10 Best Family Beaches in Virginia — Kid-Friendly Beach Vacations!
Need some Vitamin Sea in Virginia with the kids?
Then, spend a day at one of Virginia’s top family beaches we have selected.
These Virginia beaches, with their vibrant coastal coves and lakeside wonders, will leave you with lifelong memories filled with sand, sun, and nonstop fun.
The nice part is that most of these top Virginia family beach vacations are affordable.
- Virginia Beach Oceanfront — Virginia Beach
You can do anything in Virginia Beach, from surfing to building sandcastles.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Without question, Virginia Beach is the most renowned and well-liked beach in the state.
The beach offers a variety of activities for the whole crew thanks to its brilliant waves, lovely golden beaches, and exciting amenities.
The beach is also the safest in Virginia because multiple lifeguards patrol it.
The beach also has a 3-mile boardwalk where numerous festivals, concerts, and events occur.
Did we also mention that it has some of Virginia’s top family hotels?
Expert Tip
Virginia Beach is much more than just its stunning 35-mile, family-friendly oceanfront.
Check out the Virginia Aquarium and Ocean Breeze Waterpark, two age-appropriate attractions, to spice up your beach vacation.
- Chincoteague Island — Eastern Shore
Chincoteague Island, well-known for its ponies, outdoor activities, and beaches, is a true family-fun sanctuary.
Why We Recommend This Beach
You must include Chincoteague Island on any ranking of Virginia’s top and most beautiful family-friendly beaches.
It is a region with a rich cultural and historical background and some of the best beaches in the nation.
The island, of course, also offers a ton of family-friendly activities.
You can go crabbing, rent a boat or a bike, and eat some fresh seafood to sate your appetite.
Remember to visit the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge while you’re there.
Expert Tip
The island is beautiful, but there are mosquitoes there. Therefore, carry a bug spray to protect your children from insect stings.
Additionally, sunscreen will aid in preventing UV ray damage to your skin.
- Sandbridge Beach — Virginia Beach
For families in need of some R&R, Sandbridge Beach is an oceanfront paradise.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Do you want to get away from the bustle of your city life?
Just do yourself a favor and take the family on a relaxing vacation at Sandbridge Beach.
This secluded beach will soothe your weary soul with its calm ambiance and cooling sea breeze.
Furthermore, if your active children are easily bored, don’t worry.
After all, Virginia has several thrilling sights and family-friendly activities that are only a short drive from the shore.
Expert Tip
You can find outstanding vacation homes in Sandbridge.
And, to fully use its many amenities, stay at one of the vacation homes in the area.
Visit there in the fall or spring to take advantage of the lower rates offered during these times.
- Ocean View Beach — Norfolk
Why We Recommend This Beach
Our go-to family-friendly beach location in Virginia is Ocean View Beach.
It’s a great beach for family swimming because of the calm, clean seas.
Additionally, the beach has easy public access and pet-friendly rules.
There are lifeguards to guarantee everyone’s safety on the beach.
Expert Tip
Although the entire beach is appropriate for everyone, families should prefer the east end.
- Chesapeake Beach — Virginia Beach
You should put Chesapeake Beach at the top of your list of the best family-friendly beaches in Virginia.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Chesapeake Beach is not just one of Virginia’s best family vacation spots for nothing.
Chesapeake is a lovely retreat to unwind and take advantage of traditional beach activities thanks to its breathtaking vistas and laid-back atmosphere.
The beach also provides a variety of entertaining activities for kids and teenagers, including boating, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and building sand castles.
Expert Tip
Parking can be difficult, so arrive at the beach early.
You should also be aware that the beach has no public restrooms.
- Cape Charles Town Beach — Cape Charles
Cape Charles Town Beach is a fun family destination that is affordable and full of surprises.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Cape Charles Beach is a fantastic location for swimming and family vacations due to its quaint beach atmosphere and tranquil waves.
Additionally, it offers a park-like setting with amenities, including seats, picnic pavilions, and public restrooms.
You may also rent a paddleboard or kayak with your group if you want extra exercise.
You can also look into Cape Charlestown’s cultural attractions and food and retail opportunities.
Expert Tip
For families on a tight budget seeking the best toddler-friendly beaches in Virginia, Cape Charles Town Beach is ideal.
In actuality, it’s the only publicly accessible beach on the Eastern Shore.
Parking and entrance to the beach are both free of charge.
Even access to the fishing pier is available for everyone’s favorite cost of nothing.
- Westmoreland State Park — Montross
Kids and teenagers can also have fun on the beach by boating, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and creating sand castles, among other things.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Visit Westmoreland State Park for a seaside escape filled with excitement.
There are many outdoor recreation opportunities in the park, including hiking and relaxing on the beach.
In addition, the park offers camping areas and wooden huts for visitors who want to spend the night.
Expert Tip
Climb Horsehead Cliffs to get the fantastic river vistas.
- Jamestown Beach — Williamsburg
Explore Jamestown Beach in Virginia to discover a hidden gem.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The best-kept secret in Virginia is Jamestown Beach.
This family-friendly beach is perfect when you’re aching for fun in the sun because it has lagoons and a gorgeous park.
A beachside park is also available, with snack stands, restrooms, picnic spots, and shaded sections.
Expert Tip
Visit Historic Jamestowne and Busch Gardens Williamsburg to make your trip more memorable.
- Buggs Island Lake — Clarksville
Families may have an unmatched beach vacation at Buggs Island Lake.
Why We Recommend This Beach
You’ll adore Buggs Island Lake if you prefer freshwater beaches to seaside coves.
The largest lake in Virginia, with over 40,000 acres of water, has a lot to offer families in terms of entertainment.
Numerous bathing areas and water sports facilities, including sailing, boating, and water skiing, may be found here.
Expert Tip
There are parks around Kerr Lake where you can camp and spend the night.
Longwood Park, Palmer Point Park, Rudds Creek, and Ivy Hill Park are some of our favorites.
- Colonial Beach — Colonial Beach
Families are drawn to Colonial Beach by its historical significance, stunning shoreline, and quaint small-town atmosphere.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Without a doubt, Colonial is one of Virginia’s top beaches for families.
The beach offers a wide range of enjoyable activities for your tribe thanks to its sandy shoreline, mild waves, and bustling boardwalk.
Your family holiday can be spiced up in various ways by the beach, from fishing and boating to swimming and water sports.
Expert Tip
Pets are welcome at Colonial Beach from October 1 to March 31 as long as they’re on a leash.