Beaches

Here. Fun. Open to Everyone. Image
Mermaid City Image Bar

Discover a place where you can experience the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay, play with your kids or dance the night away under the stars.

You’ll find your place in the sand in Ocean View, home to Norfolk’s more than 7.3 miles of free, accessible and beautiful shoreline along the Chesapeake Bay.

The Department of Parks & Recreation maintains three beach parks. All three feature parking, restrooms, benches and shade trees. 

Ocean View Beach Park hosts summer concerts and dances. Visit the Ocean View Beach Park website to learn more.

Three Beach Parks Image
Beach Parks Image

Experience the Mermaid City's beaches at one of three beach park locations: Community Beach, Sarah Constant Beach and Ocean View Beach. 

Beach park locations include nearby parking and public restrooms.

Grilling is allowed on the grass areas of both Community and Sarah Constant Park Beaches.

Community Beach Park Image Link

Access ramps and walkways available.

Sarah Constant Beach Park Image Link
Ocean View Beach Park Image Link

Access ramps and walkways available. 

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Public Beach Access Image
Public Beach Access Image

These locations have limited on-street parking and do not have public restrooms or lifeguards. 

View full map of beach access locations. 

Atlans Street
Beach View
Grove View
Ocean View
Sturgis Street
Bay Breeze
Beaumont
Hammet Pkwy
Seabreeze
Views Streets
Bay Streets
Cape View
Inlet Road
Shipwatch

Note: Access ramps and walkways to the beach can be found at Community Beach Park and Ocean View Beach Park.

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Lifeguard Image
Lifeguard Image

Norfolk beach lifeguards will be stationed at Community Beach Park from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 27, through Labor Day on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays.

Sarah Constant Beach Park and Ocean View Beach Park will not have beach lifeguards on duty. Patrons will swim at their own risk.  

To reach Lifeguard Headquarters, call 757-441-1775 (non-emergencies). Call 911 for emergencies.

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Restrooms Image
Public Restrooms Text Image

Public restrooms are available at each of Norfolk's beach parks: Community Beach, Sarah Constant Beach and Ocean View Beach.

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Fish are Biting Image
Ocean View Pier Fishing Image

Norfolk is home to some of Virginia's best fishing and angling in the state. Don't miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — the fish are biting today. 

Fishing Regulations

It is the angler's responsibility to know and abide by all current regulations and laws. Individuals must obtain a saltwater recreational fishing license which entitles them to use rod and reel (hook and line), spear or gig, and hand line, cast net, dip net or two eel pots; other rules may apply to these specific gears.

For full regulations on saltwater fishing, visit the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. 

For full regulations on freshwater fishing, visit the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. 

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All Dogs Welcome Image
Dog at the Beach Image

Your pup doesn't need to be left out — bring them along for some beachside fun and exercise at various times throughout the year. 

  • No dogs or domestic animals are allowed on beaches from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seasonally, beginning the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day.
  • It is unlawful for dog owners to permit animals to defecate on public or private property without removal and disposal of feces in a proper manner.
  • Dogs and/or domestic animals must be maintained on a leash (8 feet or less).
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Prohibited Activities Image
Prohibited Activities Image

None of the following are permitted on the beach at any time:

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Glass containers
  • Illegal weapons
  • Littering
  • Loud music
  • Nudity
  • Obscene behavior
  • Metal detecting or land disturbance activity
  • Open fires (grilling)
    • Grilling is allowed on the grass areas of both Community and Sarah Constant Park Beaches.
  • Vending advertising, distributing or handing out any cards, leaflets, pamphlets, brochures, or like material is unlawful except by permit.
  • Residential use of beach trash receptacles is strictly prohibited.
  • Skateboards, skates, or bicycles are not permitted on beach access ways or ramps.
  • Trespassing on rock jetties, wooden jetties and sand dunes is unlawful.
  • Illegal activities and inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.
  • Failure to comply with directions of Police Officers, Lifeguards or any designee of the City of Norfolk may result in legal actions.