Virginia Beach Oceanfront Beach is the three-mile stretch of Atlantic shoreline beside the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, with public access points along the Resort Area. The Oceanfront setting around Ocean27 Oceanfront makes this guide relevant as you plan beach access, swimming and seasonal visits.
- Resort Area beach: between the northern jetty of Rudee Inlet and the 42nd Street beach entrance.
- Public access ramps: every access from 1st through 42nd Streets.
- Accessible walkways to the water: 8th, 17th, 24th, 30th and 40th Streets.
- City lifeguard coverage: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Where the Oceanfront beach area begins
The City defines the Resort Area beach as the sand between Rudee Inlet’s northern jetty and the 42nd Street beach entrance. Virginia Beach’s broader Oceanfront is a three-mile Atlantic beach bordered by the Boardwalk, so the named beach area and the full Oceanfront stretch are closely connected.
If you want to pair beach time with a walk along the built-up shoreline, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk guide covers the route beside the beach.
Beach access and facilities
You can use public beach access ramps at every access from 1st through 42nd Streets in the Resort Area. Wooden walkways extend from the Boardwalk to the water at 8th, 17th, 24th, 30th and 40th Streets, and are designed to be handicap-accessible.
Permanent public restrooms are at 2nd, 17th, 20th, 24th, 30th and 31st Streets. The tourism bureau says the restrooms at 17th, 24th and 30th Streets are open year-round, so you can plan around those locations if you need facilities in any season.
Grommet Island Park is a 15,000-square-foot beach park with wheelchair-accessible entrances, an accessible playground, accessible seating and public restrooms. You can request a free beach wheelchair there on a first-come, first-served basis. Beach chairs are available from April 1 through October 1, subject to limited supply and first-come, first-served availability.
Swimming and seasonal safety
When you swim, you must stay within 50 yards of shore. The City says lifeguards serve the Oceanfront from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, starting at 9:30 a.m. and staying until at least 6 p.m.
Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service operates 50 stations along the Oceanfront between 1st and 89th Streets and at Croatan Beach; the City describes its lifesaving-service legacy as dating to 1930.
You cannot consume alcohol, marijuana or illegal drugs on the beach, Boardwalk, bike path, sidewalks, parks or grassy areas. Glass and alcoholic beverages are also prohibited, except at permitted special events. Keep bicycles and surreys on the bike path; rollerblades and skates are allowed only on the Boardwalk.
Dog rules change with the season. Between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend, dogs are prohibited on the Resort Area sand between Rudee Loop and 42nd Street. On the Boardwalk, you must keep dogs leashed; they are allowed from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
North of 42nd Street, dogs may be on the sand before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.; they must be leashed or under their owner’s control if unleashed. Outside that summer period, pets may use public beaches at any time, dogs may be off leash on the beach, and pets must be leashed on the Boardwalk.
For broader seasonal context alongside beach rules, Virginia Beach weather by month and Oceanfront events covers the area’s weather and events. Hours and seasonal rules can change, so check the City of Virginia Beach’s official site before you go.
Oceanfront Beach compared with the North End
North End Beach starts beyond the Resort Area, running from 42nd Street to the southern boundary of Fort Story Military Reservation; the separately defined 57th Street Beach is excluded. The City lists public beach access ramps at every public access from 43rd through 89th Streets.
The practical difference is the area covered by each designation: the Resort Area runs from Rudee Inlet to 42nd Street, while North End Beach continues north of 42nd Street under its separate boundary definition.
During the summer period, dog access also differs: dogs are prohibited from the Resort Area sand beach between Rudee Loop and 42nd Street, while dogs may use North End sand before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
FAQs
Where does the Resort Area beach end?
The City’s defined Resort Area beach ends at the 42nd Street beach entrance and begins at Rudee Inlet’s northern jetty.
Are there accessible routes onto the beach?
Yes. Handicap-accessible wooden walkways reach the water at 8th, 17th, 24th, 30th and 40th Streets.
Can you swim beyond the lifeguard season?
The City’s stated Oceanfront lifeguard season runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Swimmers must stay within 50 yards of shore.
Can dogs go on Virginia Beach Oceanfront Beach?
Rules depend on the season and the beach section. In summer, dogs are barred from the Resort Area sand but may use North End sand during the specified early and evening hours.