Beach Park

Beach Park is a peaceful oceanfront green space in the Dam Neck neighborhood of Virginia Beach, offering families direct access to the Atlantic Ocean without the congestion of the Oceanfront boardwalk area. The park is a local favorite precisely because of what it lacks: no carnival rides, no souvenir shops, no packed resort hotel rows. Just sand, surf, grass, and the Atlantic horizon.

For families with young children, the park's combination of grassy picnic space and sandy beach is ideal. Toddlers can dig in the sand at the water's edge while older kids body surf in the waves. Parents can set up chairs and umbrellas and actually relax rather than navigate crowds.

The open grass area is perfect for a game of catch, flying kites, or just running around after being cooped up in a car.

The beach in this part of Virginia Beach has a natural character that the commercialized Oceanfront sections don't. Shorebirds, ghost crabs at dusk, and the occasional dolphin pod offshore are genuine possibilities. The water quality is generally excellent in this section of the coast.

Note that Beach Park is adjacent to the Dam Neck Naval Annex, which means you'll want to stay on the public beach side. The park's hours are seasonal; it's typically accessible from 7am to 8pm in summer. There are no lifeguards on duty, so parents of young swimmers should stay close to the water.

Packing your own food is strongly recommended. There are no concessions at or near the park. The Virginia Beach Oceanfront is about 10 minutes north if you want a broader selection of restaurants after your beach time.