Sandbridge Beach
A quiet seaside enclave south of Virginia Beach, offering a serene, less crowded beach experience with convenient amenities.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Own the beach before crowds
Sandbridge Beach
Best Time
Own the beach before crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A quiet seaside enclave south of Virginia Beach, offering a serene, less crowded beach experience with convenient amenities.
"Sandbridge Beach is a hidden gem for anyone looking to enjoy the ocean without overwhelming crowds."
🚗 Single Road Access
Only one road in/out. Plan shopping trips to avoid extra travel time. :car:
🅿️ Affordable Parking
Little Island Park parking is $4/day, free after 6 PM. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Serene Sandy Shoreline
Enjoy a wide, clean beach with ample space to relax and soak up the sun without the crowds.

Little Island Park Amenities
Convenient parking, restrooms, showers, and direct beach access make for a hassle-free beach day.

Beautiful Sunsets
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky over the ocean, a perfect end to a relaxing day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Single Road Access
Only one road in/out. Plan shopping trips to avoid extra travel time. :car:
🅿️ Affordable Parking
Little Island Park parking is $4/day, free after 6 PM. :moneybag:
🌊 Surf's Up!
Great waves for surfing and bodyboarding. :surfer:
☀️ Relaxing Vibe
Escape the crowds for a peaceful beach experience. :palm_tree:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Single Road Access
Only one road in/out. Plan shopping trips to avoid extra travel time. :car:
🅿️ Affordable Parking
Little Island Park parking is $4/day, free after 6 PM. :moneybag:
🌊 Surf's Up!
Great waves for surfing and bodyboarding. :surfer:
☀️ Relaxing Vibe
Escape the crowds for a peaceful beach experience. :palm_tree:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sandbridge Beach is praised as a beautiful, serene, and less crowded alternative to the main Virginia Beach strip. Visitors love the affordable and convenient parking at Little Island Park, the clean beach, and the peaceful atmosphere perfect for families. Some note the single road access as a minor inconvenience.
"Beautiful beach. We enjoyed Labor Day weekend with friends. I like to walk. Every morning I stepped off at 7. I practically owned the beach.
Although our section of the beach did not have lifeguards, lifeguards and EMTs from other sections of the beach drove by on ATVs at regular intervals.
Flags were posted on all beach access points to identify surf safety conditions."
Javier Garcia
"Serene stretch of ocean with less crowds to deal with. Lovely beach for adults and kids alike. Can spend the entire day relaxing and chilling on the beach. It’s less than half hour south the main Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Recommended for folks who want to have a great beach experience without having to deal with the crowds"
Gautham Viswanathan
"Great beach to escape with family without the crowds and loud noises. Sunsets were beautiful and there’s some great places to eat within 15 mins of the area."
Tej Naik
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sandbridge Beach is located about 15-20 minutes south of the main Virginia Beach Oceanfront. You'll typically take Sandbridge Road south. Be aware that it's the only main road in and out of the area, so traffic can build up during peak times.
Yes, Sandbridge Beach is a distinct area south of the main Virginia Beach strip. Following signs for Sandbridge Road will lead you directly there. It's known for its residential feel and quieter atmosphere compared to the boardwalk.
Given the single road access and spread-out nature of vacation rentals, having a car is highly recommended for exploring Sandbridge and nearby amenities.
Public transport options directly to Sandbridge Beach are limited. It's primarily accessed by car. Consider ride-sharing services if you're not driving, but be mindful of potential availability in this more secluded area.
Sandbridge Beach is approximately a 15-20 minute drive south of the main Virginia Beach Boardwalk, depending on traffic conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to Sandbridge Beach itself is generally free. The main cost is for parking, particularly at Little Island Park, which is very affordable.
Parking at Little Island Park is $4 for the entire day and becomes free after 6 PM. This is a significant perk for visitors looking for budget-friendly beach access.
While not every section of Sandbridge Beach has lifeguards, lifeguards and EMTs patrol the area on ATVs at regular intervals, ensuring safety. Flags are posted to indicate surf conditions.
Little Island Park offers amenities like restrooms and rinse-off stations, and parking is available throughout the day, with free access after 6 PM. Specific park hours may vary seasonally, so it's good to check locally.
