Now that summer has arrived here in Virginia, we’ve got one thing on our minds: beach trips. Of course, not everyone is a fan of the beach, but the beauty of Virginia’s coast is indisputable. In the spirit of appealing to everyone, we’ve comprised a list of gorgeous beaches that happen to be part of our equally beautiful Virginia State Parks. Hiking trails, fishing piers, shorelines…what’s not to love? Here are 10 such places that make for the perfect day-trip destination season:
- Douthat State Park
Jason Riedy/flickr
Virginia State Parks/flickr The beach at Douthat State Park may be man-made, but that doesn’t detract from its picturesque appeal. Head out for a hike along any number of this state park’s trails and then relax – or go for a dip – in Douthat Lake. Address: 14239 Douthat State Park Rd, Millboro, VA 24460. For more details about this site, click here.
- First Landing State Park
Brent Hoard/flickr
Virginia State Parks/flickr Located in North Virginia Beach, First Landing State Park is a popular attraction for nature-lovers of all kinds. The natural area measures nearly 3,000 acres in size and promises a variety of landscape, including wooded trails and an expansive stretch of coast for quality beach time. First Landing State Park also makes for a prime camping site and offers over 200 campsites. Address: 2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451.
- False Cape State Park
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Virginia State Parks/flickr False Cape State Park is situated near Virginia Beach’s Little Island City Park. An oasis of natural preserves, this state park offers boardwalks, maritime forest trails, and breathtaking beaches. Photographed directly above is Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, serving as a scenic introduction to False Cape.
- York River State Park
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Virginia State Parks/flickr York River State Park may not have a traditional ocean beach, but it’s got sand, shoreline, seashells, and plenty of trails to explore. The York River shoreline is every bit as scenic as one you’d find along the ocean, and it’s a wonderful place to learn about this unique estuarine environment. Address: 9801 York River Park Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188.
- Kiptopeke State Park
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Virginia State Parks/flickr With unique accommodations, ample campsites, and even a few cabins, Kiptopeke State Park is a camper’s paradise. It’s located along Virginia’s Eastern Shore and offers visitors a swimming beach, boardwalks, and miles of interpretive hikes. Address: Kiptopeke State Park 3540 Kiptopeke Drive Cape Charles, VA 23310. For more details about this site, click here.
- Chippokes Plantation State Park
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Virginia State Parks/flickr Chippokes Plantation State Park is a breathtaking area situated across the mighty James River from Jamestown. This working farm offers historic insight to 17th-century Virginia in addition to a gorgeous river shoreline to soak it all in. Address: 695 Chippokes Park Rd., Surry, VA 23883.
- Claytor Lake State Park
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Virginia State Parks/flickr Located in Dublin, Claytor Lake is a gorgeous natural area known for fishing and boating. The spot also welcomes swimmers, beach combers, and anyone interested in a leisurely stroll or bike ride around the 4,500-acre lake. Address: 6620 Ben H. Bolen Dr., Dublin, VA 24084.
- Hungry Mother State Park
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Virginia State Parks/flickr Hungry Mother State Park offers a little bit of everything: hiking trails, mountain overlooks, and a man-made swimming beach on the lake. This scenic body of water is 108-acres large and the perfect settling to relax after a wooded hike. Address: 2854 Park Blvd., Marion, VA 24354. For more details about this site, click here.
- Westmoreland State Park
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Virginia State Parks/flickr Westmoreland State Park is a little slice of paradise along the Potomac River. This 1,300-acre park includes plenty of trails for hiking, gorgeous overlooks of the beach, distinctive cliffs, and plenty of places to swim and kayak. Address: 145 Cliff Road, Montross, VA 22520. For more details about this site, click here.
- Fairy Stone State Park
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Virginia State Parks/flickr Fairy Stone State Park may be known for its gorgeous wooded hiking trails, but this expansive state park also features a beach that’s especially popular among kids. The 168-acre lake meets up with Philpott Reservoir and is just a short drive from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Address: 967 Fairystone Lake Dr., Stuart, VA 24171. For more details about this site, click here.
Have you visited any of these gorgeous Virginia State Parks featuring a beach? Feel free to share your experiences with us! For a comprehensive list of Virginia’s State Parks as well as directions and further information, be sure to visit the official Virginia State Parks website. For related content, read about The Virginia Beach That’s Unlike Any Other In The World.
Jason Riedy/flickr
Virginia State Parks/flickr
The beach at Douthat State Park may be man-made, but that doesn’t detract from its picturesque appeal. Head out for a hike along any number of this state park’s trails and then relax – or go for a dip – in Douthat Lake. Address: 14239 Douthat State Park Rd, Millboro, VA 24460. For more details about this site, click here.
Brent Hoard/flickr
Located in North Virginia Beach, First Landing State Park is a popular attraction for nature-lovers of all kinds. The natural area measures nearly 3,000 acres in size and promises a variety of landscape, including wooded trails and an expansive stretch of coast for quality beach time. First Landing State Park also makes for a prime camping site and offers over 200 campsites. Address: 2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451.
False Cape State Park is situated near Virginia Beach’s Little Island City Park. An oasis of natural preserves, this state park offers boardwalks, maritime forest trails, and breathtaking beaches. Photographed directly above is Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, serving as a scenic introduction to False Cape.
York River State Park may not have a traditional ocean beach, but it’s got sand, shoreline, seashells, and plenty of trails to explore. The York River shoreline is every bit as scenic as one you’d find along the ocean, and it’s a wonderful place to learn about this unique estuarine environment. Address: 9801 York River Park Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188.
With unique accommodations, ample campsites, and even a few cabins, Kiptopeke State Park is a camper’s paradise. It’s located along Virginia’s Eastern Shore and offers visitors a swimming beach, boardwalks, and miles of interpretive hikes. Address: Kiptopeke State Park 3540 Kiptopeke Drive Cape Charles, VA 23310. For more details about this site, click here.
Chippokes Plantation State Park is a breathtaking area situated across the mighty James River from Jamestown. This working farm offers historic insight to 17th-century Virginia in addition to a gorgeous river shoreline to soak it all in. Address: 695 Chippokes Park Rd., Surry, VA 23883.
Located in Dublin, Claytor Lake is a gorgeous natural area known for fishing and boating. The spot also welcomes swimmers, beach combers, and anyone interested in a leisurely stroll or bike ride around the 4,500-acre lake. Address: 6620 Ben H. Bolen Dr., Dublin, VA 24084.
Hungry Mother State Park offers a little bit of everything: hiking trails, mountain overlooks, and a man-made swimming beach on the lake. This scenic body of water is 108-acres large and the perfect settling to relax after a wooded hike. Address: 2854 Park Blvd., Marion, VA 24354. For more details about this site, click here.
Westmoreland State Park is a little slice of paradise along the Potomac River. This 1,300-acre park includes plenty of trails for hiking, gorgeous overlooks of the beach, distinctive cliffs, and plenty of places to swim and kayak. Address: 145 Cliff Road, Montross, VA 22520. For more details about this site, click here.
Fairy Stone State Park may be known for its gorgeous wooded hiking trails, but this expansive state park also features a beach that’s especially popular among kids. The 168-acre lake meets up with Philpott Reservoir and is just a short drive from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Address: 967 Fairystone Lake Dr., Stuart, VA 24171. For more details about this site, click here.
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