7 Most Inexpensive Beach Towns In Virginia

You don’t must drop major money to enjoy an oceanfront getaway.

Virginia’s coastline is home to among the most budget-friendly beach towns on the East Coast. Whether you’re craving salty sea air, crashing waves, or a chilly drink in your hand while watching the sunset, yow will discover your perfect reasonably priced beach escape within the Old Dominion.

From the full of life boardwalks of Virginia Beach to the quiet solitude of Chincoteague Island, you’ll discover destinations that won’t break the bank. Fuel up for a day of swimming and sunbathing without paying resort prices.

Chow down on fresh seafood, burgers, and beach fare for under $15 a meal. And rest your sun-kissed head for lower than $150 an evening. An unforgettable beach getaway awaits, all for a price you possibly can afford.

SEE: 22 Fun Things to Do Without Spending Money

Hampton

Hampton is a historic city on the Virginia coastline that has not one but 4 public beaches along its 26 miles of shoreline.

At Buckroe Beach, you’ll find gentle surf, a scenic boardwalk, and beachfront parks perfect for sunbathing or hosting a picnic. It’s positioned on the shores of the picturesque Chesapeake Bay, so you may as well go boating, fishing or spot dolphins from the shore.

• The common rent for an apartment in Hampton is just $1,368, much lower than the nearby resort town of Virginia Beach.
• The median household income in Hampton is $57,041, making it an accessible destination for many budgets.

You’ll have your pick of beachside activities in Hampton without the high prices. Go beachcombing for shells, construct a sandcastle, surf, or simply calm down within the sun. With historic attractions like Fort Monroe National Monument and Bluebird Gap Farm nearby, there’s plenty to experience beyond the beach.

Chincoteague

Chincoteague Island is slightly paradise off Virginia’s Eastern Shore that gives miles of coastline, wildlife refuges, and outdoor recreation at a fraction of the price of other beach towns.

Chincoteague is the gateway to Assateague Island and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, home to the famous wild ponies. You’ll be able to see the ponies of their natural habitat without cost or pay a small fee for guided tours. The refuge also offers over 14,000 acres of beaches, dunes, marshes and woodlands to explore. Go beachcombing, bird watching, biking or kayaking while having fun with the peaceful surroundings.

The town of Chincoteague itself is an ideal escape with its picturesque harbor, seafood shacks, and beachy boutiques. And at only one% higher than the national average cost of living, you’ll find reasonably priced rental cottages, motels and B&Bs for any budget. Take pleasure in fresh local oysters or clams without breaking the bank.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach offers an inexpensive coastal getaway. Vacation packages start around $381 in 2023, and the median home price is $262,200. Rent is 6% lower than the national average at $1,258 monthly.

Beyond the beach, Virginia Beach is a protected, family-friendly city with a stable economy. There’s more to do than simply sunbathing and swimming. You’ll be able to:

• Try the Virginia Beach Boardwalk with its shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
• Visit the Virginia Beach Aquarium and Marine Science Center.
• See a show on the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts.
• Tour the Military Aviation Museum.
• Go mountaineering, biking or boating at First Landing State Park.

Should you’re on a budget, skip the pricey oceanfront hotels and go for an inland motel or vacation rental. You’ll find deals for under $100 per night. For extra savings, visit within the shoulder months of April to May and September to October. The summer crowds could have dwindled, however the weather remains to be nice for beaching.

Norfolk

Norfolk offers over 7 miles of free public beaches along the Chesapeake Bay, providing you with an inexpensive coastal getaway. The fee of living in Norfolk is 96% of the national average, with a mean monthly cost of about $3,293.

Ocean View Beach Park provides a more secluded beach experience with amenities like restaurants, picnic areas, and playgrounds along the shore. Swim, sunbathe or simply calm down while gazing on the sunset over the bay.

East Beach and Ocean View Beach offer beautiful views of naval ships and industrial vessels passing through the port. Pack a picnic, bring a kite or Frisbee, construct a sandcastle with the children, or go beachcombing along the shore.

The beaches host free events like outdoor movies, concert events and festivals during summer. Check the town’s event calendar for details.

If you should get out on the water, rent kayaks, paddleboards or jet skis, or take a sailing tour. Fishing charters and dolphin-watching cruises are popular, reasonably priced options for having fun with the bay.

Cape Charles

Cape Charles is a picturesque beach town on Virginia’s Eastern Shore with a low price of living. This Victorian-era planned community near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay has considered one of the biggest concentrations of turn-of-the-century buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

Cape Charles is the biggest of Northampton’s five incorporated towns, with a land area of two,817 acres and a population of roughly 1,000 full-time residents.

The entire cost of housing, food, child care, transportation, health care, taxes, and other necessities for a single adult in Cape Charles is $37,217 a 12 months, lower than the annual cost of living for Virginia of $44,012 and lower than the national figure of $38,433.

With miles of uncrowded beaches, Cape Charles offers an inexpensive beach getaway. You’ll be able to sunbathe, construct sandcastles, go beachcombing for shells, or try watersports like kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing or kiteboarding.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg offers an enthralling coastal getaway at a fraction of the price of other beach towns in Virginia. With a mean one-bedroom apartment renting for around $1,188 monthly, Williamsburg’s living cost is significantly lower than the national average. Utilities and transportation costs are also lower than average.

There are a lot of free or low-cost activities like visiting historical sites, mountaineering, biking, and having fun with the scenic waterfront parks.

Colonial Beach

Colonial Beach, VA, offers over 2 miles of public beachfront and a low price of living. The entire annual cost for a single adult is under $36,000, lower than the state and national averages.

With a wealthy history as a resort town, Colonial Beach has maintained a laid-back vibe. People flock here for swimming, sunbathing, sailing, and fresh seafood.

The beach boardwalk dates back to the early 1900s. Stroll along to seek out arcades, taffy shops, and beach gear stores.

Rent jet skis, kayaks or paddleboards to explore the Potomac River. Charter fishing boats are also available for those hoping to reel their catch.

The town has several piers open for fishing and crabbing, including the historic Potomac River Pier. Drop a line to try catching perch, spot, croaker or striped bass.