North End Beach
A serene, less crowded stretch of Virginia Beach known for its soft sand, charming homes, and peaceful coastal vibe.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter beach, easier parking
North End Beach
Best Time
Quieter beach, easier parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, less crowded stretch of Virginia Beach known for its soft sand, charming homes, and peaceful coastal vibe.
"The North End of Virginia Beach is a peaceful, uncrowded stretch of shoreline perfect for a relaxing escape."
🚗 Parking Pointers
Parking is limited to a few spots at street ends. Arrive early or late, and be aware of strict towing enforcement.
🚶♀️ Easy Beach Access
Many streets lead directly to the beach through tree-covered canopies, making the walk to the shore a breeze.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Serene Shoreline
Atlantic Oceanfront (89th to 40th Street)
Enjoy soft sand and a wide beach with fewer crowds than the main strip. Perfect for a peaceful stroll or swim.

Picturesque Beach Homes
North End Neighborhood
Admire charming, quaint beach houses lining tree-covered streets, offering a fairytale-like coastal ambiance.

Winter Whale Watching
Offshore Atlantic Ocean
Keep an eye out for majestic humpback whales during the cooler months for a unique wildlife encounter.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Embrace the North End Vibe
Winter Whale Watching & Coastal Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Pointers
Parking is limited to a few spots at street ends. Arrive early or late, and be aware of strict towing enforcement.
🚶♀️ Easy Beach Access
Many streets lead directly to the beach through tree-covered canopies, making the walk to the shore a breeze.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Evenings
Pets are welcome on the beach after 6 PM, offering a chance for evening strolls with your furry friends.
☀️ Less Crowded Alternative
Escape the main boardwalk bustle; this area is favored by locals for its peaceful, uncrowded stretch of shoreline.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Pointers
Parking is limited to a few spots at street ends. Arrive early or late, and be aware of strict towing enforcement.
🚶♀️ Easy Beach Access
Many streets lead directly to the beach through tree-covered canopies, making the walk to the shore a breeze.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Evenings
Pets are welcome on the beach after 6 PM, offering a chance for evening strolls with your furry friends.
☀️ Less Crowded Alternative
Escape the main boardwalk bustle; this area is favored by locals for its peaceful, uncrowded stretch of shoreline.
📸 Sunrise & Sunset Views
Capture stunning sunrises and sunsets over the Atlantic, offering magical moments and beautiful photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise North End Beach for its beautiful, wide, and soft sandy shores, offering a peaceful escape with fewer crowds than the main boardwalk. The charming residential neighborhood adds to its appeal. However, the significant challenge of finding parking and the lack of public facilities like restrooms are frequently cited drawbacks.
"Pros: The beach was really nice, soft sand and a really wide beach. Great place to go for less crowds. There are multiple access points to the beach. Great place to walk the shoreline.
Cons: Parking is not the easiest, as most of the parking is only a few spots at the end of the streets leading to the beach. Also no public facilities of any type."
Danielle Horne
"Beauty. Great place to swim lots of parking and so pretty. Much better for locals as tourists should go to touristy downside part. Would definitely recommend and love it so much that you could go there and see the beautiful ocean. I hope you enjoy your trip and visit the beaches."
Haley Green
"The North End of Virginia Beach is a peaceful, uncrowded stretch of shoreline perfect for a relaxing escape from the bustling boardwalk. Got some beautiful dunes, soft sand, and a laid-back local vibe, it feels like a hidden coastal gem. Was here the week before 4th of July, and crowd was very manageable. Really only one hotel on this section, mostly residential beach homes."
B C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
North End Beach is located on the northernmost part of Virginia Beach's oceanfront, stretching from 89th Street down to 40th Street.
Access is primarily through residential streets that dead-end at the beach. If you're driving, be prepared for limited parking.While specific bus routes directly to every access point might be limited, the main Virginia Beach trolley or bus services can get you close to the general oceanfront area, from which you can walk or take a short ride to the North End. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
You can walk, bike, or drive from the main boardwalk area. Biking is a popular option, with dedicated paths along the oceanfront. Driving involves navigating local streets to find access points, keeping in mind parking challenges.
