Did you know that Norfolk has its very own sandy beach? The areas of Ocean View (or “OV,” as the locals call it) and East Beach are your gateway to beach days, sandcastles, water activities, seafood and gorgeous sunsets.
These beaches are perfectly situated on the Chesapeake Bay where warm, tranquil waters and gentler, lapping waves make it an ideal, relaxed option for families. To make beach life even sweeter, there are numerous restaurants, local craft breweries, bars and boutique shops within a short stroll from the shore. Come explore Ocean View with us to get a true taste of Norfolk’s ocean life.
Sun + Sand + Parks
Whether you are looking to kayak, paddleboard or simply watch the waves roll in, Norfolk’s beachfront is incredibly easy to access and enjoy. The City of Norfolk maintains three wonderful beach parks along the bay:
- Ocean View Beach Park: Located on the bustling west end of OV, this park provides easy beach access, plenty of parking, a covered pavilion, restrooms, and seasonal lifeguards. During the summer, it’s the heart of local outdoor events.
- Sarah Constant Beach Park: Ideal for a peaceful day on the sand, offering free parking and lifeguards on duty.
- Community Beach Park: A serene spot perfect for beach volleyball, yoga on the sand or launching a kayak.
Play it Safe: Lifeguards are on duty at these parks on weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., running from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Take a Walk on a Long Pier
For a scenic stop with nearly a century of history, head to the iconic Ocean View Fishing Pier. Whether you are a seasoned angler or just want to try your luck, you can rent rods and find all your bait, tackle, and crabbing needs at the on-site tackle shop.
For the Instagrammers and TikTokers, the legendary, mid-pier Ocean View Fishing Pier Restaurant serves up cold beers, steamed shrimp and crab cakes alongside what might just be the best panoramic sunset views in all of Virginia!
Al Fresco Vibes & Live Music
All summer long, Ocean View comes alive with free, outdoor concerts that let you fully soak in the coastal atmosphere:
- Friday Night Concerts on the Bay: Every Friday in the summer through the end of August (6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.), Ocean View Beach Park hosts free live concerts. You’ll find a lively crowd nibbling on local fare from rotating food trucks and dancing on the lawn until the stars come out.
- Big Bands on the Bay: Spend select Sunday evenings in May, June and July (7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.) swinging to the sounds of live big band music under the open sky.
Coastal Eats & Local Characters
Ocean View boasts one of the most diverse and casual dining scenes in Hampton Roads. Food trucks are a major part of the local flavor, but the neighborhood’s brick-and-mortar spots offer incredible stories and tastes:
If you’re in the mood for Latin American fare, the neighborhood is packed with stellar taco joints like Jessy’s Tienda y Taqueria.
Captain Groovy’s Raw Bar & Grill: A beloved local haven for the hungry, thirsty and sandy, famous for its breezy atmosphere and fresh-off-the-boat seafood.
Riffle Farms Market and Co-Op: Run by a retired military couple, this unique market specializes in humane, regeneratively raised meats. Fun fact: they source West Virginia bison and serve up some of the best gourmet bison hot dogs you’ll ever taste!
Longboards: Overlooking the East Beach Marina, this spot serves award-winning burgers, fresh seafood, and refreshing cocktails right on the waterfront.
Stony’s Dockside: Get the vibes and the fresh catch of the day at this local’s favorite, serving burgers, salads, fish and plenty of librations at its double-sided bar.
See What’s Brewing
Whether you need an early-morning caffeine kickstart or a relaxing post-beach pint, we’ve got you covered:
- COVA Brewing Co.: Doing things a little differently, this beloved East Ocean View hub operates as a coffee house by day and a self-pour craft brewery by night. Relax in their pet-friendly yard, enjoy a rotating lineup of food trucks, or challenge friends to lawn games.
- Mudita Cafe & Coffeehouse: Tucked right off the beach, this warm, tropical cafe serves up internationally inspired craft coffees, seasonal tea specialties, and stellar brunch options.
Markets & Local Shopping
- East Beach Farmers Market: Looking for a local social outlet to go with your farm-fresh produce? Head to Bay Oaks Park on Saturday mornings (9 a.m. – noon, May through November). Arrive early to snag the best pasture-raised eggs, micro-greens, and baked goods, then stay to explore local craft and art vendors.
- Gangsta Dog: Don’t leave your four-legged beach buddy out of the fun! This boutique dog bakery hand-crafts all-natural dog cookies, cakes, and treats with local ingredients, alongside private-label food and fun pet supplies.
Getting Here & Parking
Whether you’re taking a quick drive down from Richmond, heading in from Washington D.C., or simply skipping the heavy Virginia Beach crowds for a day, getting to Ocean View (OV) and East Beach is a breeze. Here is what you need to know to make your trip smooth and stress-free:
How to Get Here
- From I-64: Take Exit 273 for 4th View Street or Exit 272 for W. Ocean View Avenue. Head east on Ocean View Avenue to run right along the coastline and reach the heart of the beach parks.
- From Downtown Norfolk: Follow Granby Street all the way north until it terminates right at the entrance of Ocean View Beach Park.
Parking
Norfolk maintains excellent free, public parking options right next to the sand:
- Public Beach Park Lots: All three of the major city-managed beach parks (Ocean View Beach Park, Sarah Constant Beach Park, and Community Beach Park) feature dedicated, free public parking lots adjacent to the beach access points.
- Tip: Ocean View Beach Park also has additional public parking directly across the street.
- The Ocean View Fishing Pier: The Ocean View Fishing Pier has its own large private parking lot for patrons. If you plan on fishing, grabbing dinner mid-pier, or accessing the beach right nearby, this is your easiest option.
- East Beach / Bay Oaks Park: If you are visiting the East Beach Farmers Market or exploring the neighborhood, plenty of public parking is available at Bay Oaks Park (2400 E. Ocean View Ave).
Neighborhood Street Parking Reminder: While visiting, please be mindful of neighborhood street signs. Many of the residential streets leading directly to the beachfront are designated as residential parking zones or strictly prohibit street parking to ensure emergency vehicle access. Stick to the official beach park lots to avoid a ticket!