5 of Virginia’s cleanest beaches to visit

Are you dreaming of a beach getaway with crystal-clear waters? You can find some of the cleanest beaches in the country on the coast of Virginia. From barrier islands to urban oases, Virginia offers a diverse array of clean beach destinations for you to explore. So pack your sunscreen and towel, and get ready to experience the beauty of thecleanest beaches in Virginia!

Assateague Island National Seashore – A Pristine Barrier Island Experience

Assateague Island National Seashore is tucked away on Virginia’s Eastern Shore—spanning up through Maryland. This barrier island offers a pristine beach experience. As you meander along, you might even have the chance to meet the famous wild ponies. After you’ve seen the ponies, you can trek through the marshes and dunes. From kayaking through serene waters where the horizon stretches infinitely to spotting diverse wildlife that calls this haven home, Assateague Island offers a pristine barrier island experience.

Virginia Beach’s Hidden Gem – Sandbridge Beach

Sandbridge Beach is a serene haven nestled in the corner of Virginia Beach. This spot is the city’s best-kept secret, offering you an escape into paradise without the hustle and bustle of the typical beach crowd. As you step onto Sandbridge Beach, the first thing you’ll notice is the breathtaking expanse of clean, golden sands stretching as far as the eye can see. It’s like stumbling upon your own private island, where the waters are crystal clear.

Kayak through the nearby Back Bay Wildlife Refuge and marvel at the untouched natural beauty. Or, if you’re up for a challenge, try your hand at surfing the gentle waves. This hidden gem offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, all while maintaining its status as one of the cleanest beaches you’ll set foot on. Sandbridge Beach, in all its glory, remains a testament to the serene beauty that Virginia has to offer. 

Colonial Beach – A Slice of History with Spotless Shores

Let’s take a step back in history with a visit to Colonial Beach, a picturesque waterfront town nestled on the banks of the Potomac River. Colonial Beach is Virginia’s second-largest beach. Don’t let its size fool you; it maintains an intimate, welcoming atmosphere that invites you to explore at your own pace. Colonial Beach is a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, offering a clean, serene setting that feels almost untouched by time.

While there, you can meander through its quaint streets, where art galleries, vintage shops, and cozy eateries beckon with their own tales. The laid-back vibe of the town complements its clean beach perfectly.

Cape Charles Beach – A Family-Friendly Clean Beach

Cape Charles Beach is a slice of paradise on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, known for its family-friendly vibes and spotlessly clean environment. This is the kind of place where the simplicity of a day at the beach becomes the highlight of your vacation. At Cape Charles Beach, the waters are calm and welcoming, making them ideal for little swimmers dipping their toes in for the first time. The sand is perfect for sand-castle-building extravaganzas. Families flock here not just for the beauty and cleanliness but for the warm, shallow waters that offer peace of mind to parents watching their children play.

Cape Charles Beach offers an array of amenities that cater to every family’s needs. For the adventurous souls, the calm waters provide the perfect backdrop for paddleboarding or kayaking, allowing you to glide over the surface and explore the coast from a different perspective. So, if you’re yearning for a beach day that promises cleanliness, fun, and a lifetime of memories, Cape Charles Beach is calling your name.

Buckroe Beach – An Urban Oasis with Pristine Waters

Buckroe Beach emerges as a splendid urban oasis amid Hampton’s hustle and bustle. This beach offers a sanctuary with its impeccably clean shores, promising a serene beach experience right in the city’s embrace. Buckroe Beach boasts wide-open picnic areas perfect for laying out a feast under the sun, and a playground that becomes a haven for kids to let loose their boundless energy.

Whether you’re launching a kayak into the bay’s calm waters, paddling your way to discovery, or casting a line from the pier, Buckroe Beach offers something for every beachgoer. Buckroe Beach is a beach that offers a pause from the fast pace of city life, a space where the waters are always clear and the shores always clean.

Read more: What’s your favorite budget-friendly vacation spot in Virginia?

This story was generated in part by AI and edited by The Dogwood staff.