Parking is generally free but extremely limited, often restricted to a few spots at the end of streets leading to the beach. Many visitors report difficulty finding parking, and towing is strictly enforced.
While the beach itself is wide and sandy, access points can vary. Some street-end access points may have ramps, but it's advisable to scout ahead or check with local resources for the most accessible entry points.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, North End Beach is a public beach and does not require an entrance ticket. Access is free for everyone.
North End Beach is open to the public year-round, 24 hours a day. However, beach access rules and regulations, such as those for pets, may apply during specific hours.
While generally open, be aware of local ordinances regarding pets (allowed after 6 PM) and potential beach closures due to weather or events. Parking restrictions are also strictly enforced.
No, spots on North End Beach cannot be reserved. It's a first-come, first-served public beach.
Absolutely! North End Beach is a fantastic option for a day trip, offering a more relaxed beach experience compared to the busier central boardwalk areas. Just plan your parking and amenities accordingly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Unfortunately, North End Beach has very limited public facilities. There are no public restrooms or showers directly on the beach. Visitors are advised to come prepared.
Compared to the main Virginia Beach oceanfront, North End Beach is significantly less crowded, especially on weekdays and outside of major holidays. It's known for its peaceful, local vibe.
You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, walking the shoreline, building sandcastles, and simply relaxing. During winter, whale watching is a possibility.
Yes, pets are allowed on North End Beach after 6 PM.
The sand at North End Beach is described as soft and the beach itself is quite wide, making it pleasant for walking and lounging.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no restaurants or cafes directly on North End Beach. The area is primarily residential. You'll need to venture back into the neighborhood or towards the main oceanfront for dining options.
You'll find a variety of dining options a short drive or bike ride away, ranging from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants along the main Virginia Beach oceanfront and in nearby neighborhoods.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy on North End Beach. Pack a cooler and have a picnic on the sand!
While specific recommendations vary, exploring the streets of the North End neighborhood might reveal charming local cafes or delis. For more variety, the main oceanfront strip offers numerous choices.
Delivery services might be available, but it depends on the specific restaurant and their delivery radius. It's best to check with individual establishments. Be mindful of parking if you plan to meet a delivery driver.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography at North End Beach. The soft morning light and golden hour hues create beautiful scenes.
The wide, sandy shoreline with its natural dunes, the charming residential beach homes, and the tree-lined streets leading to the ocean are all highly photogenic.
Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and local ordinances. It's essential to check current rules and restrictions before flying a drone in the area to ensure compliance.
While you can photograph the exteriors of the homes from public streets, always be respectful of private property and residents' privacy. Focus on the architectural charm and coastal aesthetic.
North End Beach is ideal for landscape photography, beach portraits, capturing coastal lifestyle, and wildlife photography (especially during whale watching season).
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
🐶 Pet Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Parking and Access
The access points themselves are often framed by natural dune systems and lush vegetation, creating a more secluded and picturesque entry to the beach. Some streets offer a more direct walk-over, while others might require a short stroll along the dune line. The residential nature of the neighborhood means there are no public restrooms or shower facilities directly on the beach, so plan accordingly by bringing all necessary supplies with you.
The North End Lifestyle: Beyond the Beach
This residential character contributes to the beach's appeal for locals seeking an escape from the more tourist-centric areas. It's a place where you can experience a more authentic slice of Virginia Beach life. The neighborhood's layout, with streets often ending at the ocean, creates a sense of discovery and a more intimate connection with the coastline. It's a perfect spot for those who appreciate quiet mornings, scenic walks, and the gentle rhythm of beach town life.
Seasonal Wonders: From Whales to Warm Breezes
As the seasons transition, the beach offers varied experiences. Spring and fall bring milder temperatures, making it ideal for long walks and enjoying the coastal scenery without the summer heat. Even during the shoulder seasons, the peaceful ambiance of the North End remains, providing a tranquil retreat. The consistent beauty of the ocean and the charming neighborhood make it a worthwhile destination regardless of the time of year.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit