In Richmond, the James River offers the only option for sunbathing, and this river is not the best option for swimming--unless you enjoy being swept along by class IV rapids. There are a couple of beaches you can drive to a little over an hour away, and Virginia beach is two hours from Richmond.
This 54-acre island in the middle of James River is a city park with bike paths, wildlife watching opportunities, and a few nice spots for sunbathing. If you're looking for a getaway in the middle of the city, this is it. As the only urban area with class IV rapids running through it, you may have the opportunity to watch kayakers battle their way downstream, as you relax on shore.
In Hampton, Va., an hour and a half away, you will find two public beaches. At Buckroe beach, formerly a boardwalk amusement park, you can catch outdoor movies and concerts on summer evenings. There is a lifeguard on duty during the day, and eight acres of beachfront to enjoy.
A little further out of the way, Grandview beach can be accessed via Grandview Natural Preserve, and there is no lifeguard there. Beachcombing and bird-watching are popular activities here.
Yorktown beach, in historic Yorktown, is an hour and 15 minutes away from Richmond. There's two acres of beachfront here, and nine acres of grass picnicking area. Locals come here for swimming, fishing and boating, and you might stumble upon wedding receptions and other events taking place at the beach.
The city of Virginia Beach is two hours away, but if you don't mind the drive, there's 38 miles of shoreline and 28 miles of public beach to enjoy. You'll have to share with the locals and tourists, as this is a popular vacation destination with premier resorts, surfing championships, and several other events and attractions.
