Virginia Beach Uncovered: 10 Hidden Shorelines Away from the Tourist Crowds

Fifteen minutes south of the Virginia Beach boardwalk hubbub lies what locals call their 'best-kept secret'—though based on my investigative standards, this one's hardly classified information anymore. Still, Sandbridge Beach remains remarkably uncrowded compared to its famous neighbor.

What strikes me immediately about Sandbridge is the distinct absence of high-rise hotels casting long shadows across the sand. Instead, charming beach houses line the dunes, many available as weekly rentals for families seeking a more authentic coastal experience. The five-mile stretch of pristine shoreline borders the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, creating a unique ecosystem where you might spot dolphins playing offshore while osprey circle overhead.

On my first visit three summers ago, I arrived at sunrise (old habits from surveillance work die hard) and had nearly a mile of beach entirely to myself except for one elderly gentleman combing the sand with a metal detector. We exchanged knowing nods—both of us searchers by nature, though hunting different treasures.

The waves here break more gently than at the main beach, making it ideal for families with younger children. The sand quality is noticeably superior as well—finer, softer, and less strewn with cigarette butts and discarded plastic toys.

If you're planning an extended stay, I recommend bringing a beach cart to transport your gear from the parking areas. The access points are less developed than the main beach, which is precisely what keeps the crowds away.

My investigative background has always drawn me to places with stories to tell, and First Landing State Park offers narratives in abundance. This is where English colonists first touched Virginia soil in 1607 before moving on to establish Jamestown. Today, this historical significance is often overlooked by visitors seeking only sun and surf.

The park's 1.5 miles of beach front Chesapeake Bay rather than the open Atlantic, resulting in calmer waters that parents of young children will appreciate. The gentle slope into the water creates natural wading pools at low tide, perfect for little ones to splash safely while older siblings explore further out.

What truly distinguishes First Landing from other beaches in the area is the dramatic backdrop. Instead of condominiums and tourist shops, you're treated to ancient cypress swamps and maritime forests that extend right to the shoreline. The contrast between the sandy beach and the primeval forest creates an atmosphere that feels removed from time—something I found deeply refreshing after the commercial excess of the main boardwalk.

During my investigation of this area last July, I discovered several unmarked trails leading from the beach into the forest. Following one led me to a small freshwater pond where a great blue heron stood motionless, hunting for its lunch. These moments of unexpected wilderness just steps from a swimming beach make First Landing extraordinary.

For families planning a full day, I suggest packing a substantial picnic in a good cooler. The park's facilities are well-maintained but food options are limited to vending machines at the visitor center.

Sometimes the best discoveries come from following local intel rather than guidebooks. Such was the case with Chick's Beach (officially called Chesapeake Beach), which I only learned about when eavesdropping on a conversation between two baristas at a local coffee shop—a habit from my PI days I've never quite abandoned.

This narrow strip of sand stretches along the Chesapeake Bay and offers an unobstructed view of the impressive Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel spanning the horizon. Unlike the oceanfront beaches, the water here remains shallow for quite a distance, creating ideal conditions for families with children who are still building swimming confidence.

The neighborhood surrounding Chick's Beach exudes a laid-back, residential atmosphere that feels worlds away from the commercial boardwalk area. Small beach cottages and bungalows line the streets, many dating back to the 1950s and 60s. The resulting ambiance reminds me of coastal communities before mass tourism transformed them—authentic, unpretentious, and genuinely welcoming to visitors who respect the local character.

On my second visit, I brought my beach umbrella and settled in for a day of people-watching (another investigative habit). What struck me was the multi-generational nature of the beach-goers—grandparents teaching grandchildren to build sandcastles, teenagers playing volleyball without the performative quality they often display at more popular beaches, and young parents relaxing while their toddlers explored tidal pools.

Parking can be challenging as most spaces are reserved for residents, but patience and early arrival usually yield results. The effort required to access Chick's Beach serves as an effective filter, keeping crowds manageable even during peak season.

For families with older children seeking a genuine adventure, False Cape State Park represents the pinnacle of secluded Virginia Beach shorelines. Accessing this remote stretch requires commitment—it's reachable only by foot, bicycle, or boat, as no roads lead directly to the park. This barrier to entry ensures you'll find the most pristine, undeveloped beaches in the region.

