Little Island Park
Sprawling 130+ acre park with a beautiful beach, fishing pier, playground, and picnic areas. Affordable parking makes it a great day trip.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Little Island Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sprawling 130+ acre park with a beautiful beach, fishing pier, playground, and picnic areas. Affordable parking makes it a great day trip.
"An incredible place to spend a day with family and friends. The beach is absolutely beautiful."
🚗 Affordable Parking
All-day parking is a steal at around $4-$4.60. RVs can park here too!
🚿 Rinse Off Sand
Outdoor showers and changing rooms are available to help you clean up before heading home.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pristine Beach
Beachfront
Miles of beautiful, clean sand perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and building sandcastles. Lifeguards on duty for peace of mind.
Fishing Pier
Eastern end of the park
Enjoy peaceful ocean views and try your luck at fishing or crabbing. A great spot for a relaxing afternoon.
Adventure Playground
Near the main parking area
A well-maintained playground with challenging climbing structures for older kids.
Picnic Shelters
Throughout the park
Shaded pavilions with picnic tables, ideal for family gatherings and parties. Reservations recommended.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Playground Perks & Pitfalls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Affordable Parking
All-day parking is a steal at around $4-$4.60. RVs can park here too! +1
🚿 Rinse Off Sand
Outdoor showers and changing rooms are available to help you clean up before heading home.
🏖️ Beach Alternative
A great option if you want a less crowded beach experience than the main Virginia Beach strip.
👨👩👧👦 Toddler Playground Woes
Playground is better for older kids; toddlers may struggle with the new rope structures.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Affordable Parking
All-day parking is a steal at around $4-$4.60. RVs can park here too! +1
🚿 Rinse Off Sand
Outdoor showers and changing rooms are available to help you clean up before heading home.
🏖️ Beach Alternative
A great option if you want a less crowded beach experience than the main Virginia Beach strip.
👨👩👧👦 Toddler Playground Woes
Playground is better for older kids; toddlers may struggle with the new rope structures.
🍽️ Reserve Picnic Shelters
Shaded pavilions are reservation-only and popular, book in advance!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Little Island Park's beautiful beach, affordable parking, and family-friendly amenities like the fishing pier and playground. It's a great alternative to more crowded beach areas. Some note that the playground's recent changes make it less ideal for toddlers, and picnic shelters require advance reservation.
"An incredible place to spend a day with family and friends. The beach is absolutely beautiful. The presence of lifeguards adds an extra layer of safety and peace of mind. The fishing pier is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy fishing or just want to enjoy some peaceful ocean views. The playground is well-maintained and fun for kids of all ages. The park also offers clean restrooms and showers. Parking is convenient and affordable at only $4 for all-day access."
Jacqueline Meneses
"We used to LOVE this playground when my kids were little. I feel so bad for people with kids under 3 now, the playground has no way for little kids to get to the slide now that they changed the play structure to all ropes. None of the ropes are hot, which is nice, but it’s not toddler friendly, at all. Very cool for big kids."
Dana Wile
"We love this spot. It can be crowded but if you’re not a fan of the Va. beach strip, this is a good alternative. Good spot for picnics and has nice restroom and outdoor showers to rinse sand off before you leave. Nice playground as well and a pier for fishing. Lifeguards on duty as well. Parking was just $4.60 from 10-6."
Jessi Jo Wilkinson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Little Island Park is located at the southern end of Sandbridge Road in Virginia Beach. It's easily accessible by car, with a large, affordable parking lot.
Public transportation options are limited for direct access to Little Island Park. Driving is the most convenient way to reach the park.
The park offers a spacious parking lot with affordable all-day access, typically around $4-$4.60. RVs can also park here. +1
Yes, RVs can park for the day in the designated lot at Little Island Park.
Little Island Park can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and during peak season. Weekdays and early mornings are generally less busy.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission tickets required to enter Little Island Park. You only pay for parking.
The park generally closes before dark. Specific hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check the official Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation website.
Entry to the park itself is free. The only fee is for parking, which is reasonably priced for all-day access.
Yes, the large shaded picnic shelters are available for reservation and are highly recommended, especially for weekend visits. Bookings should be made at least a week in advance.
There are no age restrictions for entering Little Island Park. It's a family-friendly destination for all ages.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, fishing, crabbing, picnicking, playing on the playground, and relaxing on the beach.
Yes, the beach has lifeguards on duty during operating hours, providing an added layer of safety for swimmers.
The park offers restrooms, outdoor showers, changing rooms, picnic shelters, sports courts, and a playground.
The playground is great for older kids who enjoy climbing, but recent modifications have made it less accessible for toddlers.
Absolutely! The fishing pier is a popular spot for both fishing and crabbing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Little Island Park does not have on-site restaurants or food vendors. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks for picnics.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. There are shaded pavilions available for reservation and some open picnic tables.
Bring your own food, drinks, picnic blanket or use the available tables, and any serving utensils you might need.
Information about public grills is not widely available, but it's best to assume you should bring your own portable grill if needed, or focus on pre-prepared picnic items.
Alcohol policies can vary. It's advisable to check the official Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation guidelines regarding alcohol consumption in public parks.
📸 📸 Photography
The fishing pier offers scenic ocean views, the beach provides beautiful coastal shots, and the park's natural landscape is also picturesque.
Late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' offers soft, warm light perfect for beach and pier photography.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits. Check with park management for specifics.
Drone usage in Virginia Beach parks may be restricted. It's essential to check the latest regulations with Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation before flying a drone.
Little Island Park is ideal for landscape, seascape, family portraits, and casual vacation snapshots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the playground's recent updates favor older children who enjoy climbing. If you have toddlers, the playground might be challenging for them, but the beach and open spaces still provide plenty of fun. Consider bringing your own food as there are no concessions on-site.
🎣 Anglers and Nature Lovers
Beyond fishing, the park's natural setting provides opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying coastal scenery. The beach itself is a natural habitat, and the pier offers a unique perspective on the marine environment.
💰 Budget Travelers
Since there are no entrance fees and no on-site food vendors, packing your own picnic is the most economical way to dine. This allows you to control your spending while enjoying the park's amenities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Beach Experience at Little Island Park
While the beach itself is a major draw, it's worth noting that the park can become crowded, particularly on weekends. Arriving early is key to securing a good spot and enjoying a more serene experience. The park also provides convenient amenities like outdoor showers and changing rooms, making it easy to rinse off sand before departing.
For those looking for a peaceful escape with family-friendly features, Little Island Park's beach is an excellent choice. It provides a refreshing alternative to more commercialized beach areas, allowing visitors to connect with nature and enjoy a classic beach day.
Family Fun and Playground Considerations
However, a significant point of feedback from visitors is that recent changes to the playground's design have made it less accessible for toddlers. The introduction of more rope-based climbing elements means that younger children may struggle to reach slides or navigate the equipment independently. Parents of very young children might find the playground less suitable than it once was.
Despite this, the park's overall family-friendly nature, combined with the beach and picnic areas, still makes it a worthwhile visit for families. It's advisable for parents to assess the playground's suitability based on their children's ages and abilities before their visit.
Fishing and Pier Activities
Visitors often highlight the pier as a fantastic spot for enjoying peaceful ocean views. Whether you're an experienced angler or a beginner, the pier offers an accessible way to engage with the marine environment. It's a great place to unwind, observe marine life, and soak in the coastal scenery.
Beyond fishing, the pier serves as a scenic viewpoint. It's an ideal location for a leisurely stroll, especially during sunrise or sunset, offering picturesque photographic opportunities of the coastline and the Atlantic Ocean.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit