Chesapeake is located in southeastern Virginia in the Hampton Roads Region that includes Portsmouth and Norfolk. The Atlantic Ocean is easily accessible and several beaches are within short driving distance of Chesapeake. The nearest beach is in Norfolk, home to Willoughby Beach. Popular Virginia Beach and Sandbridge Beach are both reached in about 30 minutes.
Willoughby Beach is located on the northernmost tip of nearby Norfolk and partly forms Willoughby Bay. The 7.5-mile long beach is patrolled by lifeguards from May through September. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the beach, nor are glass containers, fires or vehicles. Parking near the beach is available. From April through September, dogs are not allowed on the beach, and the rest of the year, must be on a leash at all times.
Willoughby Beach
West Ocean View Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23510
757-441-1775
norfolk.gov
The Virginia Beach region on the Atlantic Ocean is a renowned destination for vacationers. A 3-mile-long boardwalk with separate bike path is lined with resorts, restaurants, shops and nightlife, as well as manicured greens. Skateboarding on the boardwalk is not allowed. Handicapped-accessible ramps from the boardwalk to the beach are set up at every block. Lifeguards are on duty from mid-May to late September and cover the beach that runs from 1st through 41st Streets. Beach fires are prohibited, as are pets.
Virginia Beach Visitors Center
2100 Parks Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
800-822-3224
vbfun.com
Sandbridge Beach is located south of Virginia Beach, on the Atlantic Ocean. The isolated and quiet 5-mile Sandbridge Beach, which is considered to be part of the Virginia Beach region, has several public access points along Sandfiddler Road. Lifeguards are on duty from mid-May through mid-September. Beach fires are prohibited, as are glass containers and alcoholic beverages. Pets are permitted after 6 p.m. and before 10 a.m. The Back Bay area provides beach areas past the 2600 block of Sandfiddler Road. Several gift shops, restaurants and fishing piers are found beachside. The Back Bay Wildlife Refuge is located at the southernmost tip of the beach.
Virginia Beach Visitors Center
2100 Parks Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
800-822-3224
vbfun.com
