St. Winifred's Beach

Virginia Beach is well-equipped with a wide range of amenities to enhance the visitor experience. Restrooms and outdoor showers are strategically located throughout the resort area, offering convenience for beachgoers who wish to freshen up after a swim or sandcastle session. Picnic areas and barbecue spots provide ideal settings for family gatherings or casual meals by the shore.

Equipment rentals—including beach chairs, umbrellas, and water sports gear—are available at various locations along the boardwalk, allowing visitors to make the most of their time in the sun without needing to bring their own gear. First aid stations and lifeguard services ensure safety for swimmers and surfers, while free Wi-Fi hotspots near key attractions keep everyone connected. The resort area also features accessible playgrounds and raised sand tables for children, ensuring that every visitor, regardless of ability, can enjoy a fun day at the beach.

Virginia Beach offers a diverse array of activities that cater to adventure seekers, families, and relaxation enthusiasts. Swimming and surfing are perennial favorites, with consistent waves and lifeguards on duty during the summer season. The beach is also a hotspot for volleyball, with nets set up along the sand for both casual and organized play.

Water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing are widely available, providing exhilarating ways to explore the coastline. Anglers can cast lines from the pier or join fishing charters for deeper offshore adventures. For those who prefer dry land, the boardwalk is perfect for jogging, biking, or simply enjoying the ocean breeze. Additionally, the beach hosts numerous events throughout the year, including sandcastle competitions, outdoor concerts, and fitness classes, ensuring there’s always something new to experience.

Virginia Beach is widely recognized for its inclusive approach to beach access. Ramps are available at every beach access point from 1st to 58th streets, allowing visitors with mobility challenges to reach the sand and water with ease. Designated parking spaces for individuals with disabilities are located throughout the resort area, both on-street and in municipal lots.

Beach wheelchairs are available for loan at several locations, including 2nd, 17th, and 24th streets, and can be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Accessible playgrounds like Grommet Island Park feature poured-in-place surfacing, raised sand tables, and sensory-friendly equipment, ensuring that children of all abilities can enjoy the outdoors. The city’s ongoing investment in accessible infrastructure demonstrates a strong commitment to making the beach experience welcoming for every visitor.

Parking at Virginia Beach is designed to accommodate both residents and visitors, with options ranging from on-street metered spots to municipal lots and garages. On-street parking is available on major thoroughfares like Atlantic Avenue, Arctic Avenue, and Rudee Loop, as well as on cross streets from 2nd to 37th streets. Vehicles displaying a valid disability tag can park at any on-street metered location for free for up to four hours, making the area accessible for those with mobility needs.

Metered parking rates are enforced during peak seasons, and overnight parking is typically not allowed on certain streets. Municipal parking lots and garages offer additional capacity, though disabled free parking privileges do not extend to these facilities. Proximity to the beach varies depending on the lot, but most are within a short walk to the boardwalk and shoreline, ensuring convenience for beachgoers.

Virginia Beach is home to the world’s longest pleasure beach, stretching for 35 miles along the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. The city was the site of the first landing of English colonists in 1607, before they moved on to Jamestown. Today, this historic event is commemorated at First Landing State Park.

The annual Neptune Festival draws thousands of visitors with its sand sculpting competition, parades, and concerts. Virginia Beach is also known for its vibrant marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of shorebirds that can be spotted along the coast. The city’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity has earned it recognition as a leader in beach access for people with disabilities, with features like beach wheelchairs and sensory-friendly playgrounds.

Beyond the sandy shoreline, Virginia Beach boasts a variety of nearby attractions that enrich the coastal experience. The iconic boardwalk is a hub of activity, featuring live music, street performers, and seasonal events. Neptune statue, a massive bronze sculpture, is a popular photo spot and a symbol of the city’s connection to the sea.

Nature lovers can explore First Landing State Park, which offers hiking and biking trails through maritime forests and wetlands. The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center provides an engaging look at local marine life and conservation efforts. For history enthusiasts, the Cape Henry Lighthouse stands as a historic landmark, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the region’s maritime heritage. With so much to see and do, Virginia Beach is a destination that appeals to a wide range of interests and ages.