Welcome to Virginia, where history meets adventure.
Have you ever imagined exploring hidden coves or gliding alongside stunning wildlife?
Discover the best places to paddle board in Virginia and embrace the thrill.
Join us on this exciting journey through Virginia’s pristine waters. Are you in?
Table of Contents
Map
Where to Paddle Board in Virginia
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Chesapeake Bay
- Location Type: Bay
- Access Point: First Landing State Park (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm to moderate, tidal currents
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea turtles, ospreys
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Sandy beaches, dense forests, marshes
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, understand tide changes
Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States, offering hundreds of miles of shoreline for paddle boarding.
First Landing State Park, located in Virginia Beach, provides a convenient launching point with access to calm waters, sandy beaches, and marshes for exploration.
#2 James River
- Location Type: River
- Access Point: Robious Landing Park (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm to moderate, occasional rapids
- Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Bald eagles, herons, whitetail deer
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Downtown Richmond, historic sites
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of water levels, adhere to local regulations
The James River offers a versatile paddleboarding experience, flowing through Richmond and the heart of Virginia.
Robious Landing Park provides easy access, and paddlers can choose from calm sections or tackle small rapids depending on desired adventure levels.
#3 Smith Mountain Lake
- Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Smith Mountain Lake State Park (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild breezes
- ☀️Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Largemouth bass, catfish, eagles
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Smith Mountain Dam, scenic shoreline
- ⚠️Safety, Environment and Rules: Be vigilant of boat traffic, follow park regulations
Smith Mountain Lake is Virginia’s second-largest freshwater lake, offering over 20,000 acres of sparkling water for paddleboarding.
With access from Smith Mountain Lake State Park, paddlers can take in the breathtaking mountain and forest views while enjoying the serene lake environment.
#4 Back Bay
- Location Type: Bay
- Access Point: Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, tidal influence
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Herons, turtles, various migratory birds
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Wildlife refuge, marshes, dunes
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Adhere to refuge guidelines, respect wildlife
Back Bay, located just south of Virginia Beach, offers a peaceful, unspoiled paddleboarding experience within the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
Paddlers can enjoy calm waters, scenic marshes, and an abundance of wildlife, making it a nature lover’s paradise.
#5 Lake Anna
- Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Lake Anna State Park (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional mild breezes
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Sunfish, bass, bald eagles
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Wooded shoreline, sandy beaches
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of boat traffic, follow park regulations
Lake Anna, one of Virginia’s largest lakes, offers tranquil paddleboarding experiences amidst wooded shoreline and sandy beaches.
Accessible through Lake Anna State Park, paddleboarders can explore diverse aquatic habitats and enjoy the lake’s serene, picturesque environment.
#6 Rappahannock River
- Location Type: River
- Access Point: Fredericksburg City Dock (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm to moderate, varying conditions
- Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Bald eagles, ospreys, herons
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Historic downtown Fredericksburg, scenic riverbanks
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Be mindful of water levels, follow local guidelines
The Rappahannock River flows through the historic city of Fredericksburg, offering paddlers a mix of natural beauty and historical charm.
From the Fredericksburg City Dock, paddleboarders can enjoy meandering along the scenic riverbanks while watching for majestic bald eagles and ospreys.
#7 York River
- Location Type: River
- Access Point: York River State Park (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm to moderate, tidal currents
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Bald eagles, ospreys, herons
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Wooded shoreline, marshes, historic sites
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Beware of boat traffic, adhere to park rules
The York River offers paddlers a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Virginia’s coastline.
Located near historical sites like Yorktown, paddleboarding along the river provides opportunities for both scenic enjoyment and historical exploration. York River State Park is an excellent starting point for this adventure.
#8 Mobjack Bay
- Location Type: Bay
- Access Point: New Point Comfort Natural Area (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm to moderate, tidal currents
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea turtles, herons
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: New Point Comfort Lighthouse, marshes, estuaries
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Beware of changing tide conditions, respect sensitive ecosystems
Mobjack Bay is a hidden gem within the larger Chesapeake Bay, offering a peaceful and secluded paddleboarding experience. Accessible via the New Point Comfort Natural Area, paddlers can explore marshes, estuaries, and even catch a glimpse of the historic New Point Comfort Lighthouse.
The bay’s calm waters and diverse marine life make it a fantastic spot for paddleboard enthusiasts.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Virginia?
In Virginia, the top spots to paddle board are along the Chesapeake Bay, James River, and Lake Anna.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Virginia?
No, paddle boards do not require registration in Virginia.
When is the best time to paddle board in Virginia?
The optimal time for paddle boarding in Virginia is during the warmer months, typically from late spring to early fall.
