Life’s a Beach All Over Virginia

by Fayeruz Regan 08.2024

On the evening of July 31st, in any given year, you can watch the clock strike midnight and witness the transformation. 3…2…1 and the thirsty advertisers descend. Back-to-school season is upon us.

Pop-up ads take over our screens, cheeky kids in neon glasses are on TV pushing deals at big box stores. You can almost smell the pumpkin spice. Which isn’t really fair, because the thermostat says 97 and we have another full month of summer. Does my kid really need another box of crayons? He barely touched the ones I bought the year prior, since schools have become test score depots for SOL funding. But I digress…

Summer is not over. And while the school year is now close enough that we haven’t the time to plan a longer vacation, we have plenty of leeway for a day trip to the beach. I’ve listed a few locations that are a short drive away so that you needn’t bother with the expense of hotels. Squeeze in a last hurrah with a spontaneous day trip to one of these beaches.

Jamestown Beach

This beach welcomes furry friends, and offers a concession stand where visitors can purchase burgers, ice cream and more. There’s a large parking lot, which does charge a fee if you’re not a local resident. The waves are small, so it’s a great spot for little ones. Charcoal grills and picnic tables are available, as well as outdoor rinse stations, a paddleboard launching spot, and public restrooms. 

2205 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185

Yorktown Beach

Nestled in historic Yorktown, this beach is a stone’s throw from local businesses and historical landmarks. Yorktown, Virginia played a vital role in the American Revolution. The British surrendered to American and French forces at its port, thus ending British rule and establishing the United States of America. The two-acre waterfront features a rental station for kayaks and paddleboards, and a free, air-conditioned trolley that carries visitors to and from the beach – as well as to historical landmarks. Plus, there is a Mobi-Mat and Mobi-Chair on-site, allowing wheelchair-bound visitors access.

425 Water Street, Yorktown, VA 23690

Buckroe Beach

The very last stop before the tunnel that sweeps you to Virginia Beach, is Buckroe Beach. There’s no admission or parking fees, and guests have amenities galore. There’s a nautical-themed playground on-site in case kids need a break from the water, and shelters for dining if the sun is too hot.  Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and the beach staff on site offers surf wheelchairs and beach wheelchairs, making it fun for everyone. Lined by a paved boardwalk for walking and benches for resting, its sandy banks stretch a mile long! 

100 South 1st Street, Hampton, VA 23664

Chippokes State Park

If you have a bucket and a sifter, this is a great spot for anyone interested in uncovering shark teeth and the official state fossil, the Chesapecten jeffersonius. I’ve never heard a Latin term scream “Virginia!” so loud, but it’s an extinct scallop. If this weren’t educational enough, the site also has a Forestry Museum and Chippokes Farm, one of the oldest continually-used farms in the country. You can see pigs, goats, donkeys and cows on-site. A paved path leads you directly to the beach, which is a bit rocky. Those with sensitive feet should bring water shoes. 

695 Chippokes Park Rd, Surry, VA 23883

Colonial Beach

Colonial Beach is in a completely different direction than the other ones I’ve listed. Nestled in Virginia’s Northern Neck, it’s considered the “playground of the Potomac.” In fact, once you step into the water, you are officially in Maryland. This beach offers parking, a bath house, lifeguards, and restrooms. What makes this day trip distinct, is that Colonial Beach features a boardwalk with stores and a place to grab a bite. Even food trucks are known to pull up! The central downtown portion is hopping, while the north and south ends of this beach are quiet, and more secluded. This two-mile stretch of sand features five distinct beaches, so visitors have options. 

Enjoy the rest of your summer!