Photo: Naoma Doriguzzi
Photo: Nancy Iacavone
Photo: Alvin Chee
Chic's Beach
★4.7(736 reviews)FreeActivity
🕑 3-4 hours👶 Best for all ages, especially toddlers through age 10. The calm bay waters make it ideal for children learning to swim and younger kids who might be intimidated by ocean waves. Older kids enjoy paddleboarding and kayaking in the gentle conditions.🧡 Saved by 70+ families
About
Chic's Beach offers the perfect Chesapeake Bay escape for families seeking a calmer alternative to oceanfront beaches. With gentle waves ideal for young swimmers, beautiful sunset views, and a relaxed neighborhood vibe, it's where locals go to enjoy the water without the intense surf and crowds of the Atlantic side.
Highlights
- ✓Gentle, calm bay waves perfect for nervous or young swimmers
- ✓Stunning Chesapeake Bay sunset views
- ✓Water sports rentals including kayaks and paddleboards
- ✓Less crowded than Virginia Beach oceanfront
- ✓Family-friendly neighborhood beach atmosphere
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early morning or late afternoon for the best parking in the residential streets near Ocean View Avenue,spots fill quickly on summer weekends
- 2.Bring water shoes as the bay bottom can have small shells and rocks near the shore
- 3.The sunset views here are spectacular,plan to stay through golden hour for a memorable family photo opportunity
- 4.Water sports rentals are available nearby, so try paddleboarding or kayaking with older kids in these protected bay waters
- 5.Pack your own shade (umbrella or tent) as natural shade is limited along the beach
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings from June through September offer the calmest conditions and smallest crowds. Late afternoon visits (3-7pm) are perfect for enjoying the stunning Chesapeake Bay sunsets and cooler temperatures.
What to Know
This is a public beach with free access, though parking in the residential area can be limited during peak season. There are no lifeguards on duty, so supervise children closely. Bring your own food, drinks, and beach gear as amenities are minimal.
Seasonal Notes
Best visited May through September when water temperatures are warmest. The beach is accessible year-round, but amenities and water sports rentals are seasonal (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Fall offers beautiful weather with fewer crowds but cooler water.
Nearby Eats
Head to Chic's Oyster Bar (a local favorite just steps away) for casual seafood and kid-friendly options like fish and chips. Commune is another nearby option offering farm-to-table fare with menu items that appeal to both adults and children.
More Activities Near Great Neck
Park
Long Creek Trail
Free❤️5
Long Creek Trail in Virginia Beach offers families a peaceful neighborhood escape with something for everyone. The combination of playground equipment, open green spaces, and walking paths makes it perfect for active families who want to mix playtime with a nature walk. It's an ideal spot for a relaxed afternoon where kids can burn energy while parents enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Adventure
Lynnhaven Inlet
★4.9$❤️111
Lynnhaven Inlet offers families a perfect introduction to water sports in a protected, calm environment ideal for first-time paddlers. This scenic waterway provides safe conditions for kids to try kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing while exploring Virginia's beautiful coastal ecosystem teeming with wildlife like herons, crabs, and dolphins.
Library
Great Neck Library
★4.6Free
Great Neck Library is a welcoming Virginia Beach Public Library branch that offers much more than books. With engaging story times, hands-on educational programs, and family-friendly activities, it's a wonderful free resource for families looking to foster a love of reading while keeping kids entertained and learning.
Restaurant
ShoreBreak Pizza & TapHouse
★4.4$$❤️13
ShoreBreak Pizza & TapHouse is a welcoming neighborhood pizzeria that strikes the perfect balance between casual sports bar atmosphere and family-friendly dining. With its dedicated kids' menu, relaxed vibe, and crowd-pleasing Italian-American fare, it's an easy win for families looking for a no-fuss meal after a day at nearby Virginia Beach. The combination of great pizza, TVs for sports entertainment, and an understanding staff makes this a reliable spot where both parents and kids can find something to enjoy.