5 Beachy Destinations Within 90 Mins of Richmond
BY THE RVAX TEAM
Cooling off on the banks of the James River is beautiful and convenient, but sometimes you’re looking to switch it up! We’ve rounded up a few nearby spots that make for an easy day trip to spend on the water when staying within city limits just isn’t gonna cut it.
75 mins away
Colonial Beach
Take a dip in the calm waters of the Potomac River at Colonial Beach. Its downtown Ferry Landing District is a fun and adventurous spot with a boardwalk, restaurants, shopping, and play space, but if you’d prefer a quieter experience, pick a spot a little further north or south from Downtown. Colonial Beach offers a public washroom along with outdoor rinse stations so you can get the sand off before heading home. But before you go, explore a thing or two beyond the beach, including some of these local faves:
60 mins away
Yorktown Beach
Just past Williamsburg, you’ll find the historic and charming public beachfront of Yorktown Beach. Located on the York River off the Chesapeake Bay, it’s an ideal spot for sunbathing, boating, swimming, and fishing. The grassy picnic area is great for afternoon BYO picnics, or you can head out on the town before or after your water adventures for something to eat, drink, or check out at these local faves (for starters):
90 mins away
Ocean View Beach
Skip the traffic and headache of getting to Virginia Beach and stop in Norfolk instead! Ocean View Beach on the Chesapeake Bay has plenty to offer with sandy beaches great for sunbathing along with swimming, kayaking, fishing, sailing, and a boardwalk. The waters are calm, making it a great place to swim, especially for kids. With just over seven miles of beaches here, you’ll find more than enough room to spread out and enjoy the day. Pop by some of these nearby local faves while you’re at it:
75 mins away
Lake Anna
Located just over an hour away from Richmond, Lake Anna is one of Virginia's largest inland freshwater reservoirs, covering more than 13,000 acres. Enjoy a day of swimming, fishing, boating, historic attractions, and beyond, while taking in any of these local to-dos and more:
30 mins away
Hopewell River Walk
While not technically a beach destination, City Point in Downtown Hopewell is just a quick ride from the city and offers a little slice of waterfront adventure. Nestled along the Appomattox and James Rivers, the Hopewell River Walk captures some stunning views of the water along with wildlife, fishing, and a little sandy spot to stop and rest. Once you’ve gotten your steps in there, here are a few neighboring things you can eat, drink, see, and do:
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Thank you to Restore Hyper Wellness & Cryotherapy for powering this City Guide!