A trip to the beach is a cinch for Richmonders, as we are fortunate to have several beaches within 2.5 hours.
Traveling to any of these beaches makes for an affordable and fun way to escape the RVA humidity. As you plan your beach trip this summer, consult RVA on the Cheap’s guide to family friendly beaches two-and-a-half hours or less from Richmond.
🌊 Buckroe Beach and Park
in Hampton boasts .75 miles of clean beach. This is a great beach option for families. Younger children will love the nautical themed playground.
Pack lunch and rent one of the three picnic shelters with a grill to maximize family fun and savings. Prefer to buy lunch? There is a concession stand with hot food, ice cream and more.
Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day Weekend 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Jet skis, paddleboats and kayaks are available for rent to add to the adventure.
🏖 Chic’s Beach
is about 10 miles from Virginia Beach. For anyone looking to escape the crowds of Virginia Beach, Chic’s Beach is ideal. Families with young children will appreciate the shallow beach, lack of massive waves.
As this beach is in a residential neighborhood, parking can be difficult. Beware of no parking signs and arrive early for metered parking.
🏊♂️ Jamestown Beach Event Park
is open 8:00 AM – sunset for family fun, and that includes dogs. There are several picnic areas with grills, a concession stand and kayak rentals. Popular with families, Jamestown Beach, in Williamsburg, is known for its shallow water and small waves.
🦀 Little Island Park
is a 122-acre beach park in Sandbridge. Offering kayak, canoe launching, fishing, crabbing, a playground, pickleball courts and more, Little Island Park has plenty of variety to keep every family member happy.
The park provides four picnic shelters with grills, a perfect way to break from the sand and enjoy lunch.
🌅 Outlook Beach
is Ft. Monroe’s public beach. The beach is known for its stunning sunset views. Lifeguards are on duty Memorial Day – Labor Day 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Be sure to visit Old Comfort Lighthouse, the second oldest light in the bay and the oldest still in use.
🎣 Yorktown Beach
is another family favorite beach destination! In historic Yorktown, beach goers can enjoy a multitude of activities in addition to the shallow water and small waves.
Renting kayaks, trolley rides, fishing and bike rental are all available. To make the day more exciting, consider a ride on the Schooner Alliance for a history or pirate adventure.
Luckily, Richmond families have plenty of options when it comes to beach destinations. Whether for a family day trip, weekend, or week-long vacation; take advantage of one of the many beautiful beaches right here in Virginia!
Lindsay Garrison loves Richmond and is proud to raise her own family here. As a teacher for 12 years, she learned how to save, budget and stretch every penny. Additionally, she led groups of students to Europe annually, and took great pride in planning affordable, fun-filled trips. She transferred those skills to her daily life and shares them with readers of RVA on the Cheap. Lindsay utilizes RVA on the Cheap to make enriching life experiences accessible to all. Check her instagram: rva.familyfun for more affordable family adventures!
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