While we all love our Cape Charles Beach, it is sometimes good to realize that Virginia is a big state. With a breathtaking coastline spanning thousands of miles, unique coastal destinations, and rolling landscapes, Virginia is for beach lovers. US News and World Report rated the top beaches in the Old Dominion, and our beach was ranked 4th in the state. There could be some arguments made for a higher ranking, overall, the Mirror found the rankings marginally accurate.
Virginia Beach was ranked number 1. It is our best overall beach–it is called VIRGINIA BEACH for a reason. Named the world’s longest pleasure beach by Guinness World Records, Virginia Beach is known for its vibrant nightlife, family-friendly activities, and affordable attractions. Not to mention severely under-rated surfing. Combining these highlights with access to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean coastline, Virginia Beach is always a beach fan favorite. You have the iconic 3-mile-long boardwalk showing off the real King Neptune Statue (he’s always up for a photo-op), as well as getting wet surfing the gnarly waves at the Oceanfront’s 1st St jetty, Croatan, or Sandbridge. First Landing State Park offers more gentle surf, while False Cape State Park is an uncrowded option.
Here’s the rest:
Westmoreland State Park in the Northern Neck
Colonial Beach
Cape Charles: a great beach, but with issues. Very shallow, and it seems the shoaling gets worse every year. The smell from the wastewater plant can oppressive, and we still wonder about the effluent being poured into the bay. After intensive rains, the bacteria levels can reach unhealthy levels. What is Virginia American Water’s plan for dealing with the aroma of raw waste?
Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve
Hampton Beach
Chincoteague
Lake Anna State Park
Williamsburg/James River Beach
Norfolk (How is Oceanview, Chics, East Beach, and Sarah Constant not rated higher???)
Bob says
Hate to burst anyones bubble
But
Jones Beach on Long Island is better . The Board Walk has a lot more to offer as well as Jones Beach Theatre a large music and entertainment venue with the stage on the water . Also the Board Walk is actually made with wood .
BRAND says
Last map I looked at Jones Beach was not in Virginia
Doug Luther says
This is such BS. It’s like someone is paying to be on this list.
Or better yet, they’re paying to influence people to go to these beaches.
You want proof, VB doesn’t have waves!
Virginia beach was named Princess Anne County. It was changed to be labeled as the world’s largest resort city to attract the tourists dollars. The only people that wanted the name change, was those people who own business at the oceanfront and the politicians. Later, the taxes increased for everyone who lived in the now VB.
I’m glad those beaches made the list. And happy as a pig in slop that the beaches I go to didn’t make the list.
Editor’s note: There are waves at VB, we just don’t tell you where and when they are.
Doug Luther says
Only during a hurricane! LOL
I haven’t seen WRV given lessons this year, the waves moved away 😕
Note: Doug, my friends just posted pictures of thier kids at WRVs surf camp just last week. The waves were very nice. As locals, we all had bumper stickers ‘VB Has No Waves’ to keep the fools out. It still works. If you don’t understand physics, wind, tides, shoals, and generalized wave action, surfing may not be your sport, no matter where you go. LOL.”
BRAND says
Soon VB will have waves 365 days a year
https://atlanticparkvb.com/
Stuart Bell says
It couldn’t hold a candle for the beaches on Hog or Cobb Island to see by.
BRAND says
JOKE…NUTTIN THERE TO RIDE
Paul R. Plante says
Or the Banzai Pipeline off Ehukai Beach Park in Pupukea on O’ahu’s North Shore.
But of, course, that is not Virginia!