Ocean View Beach Park
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Ocean View Beach Park

4.5
·3k reviews·Norfolk, United States

A relaxed beachfront park with a bandshell for live music, food trucks, and calmer waters, offering a laid-back vibe.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Friday evenings

Live music & food trucks

CrowdMedium
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Ocean View Beach Park

Ocean View Beach Park

Best Time

Friday evenings

Live music & food trucks

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A relaxed beachfront park with a bandshell for live music, food trucks, and calmer waters, offering a laid-back vibe.

4.5
(3k reviews)

"Great beach for adults and kids, definitely less crowded than other beaches in the area."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Event Schedules

Look for live music, food trucks, and festivals to maximize your visit. :calendar:

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Prime spots fill up fast, especially on weekends. Beat the traffic and secure your space. :car:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Oceanfront Music & Events

Oceanfront Music & Events

Bandshell

Catch live bands and enjoy dancing under the stars. A perfect summer evening vibe with food trucks and a laid-back crowd.

Reddit
Relaxed Beach Days

Relaxed Beach Days

Sandy shores

Enjoy calmer waves and fewer crowds than the main strip. Ideal for families and a peaceful day by the water.

Reddit
Food Truck Festivals

Food Truck Festivals

Park grounds

Savor diverse culinary delights from local food trucks, especially during weekend events. Don't miss out on unique flavors!

InstagramReddit
Scenic Boardwalk Views

Scenic Boardwalk Views

Boardwalk

Stroll along the boardwalk for beautiful ocean vistas and a refreshing sea breeze. Perfect for a leisurely walk or a sunset view.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Enjoy the Vibe

Ocean View Beach Park offers a more relaxed atmosphere than the main Virginia Beach strip. For live music and food trucks, check their event schedule. Arrive early for the best parking and a prime spot on the sand, especially during summer weekends. TikTok

Accessibility & Amenities

While some beach access points might be under construction, the park generally offers good amenities. Look for loaner life jackets and consider beach wheelchairs for those with mobility challenges to ensure everyone can enjoy the water. Reddit

Best Times

When
Friday evenings
Why
Live music & food trucks
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer mornings
Why
Calm waves & fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Event days
Why
Festivals & vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Lunasea is an outdoor bar on the strip (oceanfront) with an amazing vibee, check it out ! @lunaseavb #757 #thingstodoinvabeach #norfolk #vabeach #757tiktok #norfolktiktok #vb #thingstodoinnorfolk #thingstodoinva #thingstodoinvirginiabeach #hampton #thegirrlkg #newportnews #ODU #NSU #minivlog #ditl #thingstodoinchesapeake #VA #norfolk #stpatricksday #SITW
@thegirrlkg.757
20.5K likes • 1.1M views

🎯 Check Event Schedules

Look for live music, food trucks, and festivals to maximize your visit. InstagramReddit :calendar:

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Prime spots fill up fast, especially on weekends. Beat the traffic and secure your space. TikTok :car:

Even though I show yall so many good hidden gem taco spots, not all of them are winners. This was a tough review but I truly wish nothing but good things for these business owners. #tacos #mexicanfood #foodreview #norfolk #virginia #foodtiktok #keithlee #foodcritic
@thetacofiend
17.3K likes • 237.2K views
This is where it all goes down on June 14th - the beautiful Ocean View Beach Park! This park is a staple of the OV Community & we’re excited to put our spin on it for Bay Day. Grab ya early bird ticket today while they’re still available! Link in @shakenorfolk bio 🪩
shakenorfolk
319 likes • 14.9K views

🌊 Beach Wheelchair Access

Inquire about loaner beach wheelchairs for easier sand access. Reddit :wheelchair:

🐶 Dog-Friendly Hours

Dogs are welcome during specific hours. Always check posted signs for regulations. Reddit :dog:

More of this to come! Saturday @ Ocean View Beach Park 4-9pm and Sunday @benchtopbrewing 12pm. . . . . . . . #pizza #sourdoughpizza #naturallyleavened #sourstreet #virginiabeach #norfolk #757 #757foodies #757foodtrucks #pizzaandbeer #mugnaini #gimetal #veggiepizza #grande #supportlocal #smallbusiness #barstoolsports #pepperoni #sourdough #pizzatrailer #pizzatruck#foodtruck #bestof #chesapeake #...
sourstreetpizza
1.3K likes • 17.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Event Schedules

Look for live music, food trucks, and festivals to maximize your visit. InstagramReddit :calendar:

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Prime spots fill up fast, especially on weekends. Beat the traffic and secure your space. TikTok :car:

🌊 Beach Wheelchair Access

Inquire about loaner beach wheelchairs for easier sand access. Reddit :wheelchair:

🐶 Dog-Friendly Hours

Dogs are welcome during specific hours. Always check posted signs for regulations. Reddit :dog:

📱 Capture the Sunset

The sunsets here are stunning! Don't forget your phone for those golden hour shots. TikTok :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Ocean View Beach Park is praised for its relaxed atmosphere, calmer waves, and fewer crowds compared to other local beaches, making it great for families. Visitors enjoy the live music events at the bandshell and the variety of food trucks. However, some reviews mention occasional trash and debris on the beach, and pricing for some food vendors can be high.

