Nestled in the heart of Colonial Virginia, Williamsburg is a city steeped in history and culture.
Williamsburg, and the surrounding Chesapeake Bay area, is a great place to explore historic sites such while also soaking in sun and the views of the many beaches nearby. Many of these smaller beaches are where locals often come during summer months for swimming and picnicking by the shoreline.
There are plenty of options for a memorable beach day trip. Keep reading to find out more about each destination and determine which one might be best suited for your family.
Yorktown Beach
Yorktown Beach is located on the York River and is one of the most popular spots for families near Williamsburg.
Situated in Historic Yorktown, this beach has a variety of amenities such as fishing piers, boat ramps, picnicking areas, restrooms, and showers so you can make a full day out of it.
There’s also plenty to do including swimming, fishing, and boating.
Hunting for hermit crabs is an that activity anyone, but especially kids, love to do at Yorktown Beach.
A bonus is that this beach is close to the shops and restaurants at Riverwalk Landing across the street.
And, if you want to experience a bit of history while visiting the beach, you can take a trolly ride from the beach to the American Revolution Museum.
Yorktown Beach is the place to go if you want to visit a beach in York County. Click here to learn more about visiting Yorktown Beach.
Buckroe Beach
Another great spot for families is Buckroe Beach in Hampton, VA. Buckroe Beach is on the Chesapeake Bay as it opens to the Atlantic Ocean.
This beach offers spectacular views of the Chesapeake Bay from the beach along with playgrounds, jet ski rentals, parasailing, and grills so you can barbecue up some lunch or dinner. The sand is soft and vast, and the water is expansive.
This family friendly beach also has bathrooms, making it a place where you can spend the day without worry.
It’s a great place to spend some quality time with friends or family while taking in some sun and fun activities on the sand. Buckroe Beach tends to be a local favorite.
Sarah Constant Beach Park
For those looking for something more secluded but still convenient, Sarah Constant Beach Park is worth checking out.
This park features sandy beach areas perfect for swimming, boating, or playing.
Plus, you can find trails for walking or biking if you want to change things up from just lazing on the beach all day long.
Whether it be a leisure stroll through its walking trails, fishing off the pier or boating in its launch areas, an array of outdoor adventures await at Sarah Constant Beach Park.
Picnic areas are plentiful and complemented by breathtaking views. Swimming and playing on its sandy areas add to the delight these family excursion seekers find here.
Huntington Park Beach
If your family craves adventure, then Huntington Park Beach is definitely worth checking out.
Located on the James River across from Jamestown Island, this park boasts views of both riverside cliffs as well as picnic spots perfect for lunch or dinner together with friends or family.
With stunning views of the James River and trails perfect for walking or biking, there are numerous activities to be enjoyed by the whole family.
You can also explore the nearby Virginia War Museum if you’d like something educational during your trip.
First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach offers a perfect oasis for families looking to get away.
This magnificent park features miles of hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the abundance of wildlife and nature that inhabits the area.
For those who want to spend some time at the beach, there is access to swim and sunbathe, with beautiful views all around.
In addition, First Landing State Park is ideal for camping – families can set up a campsite and enjoy their own private beachfront scene.
With so many possibilities, First Landing State Park makes for an excellent getaway for visitors to Williamsburg.
Grandview Nature Preserve
Grandview Nature Preserve in Hampton is a great spot for taking long walks.
It begins with a long nature trail that winds for about a half mile, and then empties out at a gorgeous, primitive beach. The beach has soft sand, but isn’t combed like some of the other beaches on this list. So, in addition to beautiful views, you’ll find organic matter on the beaches.
While I probably wouldn’t choose this beach for sunbathing or swimming, the Preserve is great for birdwatching and taking a long stroll.
If you’re planning a visit to Grandview Nature Preserve, remember that there are no bathrooms or facilities, and plan accordingly. Also, there is no dedicated parking lot. You can just park on the street at the entrance of the preserve.
False Cape State Park
False Cape State Park offers some of the most secluded beaches in Virginia.
Located right next to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (a sprawling 9,000-acre preserve), False Cape State Park boasts miles of unspoiled coastline with plenty of picnic tables scattered throughout as well as primitive campsites if you wish to extend your stay overnight.
This park also features several walking trails where you can spot rare bird species such as ospreys and bald eagles soaring through the sky above your head while enjoying a peaceful sunset by the sea at dusk.
False Cape State Park is an underrated spot that invites exploration.
Just a short drive from Williamsburg, this park offers an outdoorsy opportunity to find serenity, tranquility, and some seriously amazing scenery.
There are plenty of picnic tables and camp sites if you’re looking for a fun day out with friends or the perfect romantic getaway.
Plus, the area’s surprising natural beauty can’t be beaten. With gorgeous beaches, dunes, marshland, and maritime forests, you won’t want to pass up this incredible place to explore!
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Just south of False Cape State Park lies Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge – a vast expanse of marshlands that are home to diverse wildlife species such as red foxes, white-tailed deer, loggerhead turtles, snowy egrets and more.
The refuge’s five-mile long walking trail offers up breathtaking views of dunes covered with sea oats alongside stunning views of both Back Bay itself. You can even see theChesapeake Light Tower across the bay, which was built in 1864 during Civil War era.
For those who love birdwatching – make sure you bring your binoculars!
As a best-kept secret among locals, this hidden sanctuary boasts beautiful walking trails along the Atlantic Coast and stunning views of its sparkling waters.
The refuge is open year-round and offers visitors the chance to experience a peaceful day in nature.
Whether it’s taking a peaceful stroll on the sand or sitting quietly to observe wildlife, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is much more than just another beach near Williamsburg.
Jamestown Beach & Grandview Nature Preserve
Located in James City County, Jamestown Beach & Grandview Nature Preserve offer up some lovely dog-friendly areas where pet owners can enjoy spending quality time with their furry friends while exploring some pristine waterfront scenery!
The nature preserve features picturesque hiking trails lined with wildflowers while beaches offer great opportunities for swimming or simply taking leisurely strolls along shorelines dotted with shells washed ashore from nearby Chesapeake Bay!
If you go, be sure to check out Grandview Pier.
Situated just a short drive away from Williamsburg, and adjacent to Historic Jamestown and the Jamestown Settlement, this dog-friendly beach offers ample space for relaxing picnics, sunbathing, swimming or a place to just take in the beautiful sights.
They also make for a perfect spot to watch the spectacular sunset over the horizon.
There are bathrooms, charcoal grills, and a concession stand on the premises and kayak rentals are available.
Jamestown Beach is walking distance a great local brewery and food truck.
Click here to learn more about beautiful Jamestown Beach.
Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is the most popular beach destination near Williamsburg. If you’re looking for a real, Atlantic Ocean beach getaway, Virginia Beach is your best option.
Located less than an hour southeast of Williamsburg, Virginia Beach is known for its miles of sandy shoreline and tranquil ocean waves. If you’re looking to spend the day swimming or sunbathing, this is the perfect spot.
Popular activities include fishing charters, scuba diving tours, kayaking excursions and dolphin watching cruises – all with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean in the backdrop.
One of the most popular times to visit is between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when many people come out to enjoy the soft sandy shoreline and boardwalk.
But if big crowds are not your thing, consider planning a trip during the quieter months. You’ll get all the beauty that Virginia Beach has to offer without sacrificing time standing in lines and dealing with all the added stress that comes with visiting more popular beaches.
My favorite times to visit Virginia Beach are in the spring or fall. Being relatively local, there is nothing quite like soaking up some sun on an uncrowded Virginia Beach for a spent day of low-key relaxation.
Final Thoughts about the Best Beaches Near Williamsburg, VA
A visit to one (or all!) of these beaches near Williamsburg will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed after basking in all that natural beauty surrounding this charming city nestled in Colonial Virginia!
Before heading out on your beach adventure – make sure to double check parking lot rules & regulations as well as dog leash requirements at each location since they vary between beaches & preserves mentioned above.
Happy exploring!