesapeake Bay, making late afternoon a popular photography window
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Virginia’s coast.
Is there an entry fee for Virginia Beach Oceanfront?
The beach itself is free to access. Parking in city lots and garages costs $6-10 per day in summer season, and street metered parking is also available along Atlantic Avenue.
From the Virginia Beach Oceanfront editorial.
When are lifeguards on duty at Virginia Beach Oceanfront?
Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, typically from 9:30am to 6pm, subject to weather conditions. Exact hours are posted at each lifeguard stand.
From the Virginia Beach Oceanfront editorial.
Can visitors touch or feed the wild Chincoteague ponies?
No. The wild ponies are untamed animals and can kick or bite. Federal regulations prohibit feeding, touching, or approaching within 10 feet of the ponies. Violations can result in fines.
From the Assateague Island National Seashore (Virginia) editorial.
What is the annual Pony Swim at Chincoteague?
The Chincoteague Pony Swim occurs each July, when the Virginia herd is rounded up and swum across the channel to Chincoteague Island for an annual auction. It is a major regional event drawing large crowds from across the Mid-Atlantic.
From the Assateague Island National Seashore (Virginia) editorial.
Is Sandbridge Beach free to access?
The ocean beach at Sandbridge is free to access with no gate or entry fee. Street parking is free but limited. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge charges a $5 per vehicle fee when the refuge entrance is open.
From the Sandbridge Beach editorial.
Are there lifeguards at Sandbridge Beach?
Sandbridge does not have the same lifeguard coverage as the main Virginia Beach resort strip. Seasonal coverage may be present at some sections, but visitors should not assume a lifeguard is on duty and should supervise children carefully in the surf.
From the Sandbridge Beach editorial.
Is there a lifeguard at First Landing State Park Beach?
No lifeguards are on duty at First Landing State Park Beach. The beach is on the Chesapeake Bay with calm, shallow water, but swimming is entirely at the visitor's own risk. Staying within the buoyed swimming area is strongly recommended.
From the First Landing State Park Beach editorial.
What is the vehicle entry fee for First Landing State Park?
Entry fees are typically $5 on weekdays and $7 on weekends and holidays during peak season. Virginia State Parks annual passes and America the Beautiful passes are accepted at the gate.
From the First Landing State Park Beach editorial.