"Ocean View Beach Park is a great beach to visit for adults and kids. It’s definitely less crowded than other beaches in the area. They also have decent parking available and you don’t have to get stuck in traffic getting here. Conveniently located and close to the highways. Kids love it. Waves are much calmer. Definitely deserves a visit"

Gautham Viswanathan

"This is a beautiful, well kept park. The view was wonderful! It was quiet, relaxing and felt safe. We had a great time and the band, Runnin' Shine, was exceptional! We happened upon their Friday night event and we were so glad we did! The hot dog vendor was very friendly and reasonably priced. The BBQ vendor was extremely overpriced. The fish vendor need a more visible location or a banner. Edit to add that Ocean View Beach also has loaner life jackets."

Debbie Guest

"We've really been enjoying the music venues here, this summer! Food trucks are awesome, too, especially CupsUp... Wow! That brisket and ac & Cheese! Grateful Jed and The Tiki Bar Band put on awesome shows! Everyone is laid back and just there to enjoy the summer vibes and music! Kudos also to the staff that keeps everything clean and picked up at the park!"

Cindi Courter

What People Like

Less crowded beach
Calmer waves
Live music events

What People Dislike

Occasional beach debris
Overpriced food vendors

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ocean View Beach Park is conveniently located and close to major highways. Many visitors find it easier to access than the main Virginia Beach oceanfront, avoiding some of the traffic. TikTok Public transport options may be limited, so driving or ride-sharing services are common. Parking is available on-site, but can fill up quickly during peak times. Reddit

Yes, there is decent parking available at Ocean View Beach Park. However, it's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends and during events, as it can fill up quickly. TikTokReddit

Compared to other beaches in the area, Ocean View Beach Park is generally less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience. Reddit Crowds can increase during scheduled events, live music performances, and on peak summer weekends. Instagram

If you're staying nearby, walking to Ocean View Beach Park is a great option. Some visitors staying in Airbnbs a few blocks back find it a short and pleasant 5-minute walk to the beach. Reddit

Many travelers find Ocean View Beach Park to be a good alternative to the main Virginia Beach oceanfront specifically to avoid heavy traffic. TikTok Planning your visit outside of peak rush hours and on weekdays can also help minimize traffic delays.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ocean View Beach Park itself is a public park and generally free to enter. However, specific events held within the park, such as festivals or concerts, may require tickets for entry. Instagram

The park is typically open during daylight hours, with specific hours for beach access and dog-friendly times. It's always best to check local listings or the park's official channels for the most up-to-date hours, especially for events. Reddit

For many of the music events and festivals at Ocean View Beach Park, you may need to purchase tickets. It's advisable to check the event organizer's website or social media for ticket information and to buy early bird tickets if available. Instagram

While generally relaxed, it's wise to check for any specific restrictions on items like alcohol or large structures, especially during busy event days. Basic beach essentials are usually fine. Reddit

Some beach access points may have walkways to the waterline, and beach wheelchairs are sometimes available for loan at no cost to help those with mobility disabilities access the sand and water. Reddit It's recommended to inquire about current accessibility features before your visit.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, strolling the boardwalk, and attending live music events at the bandshell. The park also hosts various festivals and food truck gatherings. TikTokInstagramReddit

Yes, Ocean View Beach Park typically has restrooms available for visitors. Some reviews mention rinse-off areas as well. Reddit

Yes, Ocean View Beach Park is dog-friendly during designated hours. Visitors are expected to follow posted rules and clean up after their pets. Reddit

The park frequently hosts live music performances, food truck festivals, and community events like Bay Day. InstagramReddit It's a popular spot for local gatherings and celebrations.

Lifeguard presence can vary. It's always a good idea to check for lifeguard stations and heed any posted warnings or advisories regarding swimming conditions. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Ocean View Beach Park often features food trucks during events and weekends, offering a variety of cuisines. InstagramReddit Some vendors might be present, but it's best to check for specific offerings. Reddit

Food trucks at Ocean View Beach Park can offer diverse options, from pizza and BBQ to more unique dishes. InstagramReddit Reviews mention specific vendors like CupsUp for brisket and mac & cheese. Reddit

While the park itself has food trucks, there are dining options in the surrounding Ocean View area. Some visitors mention waterfront bars like Lunasea nearby. TikTok

Pricing can vary. While some vendors are praised for being reasonably priced, others have been noted as extremely overpriced. Reddit It's good to compare options if available.

