Whether you’re here for a day trip or a week-long vacation, there are a few things you should do to prepare for a fun and safe summer beach day in Virginia Beach.
Choose the right beach for you.
With over 30 miles of coastline, Virginia Beach has a beach for everyone. If you’re looking for a quiet and secluded spot, try Sandbridge Beach. For a more active and social scene, head to the Virginia Beach Boardwalk.
Want to learn more about the best beaches in Virginia Beach? Click here.
Pack a beach bag.
If you’re like us, you want to pack light but still have everything you need for a fun and relaxing day. Here’s a list of our must-have items for a perfect beach day.
Beach bag essentials:
- Reef-safe sunscreen (min. 30 SPF)
- Sunscreen face stick
- Sunglasses
- Microfiber towels
- Hat or visor
- Water bottle
- Flip flops
- Bluetooth speaker
- Frisbee
- Wipes
- Trash bag
- Waterproof bag for phones
- Large blanket or tapestry
- Book
- Koozie
- Napkins
- Leave-in hair conditioner
- Hair comb/brush
- Hair clip/tie
Be sure to put it all in a water-proof or zippered bag to keep it sand-free. In addition to these things, you’ll want to bring a beach chair and floaties or a boogie board.
Need a new pair of sunglasses?
Check out these eco-friendly brands!
Costa Del Mar is a company that is committed to being eco-friendly and they offer a variety of sunglasses that are made from sustainable materials. Their mission is to preserve our oceans and waterways while conserving the life within them.
Sunski is a company that makes sunglasses from recycled materials and they also plant a tree for every pair of sunglasses sold. They’re on a mission to make the best sunglasses on earth for outdoor activities.
Bring plenty of food and drinks.
It’s always a good idea to have snacks and drinks on hand when you’re spending a day in the sun. Pack cold-cut sandwiches, fruit, chips, and plenty of water or sports drinks to keep yourself hydrated.
Some of our favorite beach day snacks include:
- Grapes
- Watermelon
- Clementines
- Kettle Chips
- Cheese & crackers
- Corn chips & salsa
- Pita, veggies, & hummus
- Pretzels
Don’t forget the shade.
There are a few different types of shade options that you can bring for your beach day in Virginia Beach. These include umbrellas, sun shelters, and beach tents. Each option has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Umbrellas provide the most portable and affordable type of beach shade. They are easy to set up and take down, and can be moved around easily to provide optimum coverage from the sun. However, they don’t offer as much protection as other options, and can be blown over in strong winds.
The top brands for durable sun shades are:
Be aware of the tides.
The ocean can have strong currents that can make swimming difficult. If you’re not a strong swimmer, it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers and to stay close to shore. The tide can come in quickly at Virginia Beach, so it’s important to be aware of the current conditions before you head out. Check the tide chart before you go, and pay attention to the lifeguards if they start to blow their whistles.
Warning About Rip Currents
Rip currents are strong, narrow currents of water that flow away from the shore. They can occur at any beach with breaking waves, but they are most common along coasts with large waves and strong tides. Rip currents can be very dangerous, as they can quickly pull swimmers out to sea.
To identify rip currents, look for areas of water that are moving away from the shore at a faster rate than the surrounding water. You may also see ripples or foam on the surface of the water. If you are caught in a rip current, do not fight it – swim parallel to the shore until you escape the current, then turn and swim back to shore.
Summary
Now that you know how to prepare for an awesome summer beach day in Virginia Beach, explore our blog for more ideas on what to do in the area!
