This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Virginia

Oftentimes, people visiting Virginia Beach assume that the Oceanfront is the only place worth staying and exploring. In reality, Chic’s Beach is a little-known waterfront town in Virginia located on the northern edge of Virginia Beach that’s most definitely worth working into the itinerary. 

A family-friendly and dog-friendly hotspot, Chic’s Beach is beloved by locals for its calm Chesapeake Bay waters, laid-back feel, and less crowded shore. While considerably narrower than the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Chic’s Beach stretches from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel to First Landing State Park, so there’s plenty of sandy shoreline to stroll and search for seashells. There are also quite a few places to grab a bite, brew, or cup of joe, so no matter the time of day you hope to visit, sustenance, in the form of soul-soothing views and mouth-watering bites, awaits. Keep reading to learn what makes Chic’s Beach one of the best hidden gems in Virginia.

What To See and Do in Chic’s Beach

The major draw of Chic’s Beach compared to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront is its low-key nature. In addition to fewer rowdy crowds, the Chesapeake Bay is much calmer than the Atlantic, so visitors are more likely to see ankle-high waves than any that might topple a toddler, child, or adult. In that way, it’s a great place to introduce kids or anyone leery of the ocean how to become one with the tide. 

Beyond the beach, there are so many great places to pop in for breakfast, lunch, happy hour, dinner, or even just a snack. If you’re on a mission to try all the best waterfront restaurants in Virginia, Buoy 44 is a waterside brunch, lunch, and dinner joint serving up seafood plates, salads, handhelds, and Southern comforts like biscuits and gravy and Southern fried chicken biscuits. Meanwhile, down the shore closer to First Landing State Park, Tides Coastal Kitchen sits waterside and offers a menu of brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks, featuring slightly more elevated plates, like steak frites, parmesan rosemary fries, asparagus cream gnocchi, banana foster French toast, and chicken and waffles. 

If you don’t mind venturing a smidge off the beaten path, make your way from the sandy shores of Chic’s Beach over to Lynnhaven Inlet, where you’ll find Dockside Seafood & Fishing Center and Chick’s Oyster Bar, the two most highly rated restaurants and bars in town. Both are super casual and offer indoor and outdoor seating with prime water views. (Fun Fact: I’ve been going to Chick’s Oyster Bar since I was little—I grew up visiting my aunt in Virginia Beach, and Chick’s was always a must-go—and the hush puppies served with honey butter are some of the best I’ve ever had!)

There are plenty of Chic’s Beach gems worth heading into town for, too. Leaping Lizard Cafe and Bay Local Eatery are two of the top destinations for a brunch that’s as aesthetic as it is delicious, while New River Taphouse and Commonwealth Brewing Company are popular spots to tour a bevy of taps (though, both taprooms also serve brunch, lunch, and dinner, so if brewery hangs with a side of stellar fare is your jam, be sure to work them into your plan). (Psst: Commonwealth’s Mimosahhh Foamies Hard Seltzer is a must-try for anyone who doesn’t love beer but wants to join in on the fun.)

The newest visit-worthy restaurant to add to the Chic’s Beach lineup is Chic’s Laundry, a dinner spot whipping up seed oil-free modern comfort food and craft cocktails in a coastal-chic establishment that will make you want to sit and stay awhile. 

Best Time to Visit Chic’s Beach

Some people believe that the only time to visit the beach is when it’s hot enough to jump in the water. I do not fall into that category. The way I, a Pisces, see it, there's a reason to visit in every season. Part of what makes Chic’s Beach one of the best small towns in Virginia is just how charming it is year-round. That said, as laid-back as it is year-round, Chic’s Beach, like the Oceanfront, sees more tourist crowds from Memorial Day to Labor Day, particularly on the weekends. So, if your goal is to enjoy a super quiet and serene beach stroll or bike ride through town, your best bet is to either wake up early during peak season or opt for early fall, when temperatures remain mild. 

What to Know Before You Go

Before planning a full trip to Chic’s Beach, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First of all, there are no lifeguards on duty (this is because Chic’s Beach is technically a residential beach), so you’ll want to be especially mindful of undertows—it’s best to stay within 50 yards of the shore. Since Chic’s Beach is residential, this also means there is limited parking directly along the walkways to the shore, so you may have to park further in town or walk over from a nearby Vrbo or hotel. (Speaking of, there are a bunch of rental properties on and around Chic’s Beach, like this highly-rated oceanfront condo and this modern 4-bedroom oceanfront home.)

Other than that, just remember that Chic’s Beach might be on the Chesapeake Bay, but your typical ocean critters still make an appearance. Jellyfish and sandbar sharks are frequent visitors, though the beach is still widely considered low-risk in terms of ill encounters. 

All in all, if you’re craving a calm, Nicholas Sparks-esque beach getaway without meandering to the Outer Banks, Chic’s Beach is a charming coastal destination worth checking out.