Virginia Beach is the most populated beach resort in the eastern US, offering 35 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline and a three-mile oceanfront boardwalk. Tidal range is modest at around 3 feet; low tide extends the beach and is popular with surfers, joggers, and families.
Atlantic tidal range of about 3 ft; low tide extends the beach noticeably and is the best time for jogging, a long walk, and finding shells along the waterline. The surf zone around 17th Street has a designated surfing area best at mid tide; swimming is comfortable in the lifeguarded sections at mid to low tide; shore fishing from the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier at 15th St and the offshore charter fleet at Rudee Inlet are both excellent at any tide. Local note: the 3-mile Oceanfront boardwalk is one of the longest in the country; Cape Henry Lighthouse at the north end of the resort strip marks the historic entrance to the Chesapeake Bay; dogs are allowed on the beach in the off-season on a designated stretch.
Nearby Beaches