Two-acre beachfront along the York River in historic Yorktown. Features swimming area, fishing pier, and waterfront restaurants. Free access with nearby Revolutionary War battlefield sites, museums, and shopping. Hosts special events and concerts.
Beaches for Swimming
Ocean View Beach
Norfolk’s public beach on Chesapeake Bay featuring 7.5 miles of shoreline, fishing pier, and several beach parks including Community Beach Park and Sarah Constant Beach Park. Free access with playgrounds, picnic areas, and seasonal events.
Colonial Beach
Second-longest public beach in Virginia located on the Potomac River. Features historic small town with golf cart culture, marina, fishing pier, and boardwalk. Free access with nearby restaurants, shops, and water activities.
Croatan Beach
Popular with locals and surfers, located just south of the main Virginia Beach resort area. Features designated surfing area, volleyball courts, and quieter atmosphere than the main oceanfront. Free public access with limited street parking.
Greenwell State Park
St. Mary’s County park on the Patuxent River featuring a small beach area, historic manor house, and equestrian facilities. Offers kayak launches, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities. Entry fee required with limited beach facilities.
Beverly Beach
Historic beach community in Anne Arundel County on Chesapeake Bay. Limited public beach access through community arrangement. Formerly a popular resort destination in the early 20th century that has evolved into a residential community.
Miami Beach Park
Residents-only beach on the South River in Anne Arundel County. Restricted access to community members and guests with small sandy beach, playground, and picnic facilities. Not open to general public without resident accompaniment.
Fenwick Island State Park (Maryland portion)
The northernmost beaches of Ocean City, adjacent to the Delaware state line, offering a quieter experience than the main Ocean City beaches. Features less development, wider beaches, and free parking areas. No entry fee with seasonal lifeguards.
North Point State Park
Baltimore County park on Chesapeake Bay featuring a small sand and pebble beach area and remnants of the historic Bay Shore Amusement Park. Offers fishing pier, hiking trails, and picnic pavilions. Entry fee required with seasonal operation.
Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Iconic 3-mile stretch of boardwalk and sandy beaches featuring hotels, restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Free public beach with lifeguards, beach equipment rentals, and special events throughout the year. The heart of Virginia Beach tourism with vibrant atmosphere.