My first expedition to False Cape reminded me of tracking cases in remote locations—the journey itself becoming part of the story. I opted for the tram tour that departs from Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (reservations essential), though more adventurous visitors can bike the 4.5-mile interior trail or kayak through the marshlands.

The reward for this effort is extraordinary: six miles of untouched Atlantic shoreline where your footprints might be the only ones visible for hundreds of yards. During my day there last August, I counted only seven other visitors across several hours—a stark contrast to the estimated 100,000 people who might crowd the main boardwalk area on a summer weekend.

The dunes here rise dramatically, some reaching 15-20 feet high, creating natural windbreaks and private nooks for family picnics. Behind the dunes, maritime forests and freshwater marshes create diverse ecosystems worth exploring. For families with budding naturalists, I recommend bringing a good field guide to identify the abundant wildlife.

What struck me most about False Cape was the quality of silence—that rare coastal quiet broken only by wind, waves, and shorebirds. In our increasingly connected world, such acoustic solitude represents a luxury more valuable than any beachfront resort could provide.

Just south of the main resort area lies Croatan Beach, a one-mile stretch that serves as the unofficial headquarters for Virginia Beach's surfing community. While not completely unknown to tourists, it remains predominantly frequented by locals—particularly those who prefer riding waves to lounging on towels.

During my investigation of Virginia Beach's hidden shores, Croatan quickly emerged as having a distinct personality. The beach has a younger, more athletic energy than its neighbors, with surf boards dotting the sand and impromptu volleyball games materializing throughout the day. For families with teenagers, this social atmosphere offers a welcome middle ground between isolated natural beaches and the over-stimulating boardwalk.

What makes Croatan particularly suitable for families is the combination of good waves and good oversight. The beach maintains seasonal lifeguards without the overwhelming crowds that make the main beach lifeguards perpetually distracted. Parents can relax while keeping an eye on older children testing their surfing skills.

My most memorable afternoon at Croatan involved watching a local surf instructor working with a group of children with various disabilities. The patience, skill, and joy evident in this interaction exemplified the inclusive community spirit I've found throughout this beach.

For families interested in learning to surf, several local outfitters offer lessons right on Croatan Beach. I observed a session with Surf & Adventure Co. and was impressed by their attention to safety and child-friendly instruction techniques. If your family decides to pursue this activity, a rash guard for each family member will prevent the inevitable sunburn and chafing that accompanies first surfing attempts.

My investigation into Virginia Beach's hidden shorelines yielded several additional locations that deserve brief mention for families seeking alternatives to the main tourist beaches:

1. Rudee Inlet Beach: Tucked behind the southern end of the boardwalk, this small beach offers calm waters where the inlet meets the ocean. The proximity to fishing boats coming and going provides entertainment for curious children, and the adjacent jetty serves as an excellent spot for observing marine life.

2. Ocean View Beach: Located in Norfolk rather than Virginia Beach proper, this Chesapeake Bay beach stretches for 7.5 miles and offers multiple access points, each with its own character. The shallow waters and regular dolphin sightings make it particularly appealing for families.

3. Dam Neck Beach: Adjacent to a military facility, this beach requires a bit of navigation to access but rewards visitors with wide, clean sands and noticeably fewer people. The military presence means additional security and exceptionally clean facilities.

4. Little Island Park: At the southern end of Sandbridge, this county park offers the amenities families often need (restrooms, picnic areas, lifeguards) without the commercial atmosphere of the main beach. The fishing pier provides an alternative activity when children tire of swimming.

5. North End Beaches: The residential area north of the boardwalk features numerous public access points between private homes. These narrow entrances lead to relatively uncrowded stretches of the same beach that's packed just a mile south. Look for the small blue signs marking public access between Atlantic and Pacific Avenues.

For documenting your family's beach adventures, I recommend a waterproof camera that can withstand sand, water, and inevitable drops by excited children. After decades of documenting evidence, I've learned that memories fade but photographs remain as permanent proof of our discoveries.