Yes, booking Sandbridge vacation rentals in advance is highly recommended, especially for summer and weekend rentals, as they are popular. Websites like Siebert Realty are key resources.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Sandbridge Beach is perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the waves. It's also known for having good waves for surfing and bodyboarding.
Absolutely! Sandbridge Beach is recommended for families looking for a quieter, more relaxed beach experience without the overwhelming crowds. Little Island Park's amenities add to its family-friendliness.
Little Island Park boasts clean bathrooms, changing rooms, rinse-off stations, volleyball courts, and direct beach access, making it a convenient hub for beachgoers.
Yes, restrooms and showers are available at Little Island Park, providing essential facilities for a comfortable day at the beach.
Sandbridge Beach is known for being significantly less crowded than the main Virginia Beach Oceanfront, offering a more serene atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly on the Sandbridge Beach shoreline. However, you can find great dining options within a 15-minute drive from the area.
You'll find a variety of dining options, from casual seafood spots to family-friendly eateries, within a short drive from Sandbridge Beach. Many visitors recommend exploring options in the southern end of Virginia Beach.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to Sandbridge Beach. Packing a cooler is a great idea for a full day of relaxation.
Yes, there are grocery stores located a short drive away from Sandbridge Beach, making it convenient to stock up on supplies for your vacation rentals.
While specific recommendations vary, many visitors suggest exploring the dining scene in the southern parts of Virginia Beach or the nearby Sandbridge area for local flavors.
📸 📸 Photography
The wide, uncrowded shoreline, the dunes, and the ocean views offer fantastic photo opportunities. Sunsets are particularly stunning and highly recommended for photography.
Sandbridge Beach faces east, making it ideal for sunrise photography. The sunsets over the ocean are also spectacular, offering beautiful colors and silhouettes.
Sandbridge Beach is perfect for landscape photography, beach portraits, and capturing serene coastal scenes due to its natural beauty and lack of crowds.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography at Sandbridge Beach. However, always be respectful of private property and other beachgoers.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most beautiful light for photography at Sandbridge Beach. Midday can be harsh, but the wide beach still offers good opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The affordable parking at Little Island Park is a huge plus for families on a budget. Consider booking a Sandbridge vacation rental to have a comfortable base with kitchens and multiple bedrooms, making meal times and downtime much easier. The overall peaceful atmosphere of Sandbridge Beach allows families to truly unwind and create lasting memories without the stress of large crowds.
💰 Budget Travelers
Since Sandbridge Beach is less commercialized, you'll find fewer tourist traps and more opportunities for simple, enjoyable beach activities like swimming, sunbathing, and walking. Bringing your own food and drinks, easily facilitated by grocery stores nearby and rental kitchens, further cuts down on expenses. The overall serene environment means you can enjoy a high-quality beach experience without breaking the bank.
🏄♀️ Surfers & Water Sports Enthusiasts
Beyond surfing, the wide-open beach provides ample space for other water activities. The cleaner waters and less crowded conditions can make for a more enjoyable and less obstructed experience for anyone looking to get out on the water. Remember to check surf reports and be aware of any posted beach flags regarding water safety.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Sandbridge Vacation Rentals: Your Home Away From Home
These rentals often come with amenities like fully equipped kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and outdoor spaces, allowing for a truly immersive coastal experience. Planning ahead is crucial, especially if you're looking for Sandbridge beach rentals during peak season. Booking well in advance ensures you get the best selection and location for your desired dates. Consider the size of your group and desired proximity to the beach when making your choice.
Little Island Park: More Than Just Parking
Beyond parking, Little Island Park offers clean restrooms, changing rooms, and rinse-off stations, which are invaluable for families and anyone spending an extended period at the beach. For those looking for a bit of activity, volleyball courts are available. Most importantly, the park provides direct beach access, meaning your walk from the car to the sand is short and manageable, even when carrying chairs, coolers, and umbrellas. This makes Sandbridge Beach, with Little Island Park as its gateway, an ideal spot for a relaxed and well-equipped beach day.
The Sandbridge Vibe: Peaceful Coastal Escape
The local vibe of Sandbridge Beach is palpable, providing a more laid-back and authentic coastal experience. It's recommended for those who appreciate a quieter day by the ocean, allowing for ample space to spread out and unwind. Whether you're looking for a family getaway or a solo retreat, Sandbridge Beach offers a refreshing alternative to more commercialized destinations, making it a hidden gem for a great beach experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit