Norfolk Beaches

Heading out to a beach in Norfolk, VA can result in a fantastic day and has many perks for yourself and your friends. Spending time splashing in the waves, grilling on the beach, playing volleyball, having a picnic, going on walks, or simply catching some rays, beaches are a home to a wide range of awesome activities.

You can discover several swimming beaches in Norfolk that are fairly close to you with the help of our table of beaches. Below is a collection to help you locate a beach close to Norfolk. Enter a beach, a city, or a zip code to filter results.

Norfolk Beaches

Most beaches in Norfolk, VA will be open for the public, however many are private beaches. You should look at their site to see if you can visit the beach without any restrictions. You shouldn’t be shocked if a beach you wish to visit is not open as a result of the time you get there, closing on certain days, or the season.

Weather at Norfolk beaches can be quite unpredictible, so it’s necessary for you to schedule your outing accordingly.

Rules of the Beach

While different beaches in Norfolk will have conflicting rules for attending the beach, prepare to adhere to the following rules for any beach in Norfolk that you visit:

  • Do not go beyond the swim area.
  • Always listen to the lifeguard on duty. If they tell you to stop doing something, then you have to do it.
  • Always know that you’re entering the water at your own risk, regardless if there is a lifeguard on duty.
  • Alcohol may not be permitted.
  • Bottles made from glass can easily shatter, so don’t bring bottles made of glass to beaches.
  • Don’t try to go to the beach whenever it’s closed.

Norfolk Beach Tips

  1. Always stay in the designated swim space. If there’s a specified swimming area it is likely not safe to swim beyond that region. There could be dangerous objects under the surface, be reserved for watercraft, or is unsupervised by a lifeguard.
  2. Bugs like the beach too. If you plan on going to the beach early in the day or late in the day, you should anticipate that mosquitos, horse flies, beach hoppers and other annoying bugs may ruin your beach experience.
  3. Prepare for cold weather. It’s common knowledge that the weather in Norfolk will change on a moment’s notice. It’s especially necessary if you’re planning on going swimming, so pack enough warm items such as a jacket, towels, pants, and a hat.
  4. Avoid crowded times. Beaches in Norfolk can be busy, particularly on weekends in the summer. Be sure to get there before peak time if you can.
  5. Store items in a mesh bag. It’s convenient to grab a backpack, grocery bag, or waterproof duffle bag to stash beach items like towels, shovels, flotation devices, and extra clothing. However, these types of bags keep moisture from leaving, leading to mildew problems and keeping beach essentials from drying out.
  6. Will there be a lifeguard? Many large beaches in Norfolk will have a lifeguard supervising, however do not assume that a lifeguard being in attendance. On your walk to the beach, search for lifeguard on duty signs. Sometimes they list lifeguard patrol times.
  7. Get away from the sun. If you think that locating a shady spot could be hard to come by, or if you think that there may not be many shady spots around, pack your own! Bring a beach umbrella, pop up beach tent, or some sort of equipment that provides shade. It’s best to use something that provides great ventilation.
  8. Don’t Litter. Nothing is as bad spend a day at a filty beach. When you bring things to the beach, you are expected pick up after yourself. Be sure to toss out your garbage in an appropriate waste or recycling can.