Community Beach Park

Bay Breezes & Sandy Toes

Next to the Chesapeake Bay in Norfolk, Community Beach Park offers a slice of sandy paradise without the oceanfront crowds. This public beach stretches along the bay shoreline, offering space for relaxation, swimming, or just dipping your toes in the water.

What makes this spot special is the gentler water compared to oceanfront beaches. The calm waves and gradual depth are perfect if you're bringing little ones along - they can splash around with less worry. On lucky days, you might even catch sight of dolphins playing in the shallow waters - a magical moment that never gets old.

You'll find: free parking, clean public restrooms with outdoor rinse stations, and benches shaded by trees when you need a break from the sun.

What You'll Find Here

The modern playground is good for families with children. Built in the 2020s, it sits between the parking lot and Ocean View Road, featuring slides, swings, and climbing structures that accommodate children of various ages. There's also a basketball court nearby if you're feeling competitive.

Hungry? Scattered around the park are picnic areas, including tables perched on hills with beautiful bay views and a large sheltered area (which you can reserve for gatherings). There are trash cans placed along the beach, making it easy to keep the area clean.

The restrooms and rinse stations operate seasonally from March 17 to October 1 during regular park hours - super helpful for washing away that stubborn sand before heading back to your car.

Getting Around & Staying Safe

The park features accessible ramps and walkways that make reaching the beach easier for everyone.

During summer (late May through Labor Day), lifeguards keep watch daily from noon to 6pm, with clearly marked swimming areas. This added safety measure makes the beach experience more relaxing, especially for parents.

Things To Do

Fancy a cookout? You can use the grills in designated grass areas while enjoying the bay breeze. Across the park, shaded spots provide perfect retreats when you need to cool off.

The beach itself invites all sorts of activities, from impromptu beach volleyball games to leisurely shell collecting. Many visitors simply enjoy strolling the shoreline, watching birds dive for fish or observing the distant ships and planes crossing the bay.

Dog owners, take note: your four-legged friends are welcome before 10am and after 6pm, making early morning or evening beach walks a special treat for both of you.

As one of Norfolk's beach spaces, Community Beach Park offers a Chesapeake Bay experience close to the city. It tends to be less crowded than Virginia Beach and is popular with locals looking for a quieter beach day.