Now that summer has arrived here in Virginia, we’ve got one thing on our minds: beach trips. Of course, not everyone is a fan of the beach, but the beauty of Virginia’s coast is indisputable. In the spirit of appealing to everyone, we’ve comprised a list of gorgeous beaches that happen to be part of our equally beautiful Virginia State Parks. Hiking trails, fishing piers, shorelines…what’s not to love? Here are 10 such places that make for the perfect day-trip destination season at these Virginia state park beaches:

1. Douthat State Park
Douthat State Park, 14239 Douthat State Park Rd, Millboro, VA 24460, USA
Jason Riedy/flickr
Virginia State Parks/flickr
The beach at Douthat State Park may be man-made, but that doesn't detract from its picturesque appeal. Head out for a hike along any number of this state park's trails and then relax -- or go for a dip -- in Douthat Lake. This is a beautiful Virginia state park beach.
2. First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park, 2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, USA
Brent Hoard/flickr
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Located in North Virginia Beach, First Landing State Park is a popular attraction for nature lovers of all kinds. The natural area measures nearly 3,000 acres in size and promises a variety of landscapes, including wooded trails and an expansive stretch of coast for quality beach time. First Landing State Park also makes for a prime camping site and offers over 200 campsites. Beaches in Virginia don’t get much better than this!
3. False Cape State Park
False Cape State Park, 4001 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, USA
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Virginia State Parks/flickr
False Cape State Park is situated near Virginia Beach's Little Island City Park. An oasis of natural preserves, this state park offers boardwalks, maritime forest trails, and breathtaking beaches. Photographed directly above is Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, serving as a scenic introduction to False Cape. This is one of the best beaches in Virginia!
4. York River State Park
York River State Park, 9801 York River Park Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188, USA
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Virginia State Parks/flickr
York River State Park may not have a traditional ocean beach, but it's got sand, shoreline, seashells, and plenty of trails to explore. The York River shoreline is every bit as scenic as one you'd find along the ocean, and it's a wonderful place to learn about this unique estuarine environment. This is a great beach in Virginia.
5. Kiptopeke State Park
Kiptopeke State Park, 3540 Kiptopeke Dr, Cape Charles, VA 23310, USA
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Virginia State Parks/flickr
With unique accommodations, ample campsites, and even a few cabins, Kiptopeke State Park is a camper's paradise. It's located along Virginia's Eastern Shore and offers visitors a swimming beach, boardwalks, and miles of interpretive hikes. We love this Virginia state park beach.

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6. Chippokes Plantation State Park
Chippokes State Park, 695 Chippokes Park Rd, Surry, VA 23883, USA
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Chippokes Plantation State Park is a breathtaking area situated across the mighty James River from Jamestown. This working farm offers historic insight into 17th-century Virginia in addition to a gorgeous river shoreline to soak it all in. One of the best state park beaches in Virginia
7. Claytor Lake State Park
Claytor Lake State Park, 6620 Ben H Bolen Dr, Dublin, VA 24084, USA
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Located in Dublin, Claytor Lake is a gorgeous natural area known for fishing and boating. The spot also welcomes swimmers, beachcombers, and anyone interested in a leisurely stroll or bike ride around the 4,500-acre lake. Another gorgeous Virginia beach!
8. Hungry Mother State Park
Hungry Mother State Park, 2854 Park Blvd, Marion, VA 24354, USA
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Hungry Mother State Park offers a little bit of everything: hiking trails, mountain overlooks, and a man-made swimming beach on the lake. This scenic body of water is 108 acres large and the perfect setting to relax after a wooded hike. This is one of the best beaches in Virginia.
9. Westmoreland State Park
Westmoreland State Park, 145 Cliff Road, 145 Cliff Rd, Montross, VA 22520, USA
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Westmoreland State Park is a little slice of paradise along the Potomac River. This 1,300-acre park includes plenty of trails for hiking, gorgeous overlooks of the beach, distinctive cliffs, and plenty of places to swim and kayak. Easily one of our favorite Virginia state park beaches!
10. Fairy Stone State Park
967 Fairystone Lake Dr, Stuart, VA 24171, USA
Virginia State Parks/Flickr
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Fairy Stone State Park may be known for its gorgeous wooded hiking trails, but this expansive state park also features a beach that's especially popular among kids. The 168-acre lake meets up with Philpott Reservoir and is just a short drive from the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you’re in Stuart and looking for a "state park beach near me," try Fairy Stone State Park!

Have you visited any of these gorgeous Virginia State Parks beaches? Feel free to share your experiences with us! For a comprehensive list of Virginia’s State Parks as well as directions and further information, be sure to visit the official Virginia State Parks website. For related content, read about The Virginia Beach That’s Unlike Any Other In The World.

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Virginia State Park Beaches

Megan McDonald | June 06, 2023

Where are the best places to swim in Virginia?

Virginia offers several excellent places to swim, including beaches, lakes, and natural swimming holes. Here are some of the best places to swim in Virginia:

  • Virginia Beach: Virginia Beach boasts miles of pristine sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports in designated areas. The Virginia Beach Oceanfront is particularly popular and offers a lively beach atmosphere.
  • Chincoteague Island: Located on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Chincoteague Island offers beautiful beaches for swimming. Assateague Island, adjacent to Chincoteague, is known for its wild ponies and stunning seashore, providing a unique swimming experience.
  • Lake Anna: Lake Anna is one of Virginia's largest freshwater lakes, situated between Fredericksburg and Richmond. It offers public swimming areas, boat ramps, and picnic spots, making it a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing.
  • Shenandoah River: The Shenandoah River, running through the scenic Shenandoah Valley, provides opportunities for swimming in various locations. The river's calm stretches and gentle rapids offer a refreshing and picturesque swimming experience.
  • Blue Hole: Located in George Washington National Forest near Sugar Grove, Blue Hole is a popular natural swimming hole. Its crystal-clear waters, surrounded by lush forest, create an idyllic swimming spot.
  • Natural Bridge State Park: Natural Bridge State Park features a beautiful natural sand beach along the Cedar Creek. Visitors can swim and relax in the clear waters below the towering Natural Bridge formation.
  • Fairy Stone State Park: Fairy Stone State Park, situated in southwestern Virginia, offers a sandy beach along the shoreline of Philpott Lake. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and picnicking in a tranquil natural setting.

 

What is the most popular state park in Virginia?

Among the state parks in Virginia, one of the most popular and well-known is Virginia's First Landing State Park. Located in Virginia Beach, it offers a unique blend of beachfront access and natural beauty. First Landing State Park is situated on the Chesapeake Bay and features diverse ecosystems, including dunes, marshes, and forests. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, hiking, biking, camping, and exploring the park's nature trails.

Another popular state park in Virginia is Grayson Highlands State Park. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, near the town of Mouth of Wilson, Grayson Highlands is famous for its breathtaking vistas, wild ponies, and extensive hiking trails, including a section of the renowned Appalachian Trail. The park offers camping, picnicking, and opportunities for fishing and horseback riding.

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