Virginia Beach: where the sun kisses the sea.
Have you ever imagined gliding across the water while enjoying the coastal charm?
The best places to paddleboard in Virginia Beach are calling your name.
Embrace the adventure and let’s discover Virginia Beach’s picturesque shores together. Are you in?
Table of Contents
Map
Where to Paddle Board in Virginia Beach
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 First Landing State Park
- ????️ ️ Location Type: Bay
- Access Point: 64th Street Parking Lot (Google Maps)
- ????Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild currents, occasional winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ????Wildlife Encounters: Various birds, fish, and crabs
- ????️️️ Landmarks & Views: Chesapeake Bay, maritime forest, cypress swamps
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Observe park regulations, use caution in high winds
First Landing State Park boasts calm waters and a serene atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for paddleboarding in Virginia Beach. The park offers picturesque views of the Chesapeake Bay, maritime forest, and cypress swamps.
Enjoy a leisurely paddle through this peaceful environment while keeping an eye out for various wildlife.
#2 Rudee Inlet
- ????️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- Access Point: Owl’s Creek Boat Ramp (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Mild currents, afternoon winds may pick up
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, various seabirds
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Virginia Beach Boardwalk, nearby marina
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect marine life
Located at the heart of the Oceanfront, Rudee Inlet is a welcoming spot for paddlers looking for relaxation and fun. Enjoy the scenic views of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and the nearby marina, and watch for playful dolphins swimming along the coast.
Make sure to keep an eye on boat traffic and local regulations to ensure a safe, enjoyable time on the water.
#3 Chesapeake Bay
- ????️ ️Location Type: Bay
- Access Point: Chic’s Beach Access (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, light currents, coastal breeze
- Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Blue crabs, various fish, seabirds
- ????️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, Shore Drive coastline
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in areas with boat traffic, respect environmental guidelines
Explore the beautiful Chesapeake Bay coastline at Chic’s Beach Access, a popular paddleboarding spot in Virginia Beach. Cruise beneath the prominent Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and enjoy the calm waters and gentle currents of the bay.
Keep an eye out for blue crabs scurrying along the seafloor while you paddle through this serene location.
#4 Lynnhaven Inlet
- ????️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- Access Point: Lynnhaven Boat Ramp (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Mild currents, coastal winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, seabirds, fish
- ????️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Lesner Bridge, Pleasure House Point Natural Area
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, adhere to local regulations
Located near the Lesner Bridge, Lynnhaven Inlet is a popular spot for paddleboarding in Virginia Beach. Visit the nearby Pleasure House Point Natural Area and explore its scenic waterways. Enjoy the sights of the inlet while keeping an eye out for dolphins and seabirds.
Make sure to watch for boat traffic and follow local rules to ensure a safe paddling experience.
#5 Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
- ????️ Location Type: Bay
- Access Point: Little Island Park (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, light currents, seasonal winds
- Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Birds, turtles, fish, deer
- ????️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Marshes, extensive bay shoreline
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow refuge regulations, avoid sensitive areas
Immerse yourself in nature at the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, located near Virginia Beach’s southern end. Paddle through scenic marshes teeming with wildlife such as birds, turtles, and deer.
Access the bay’s shoreline from Little Island Park and enjoy a peaceful paddleboarding experience, while respecting the sanctuary’s rules and natural environment.
#6 Sandbridge Beach
- ????️ Location Type: Oceanfront
- Access Point: Sandbridge Beach Access (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Mild waves, ocean currents and winds
- Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Fish, seabirds, dolphins
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Atlantic Ocean, coastal dunes
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for strong currents, follow local regulations
Located at the southern end of Virginia Beach, Sandbridge Beach offers a secluded oceanfront experience for paddleboarders. Enjoy the beautiful Atlantic Ocean views and coastal dunes while gliding along with the marine life.
Be aware of strong currents and winds to ensure a safe time on the water, and adhere to local regulations to protect the beach’s natural beauty.
I apologize if my previous response provided inaccurate information. As you requested, I will restrict my list to the locations that I am confident about. Based on my research, here are paddleboarding spots #7 to #10 in or very close to Virginia Beach, VA:
#7 Virginia Beach Oceanfront
- ????️ Location Type: Oceanfront
- Access Point: Multiple beach access points along the boardwalk (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Mild waves, ocean currents and coastal winds
- Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Fish, seabirds, dolphins
- ????️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Grommet Island Park, Boardwalk Art Walk, and Virginia Beach Fishing Pier
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution with surfers, swimmers, and lifeguarded areas, follow local regulations
Virginia Beach Oceanfront offers paddleboarders a lively coastal atmosphere with its wide sandy beaches and bustling boardwalk. Enjoy the views of the iconic Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, colorful murals along the Boardwalk Art Walk, and accessible features of Grommet Island Park.
Adhere to safety measures around lifeguarded areas and respect the rules to help maintain the oceanfront’s vibrant ambience.
#8 Croatan Beach
- ????️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- Access Point: Public beach access stairways (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Mild to moderate waves, ocean currents, and coastal winds
- Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Fish, seabirds, dolphins
- ????️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Coastal dune vegetation, beachfront houses
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution with surfers, swimmers, and lifeguarded areas, follow local regulations
Croatan Beach is a serene, residential neighborhood beach south of the Virginia Beach oceanfront. Known for its surfing, the area provides paddleboarders the chance to encounter mild to moderate waves and occasional dolphin sightings.
Make sure to respect the lifeguarded areas and rules, and be cautious around surfers and swimmers for a pleasant experience.
#9 Chicks Beach
- ????️ ️Location Type: Bay
- Access Point: Public beach access paths (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, light currents, coastal breeze
- Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters:Fish, seabirds, dolphins
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, waterfront homes
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in areas with boat traffic, respect environmental guidelines
Chicks Beach is a popular spot for paddleboarding in Virginia Beach because of its calm bay waters and family-friendly atmosphere. Experience the beautiful Chesapeake Bay waterfront homes and enjoy a peaceful paddle with occasional dolphin sightings.
Be mindful of boat traffic, and adhere to environmental guidelines to protect the area’s natural charm.
#10 North Bay Shore Campground
- ????️ ️Location Type: Bay
- Access Point: Dock on the campground property (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, light currents, coastal breeze
- Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Osprey, fish, crabs
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Back Bay Wildlife Refuge, shoreline marshes
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow campground rules, use caution around boat traffic
For a unique camping and paddleboarding experience, visit North Bay Shore Campground alongside the Back Bay. Take in picturesque views of the bay and the shoreline marshes, and keep an eye out for osprey and other birds.
Adhere to the campground rules and use caution around boat traffic to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Virginia Beach?
In Virginia Beach, standout paddle boarding spots include Rudee Inlet, Back Bay Wildlife Refuge, and First Landing State Park.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Virginia Beach?
No, there’s no requirement to register paddle boards in Virginia Beach.
When is the best time to paddle board in Virginia Beach?
Late spring to early fall is the ideal timeframe for paddle boarding in Virginia Beach due to warm temperatures.
