Top Beaches, Waterfalls & Swimming Spots in Virginia
Virginia has 9,473 listed water destinations, including beaches, lakes and rivers. Browse them by type below, with ratings, photos and directions for each.
🏖️Top Beaches in Virginia
2 locations
4.7(4,039)Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Boasting a 3-mile boardwalk, this bustling area offers sandy beaches, cafes & shops.
4.6(2,077)Yorktown Beach
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.
🏞️Top Lakes in Virginia
6 locations
4.7(959)Bear Creek Lake State Park
Set in Cumberland State Forest, this 40-acre lake hosts swimming, boating & fishing, plus cabins.
4.6(717)Lake Anna
Fishing, swimming, camping & water sports on a huge reservoir with a public beach.
4.8(590)Smith Mountain Lake
This 20,600-acre reservoir created in 1963 is a popular place for boating, waterskiing & fishing.
4.6(173)Claytor Lake
Created for a hydroelectric project, this 4,472-acre reservoir is a popular boating & fishing spot.
4.6(121)Burke Lake
Wooded park around a dam with boat rentals & fishing spots, plus hiking on a lakeside loop trail.
4.5(120)Lake Anne
This tree-lined reservoir in a residential area offers boating, a promenade & waterfront eateries.
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