Generally, bringing your own picnic is allowed in public parks. However, it's always wise to check for any specific park regulations regarding outside food and beverages, especially during large events. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning sunsets over the water, the lively atmosphere during music events, and the scenic boardwalk. The ocean views and beach landscapes offer great shots. TikTok+1

The 'golden hour' before sunset provides beautiful lighting for photography. Weekday mornings offer fewer crowds and a more serene setting for capturing the beach. TikTok

Look for the bandshell area during events for dynamic shots, or the waterfront for expansive ocean views. The 'mini forest of climbing trees' mentioned in one review could also be a unique spot. TikTok

Yes, capturing the energy of live music and festivals is encouraged. Just be mindful of performers and other attendees' privacy. InstagramReddit

A versatile setup is best. A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes and the boardwalk, while a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing distant wildlife or details during events. A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is also excellent for sunset shots. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ocean View Beach Park is a fantastic choice for families looking for a more relaxed beach day. The calmer waves are perfect for younger swimmers, and the less crowded atmosphere means more space for kids to play. Reddit The park often has amenities like restrooms and rinse-off stations, making it convenient for families. Don't forget to check for loaner life jackets to ensure water safety. Reddit

Keep an eye on the park's event schedule for family-friendly activities, which might include live music suitable for all ages or special weekend gatherings. While food trucks offer variety, packing some kid-friendly snacks is always a good idea. The ample parking, when arriving early, also reduces stress for families on the go. TikTok

🐶 Dog Owners

Ocean View Beach Park welcomes canine companions during specific dog-friendly hours. Visitors are expected to be responsible and adhere to posted regulations, including cleaning up after their pets. Reddit The beach offers plenty of space to run around and play, especially during weekdays when it's less crowded. Reddit

While dogs are allowed, it's always wise to check the most current rules regarding leash requirements and specific zones where dogs are permitted. This ensures a pleasant experience for both dog owners and other park visitors. Reddit

🎶 Music & Event Enthusiasts

If you're drawn to live music and vibrant events, Ocean View Beach Park should be on your radar. The bandshell is a prime spot for catching local and regional bands, offering a fantastic atmosphere for dancing and enjoying summer nights. Reddit Keep a close watch on the park's event calendar and social media for announcements about upcoming performances and festivals. Instagram

Many events feature food trucks, adding a culinary dimension to the entertainment. InstagramReddit This combination of live music, diverse food options, and a scenic beachfront setting makes for a memorable experience. Consider purchasing early bird tickets if available for popular events to secure your spot and potentially save money. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Ocean View Beach Park Experience

Ocean View Beach Park offers a distinct coastal experience, often lauded for its more relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling Virginia Beach oceanfront. Visitors appreciate the calmer waves and less crowded shores, making it an ideal spot for families and those seeking a peaceful retreat. The park features a bandshell that comes alive with music, hosting various bands and events throughout the summer, creating a vibrant atmosphere for dancing and enjoying the evening air. Reddit+1

Beyond the beach itself, the park boasts a boardwalk perfect for leisurely strolls with scenic ocean views. It's also a popular venue for food truck festivals, where attendees can sample a diverse range of culinary delights. InstagramReddit The community vibe is strong, with many visitors enjoying the laid-back setting and the opportunity to connect with local culture. TikTok+1

Accessibility is a consideration, with some areas potentially undergoing construction. However, the park aims to be inclusive, with efforts to provide beach wheelchairs for those with mobility challenges and loaner life jackets for water safety. Reddit Dog owners will also find it a welcoming spot during designated hours, provided they adhere to park regulations. Reddit

Events and Entertainment at OVBP

Ocean View Beach Park is a hub for entertainment, particularly during the warmer months. The bandshell is a focal point, regularly featuring live music performances that draw crowds eager to dance and enjoy the summer vibes. Reddit Events like 'Bay Day' and various music series transform the park into a lively destination. Instagram

Food is a significant part of the park's appeal, with frequent food truck gatherings. These events offer a wide array of culinary options, from gourmet pizzas to hearty BBQ, providing a delicious complement to the entertainment. InstagramReddit Visitors often rave about the quality and variety of food available, making it a culinary adventure alongside the music and beach activities. Reddit

Beyond music and food, the park hosts a range of community events. These can include festivals, markets, and even unique gatherings like baptisms observed by visitors. Reddit The park's programming aims to cater to diverse interests, ensuring there's always something happening to draw people to this scenic waterfront location. TikTok

Navigating Ocean View Beach Park

Getting to and around Ocean View Beach Park is generally straightforward, though planning is key. While it offers easier access than the main Virginia Beach oceanfront, parking can become a challenge during popular events and peak times. Arriving early is highly recommended to secure a spot and avoid traffic congestion. TikTokReddit

For those with mobility concerns, the park is working towards better accessibility. While some access points might be under renovation, the availability of beach wheelchairs and loaner life jackets demonstrates a commitment to ensuring everyone can enjoy the beach. Reddit It's advisable to confirm these services are available on your planned visit date.

When it comes to enjoying the beach, remember that dog-friendly hours are in effect, and visitors are expected to be responsible pet owners. Reddit While the park strives to maintain cleanliness, occasional debris like seaweed or cigarette butts can be present, which is typical for many beaches. Reddit Overall, a little preparation ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience at this charming coastal park.

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