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Best Swimming Beaches in Virginia

2 top-rated swimming beaches in Virginia. Discover the best swimming beaches across America. Find sandy shores, gentle waves, and perfect spots for family beach days.

Virginia Beach Oceanfront (Virginia Beach, 4.7 from 4,039 reviews) and Yorktown Beach (4.6 from 2,077 reviews) are the most-reviewed swimming beaches in Virginia.

SwimmingSunbathingBeach volleyballSurfingSandcastle building

Top Swimming Beaches in Virginia

Top 10 on the map

Locations approximate to pin
#2 Yorktown Beach2#1 Virginia Beach Oceanfront1
Virginia Beach Oceanfront14.7(4,039)

Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Public beach · Virginia Beach, Virginia

Boasting a 3-mile boardwalk, this bustling area offers sandy beaches, cafes & shops.

Yorktown Beach24.6(2,077)

Yorktown Beach

Beach · Virginia
Camping nearby

A two-acre public beach on the south bank of the York River in historic Yorktown, where American independence was won in 1781. The 1,200-foot beach offers swimming within designated buoys, with free Mobi-Chair rentals for disabled visitors and ADA-accessible Mobi-Mats. Adjacent to Colonial National Historical Park, the beach provides a unique blend of recreation and Revolutionary War history. Metal detecting on sand is permitted, and the waterfront connects to Yorktown's shops, restaurants, and the Riverwalk Landing.

Trip packing checklist

Gear for Swimming Beaches in Virginia

Useful gear categories for this kind of water trip. These links open Amazon search results so you can compare current options before you go.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Shade for Long Beach Days

Keeps sun exposure manageable when shade is limited.

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Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Useful for beach trips where sunscreen reapplication is easy to forget.

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Quick-Dry Beach Towel

Packs smaller than cotton and dries faster after swims.

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Snorkel Set

Worth comparing if the beach has clear, calm water.

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Tips for Swimming Beaches in Virginia

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Arrive early for best parking and beach spot selection

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Check for lifeguard schedules and swim only in designated areas

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Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life

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Watch for beach flags indicating water conditions

More water adventures in Virginia

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Waterfalls
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Lakes
🌊
Rivers & Streams
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Kayaking Spots
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Fishing Spots
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Dog-Friendly Beaches

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