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Ocean View Beach Park park in Norfolk, VA
Photo: Keep Life Simple Allan
View of Ocean View Beach Park in Norfolk, VA
Photo: Cindi Courter
View of Ocean View Beach Park in Norfolk, VA
Photo: Nilsa Hernandez

Ocean View Beach Park

4.5(3,139 reviews)FreePark
🕑 3-5 hours👶 Best for ages 1-12. Toddlers and preschoolers adore the splash pad and gentle waves, while elementary-aged kids can enjoy more adventurous swimming, beach games, and playground activities. The calm bay waters make it ideal even for the youngest beach-goers.

About

Ocean View Beach Park is a quintessential family beach destination that combines natural shoreline fun with excellent amenities. With gentle waves perfect for young swimmers, a popular splash pad for cooling off, a well-equipped playground, and plenty of shaded picnic areas, this beach park offers everything families need for a memorable day by the Chesapeake Bay without the overwhelming crowds of larger beach destinations.

Highlights

  • Splash pad for cooling off between beach activities
  • Calm, shallow bay waters ideal for young swimmers
  • Playground equipment for various ages
  • Covered picnic pavilions and tables for family meals
  • Wide sandy beach perfect for sandcastle building and beach games

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Arrive before 9 AM on summer weekends to snag a picnic table near the splash pad and avoid parking hassles
  2. 2.Bring sand toys and buckets,the sandy bottom and calm waves create perfect conditions for castle building and shell hunting
  3. 3.The splash pad operates during warmer months; plan your visit to include both beach and splash pad time for maximum fun
  4. 4.Pack a cooler with lunch and snacks as on-site food options are limited, but the picnic areas with tables make family dining easy
  5. 5.Bring water shoes for the kids,they'll want to move between the beach, splash pad, and playground repeatedly

Best Time to Visit

Visit on weekday mornings during summer (8-11 AM) for the calmest waters, smallest crowds, and cooler temperatures. Late spring and early fall offer pleasant weather with fewer visitors, though the splash pad may have limited hours.

What to Know

Parking is available on-site and fills quickly on summer weekends. Restroom facilities and outdoor showers are available. The park closes at 7 PM daily, giving families plenty of daylight hours during summer months.

Seasonal Notes

The beach is accessible year-round with 6 AM-7 PM hours daily, but the splash pad typically operates Memorial Day through Labor Day. Summer weekends (June-August) are busiest. Spring and fall offer pleasant beach walking and playground use with fewer crowds.

Nearby Eats

Check out Chick's Oyster Bar (about 1 mile away) for casual seafood that welcomes families, or visit the nearby Ocean View area shops and restaurants along East Beach for pizza, ice cream, and beach snacks.

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