Beach traffic got you down? Many Hampton Roads communities have their own stretch of sand for sunning, swimming or a solitary stroll. Some are within the cities, and others are remote retreats.
Virginia Beach
The Oceanfront
Our very own quintessential resort strip is renowned worldwide with 12 miles of public beach stretching from Fort Story south to Sandbridge. You can go para-sailing or surfing, stroll the three-mile boardwalk, kick up your heels at a concert at the 17th and 24th Street stages, then cool off with refreshments at an outdoor cafe. Summer weekends feature live entertainment and festivals. In July and August, a fireworks show goes off every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:15 p.m.
The main resort area, from First to 40th Streets, has lifeguards from mid-May to mid-September, 9:30 a.m. ti 6 p.m. with surfing allowed between Third and Fifth streets.
Public restrooms at 17th, 24th and 30th streets are open all year. There are handicapped ramps at every boardwalk access from Firth to 58th street, and wooden walkways to the water at Eight, 17th, 24 and 30th streets.
There are more than 2,200 parking spaces at the Oceanfront. On-street meters have a three-hour limit from April though September, and numerous private lots charge a daily fee.
The Atlantic Avenue Trolley runs between Second and 41st streets, May through September (800-822-3224, www.vbfun.com)
The beaches north of 42nd Street are quieter and less frequented. It is a residential area, however, with no public restrooms and scarce parking. The beach at Fort Story is not open to the public.
South of the resort area are Croatan Beach, Sandbridge Public Beach and Little Island Park, all with lifeguards from 9:30 a.m. to dusk. Croatan has a designated surfing area and a parking fee. Little Island Park has a fishing pier, concessions, picnic shelters and playground. (426-7200)
Back Bay Refuge
South of Little Island Park in Sandbridge are four miles of wild, undeveloped beach through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. (721-2412, http://backbay.fws.gov)
You are pretty much guaranteed to see some type of wildlife, whether a Pelican armada overhead, dolphins offshore or any of 300 bird species, including peregrine falcons and bald eagles.
Hike the freshwater marsh trails, bike on the dike roads, or take a tram ride to False Cape State Park. There are boardwalk trails with overlooks, and a handicapped-accessible visitor center. Surf and freshwater fishing are permitted in specific areas, and there is a launch for canoes and kayaks. Swimming, sunbathing and surfing are prohibited. Pets are allowed only during October through March and must be on a hand-held leash up to 10 feet long.
The refuge is open daily one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset. The Visitor Contact Station is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends. It is closed Saturdays, November through March, and holidays except Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day, and the first Saturday through second Saturday in October for a managed hunt.
Entrance fees are charged April through October; $5 per vehicle, or $2 per person on foot.
False Cape State Park
Four miles south of the refuge is False Cape State Park, a mile-wide barrier spit with another six miles of unspoiled ocean beach extending to the North Carolina state line. (426-7128, www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/fal.shtml) There's no vehicular access and the park can be reached only on foot, boat, bike or guided tram tour.
The name comes from its resemblance to Cape Henry, which caused 19th Century ships to wreck in the shallow waters.
There are hiking trails, the Wash Woods Environmental Education Center, a visitor center and small gift shop in the Barbour Hill area.
Park your car during daylight only at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, or at Little Island City Park if camping overnight at False Cape.
There are pit toilets and primitive campsites (reservations required, 800-933-PARK). Swimming is at your own risk.
An eletric tram takes visitors to the park daily Memorial Day through Labor Day and on weekends the rest of the year. It departs Little Island City Park at 9 a.m., returning at 1 p.m., with two hours to explore the park on your own. Prepare for hot sun, no shade and some rough walking. Cost is $8 per person (reservations required: 800-933-PARK).
The park is open daily year-round, sunrise to sunset, except the first Saturday through the second Saturday in October when the park is closed for a managed hunt. Camping is $10 per night. There is no fee to enter the park, but you must pay the $5 per vehicle entrance fee to Back Bay NWR to park in their lot.
First Landing State Park
On Shore Drive in Virginia Beach, it has a swimming beach on the Chesapeake Bay (412-2300, www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/fir.shtml), picnic areas, a boat ramp, kayak rentals and tours, campsites and cabins (call 800-933-PARK for reservations). There are no lifeguards and swimming is at your own risk.
First Landing in Virginia Beach is named for a brief visit in 1607 by the settlers bound for Jamestown. See Native American exhibits and a replica village like to one the settlers would have found, built with expertise from the local Nansemond Indian Tribe for the Jamestown 400th celebration. The Chesapeake Bay Center has displays, three aquariums, restrooms, showers and a Virginia Beach Tourism information area. Nineteen miles of trails wander through various ecosystems, from bald cypress swamp to high, forested dunes.
The parking fee is $3 during the week, $4 on weekends. There is no handicap-access across the beach to the water, but a beach wheelchair is available.
Norfolk
Ocean View
Once a tad rough around the edges, Ocean View beaches are a locals favorite, where you can avoid the crowds and let kids play on a nice clean beach and play in the gentle waves of Chesapeake Bay.
The city’s Department of Neighborhood and Leisure Services (421-2400, www.norfolk.gov/Neighborhoods/Recreation/Beaches.asp) operates three beach parks along 7.5 miles of Chesapeake Bay beach along Ocean View Avenue. There are lifeguards from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Restrooms and public shelters are available.
Ocean View Beach Park, 100 W. Ocean View Avenue, 441-1776, has a boardwalk, showers and special events ranging from band concerts to festivals and fireworks. Sarah Constant Beach Park, 300 W. Ocean View Avenue, 441-1775, is at the intersection of Tidewater Drive and Fourth View. Community Beach Park, 600 E. Ocean View, is between Tidewater Drive and Chesapeake Blvd.
The spectacular new Ocean View fishing pier extends 1,690 feet into the bay. There's a restaurant, game room and restrooms. (www.oceanviewfishingpier.com)
Hampton
Buckroe Beach
This mile-long Chesapeake Bay beach along North First Street has a boardwalk, bandstand, restrooms, food vendors, tables, grills, and observation pier. Locals flock here on nice summer weekends with umbrellas, coolers and kids in tow. The off-season is prime time for quiet strolls, with dogs allowed on the beach after September 15 until mid-May. There's also an enclosed Bark Park near the beach.
The beach and park are open 7 a.m. to sunset, with restrooms open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., May 15 through September 15. There are lifeguards 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (850-5134, www.hampton.gov/parks).
There are two free parking lots, and when those fill up, there's a $2 charge to park in the overflow lot, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. There are picnic shelters and gazebos for rent (850-5116).
Grandview Nature Preserve
It takes a little effort to find this quiet gem off Beach Road, but the two miles of wild beach on the Chesapeake Bay are well worth the drive (850-5134, www.hampton.gov/parks). Nature trails, 475 acres of salt marsh and tidal creek offer excellent bird watching.
There are no facilities or lifeguards and limited parking, but the remote stretch of beach is a great place for a quiet day of beachcombing. Swimming is at your risk. No admission fee. Open sunrise to sunset, year-round.
Newport News
Huntington Park
The city's only public beach is located on he James River at the end of Mercury Boulevard. The park has Fort Fun, a giant wooden playground, fishing pier, boat ramp and snack bar. The park is open sunrise to sunset, with lifeguards Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (886-7912, www.nnparks.com/parks_huntington.php).
Yorktown
The Riverwalk complex on the York River is the anchor for the town's two-acre public beach, with fine dining, an ice cream shop, boutiques and sightseeing cruises. Talk an historic walking tour, grab an ice cream and relax on the quiet beach. restrooms and showers are open April through October 19. (830-3500, www.yourcounty.gov)
Eastern Shore
Cape Charles Town Beach
Children play in the shallow, protected waters of this half-mile public beach at the end of Mason Avenue in the quaint resort town of Cape Charles. There are restrooms and a fishing pier at the southern end of the beach and restaurants within walking distance on Mason Avenue. Summer concerts, holiday events and a monthly Applaud the Sun beach party take place in and around the beach's landmark Pavilion.
Parking is free along Bay Avenue, with a paved walkway running the length of the beach. There are three wooden walk-overs providing handicapped access. No lifeguards. Pets are prohibited on the beach Memorial Day through Labor Day, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The beach is open daily, sunrise to 10 p.m. (773-331-3259 x10, www.capecharles.org/beach.htm)
Kiptopeke State Park
Just three miles north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, you'll feel worlds away on this Chesapeake Bay beach. Sunken, concrete-filled ships form a protected area for swimming on the half-mile beach. Lifeguards are on duty Memorial Day through Labor Day. Pets are not allowed.
A prime spot for bird-watching, with weekly programs in the fall, the park has new Family Lodges for weekly vacation rental, picnicking, hiking tails and camping. Day-use parking fee is $3 during the week, $4 on the weekend. (321-2267, www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/kip.shtml)
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Located on the southern tip of Assateague Island, this wild Atlantic Ocean beach extends for miles without a house or hotel in sight. Look for the famous Chincoteague ponies in the marshes as you drive to the beach.
Swimming is allowed at Tom's Cove Beach, a part of Assateague Island National Seashore. It is lifeguarded Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The refuge has miles of hiking and biking trails, bird-watching, shelling and a visitor center. The historic red-and-white-striped Assateague Lighthouse is open on weekends, March through Thanksgiving. Pets are not allowed, not even in the car.
The refuge is open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. May through September; 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. November to April; and 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. April and October. Entry fee is $10 per vehicle, good for seven consecutive days. (336-6122, http://chinco.fws.gov)
Outer Banks
Public beach access can be found all along North Carolina's fabulous string of barrier islands (www.outerbanks.org). The 70-mile Cape Hatteras National Seashore is perhaps the most pristine, with development allowed only in villages. (252-473-2111, www.nps.gov/caha)
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