Woodbridge is perfectly positioned to access various beaches on the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay.
Renowned for their diverse landscapes, these coastal retreats range from peaceful riverbanks to buzzing beachside towns.
Many of the beaches are managed by state parks, and some have unique fossil-hunting opportunities and campsites.
Whether you are planning to cool off in summer or expand your shark teeth collection, there are plenty of options on the list.
Discover what Woodbridge has to offer!
1. Leesylvania State Park
- Distance from Woodbridge: 6 miles
- Activities: sunbathing, fishing, picnics, volleyball, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, boating
- Facilities: restrooms, picnic tables, rentals, volleyball nets, boat launch
A stone’s throw from Woodbridge, Leesylvania State Park offers an enticing blend of beachfront leisure and historic charm.
Situated on the Potomac River’s tidal shores, this picturesque park presents a sandy beach, ideal for sunbathing, picnics, and volleyball games.
With easy access to a state-of-the-art boat launch, it caters to boating enthusiasts, while the waters invite fishing aficionados.
For the active, a 20-station fitness trail promises a unique outdoor workout.
Accessible facilities like restrooms, a playground, and picnic tables ensure a comfortable visit.
A snack bar satiates hunger pangs, while a gift shop offers memorable keepsakes.
Kayak rentals extend the adventure onto the river’s waves.
Though swimming is discouraged, Leesylvania’s beach allure lies in its tranquil ambiance and diversified recreational options.
2. Aquia Landing Park
- Distance from Woodbridge: 30 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, fishing, picnics, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding
- Facilities: restrooms, picnic tables
An idyllic hideaway near Stafford, Aquia Landing Park boasts a quarter-mile of recreational beach on the Potomac River.
A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, it offers ample opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and picnicking.
Its spacious beach is ideal for family outings, with easy access for kayaks and paddle boards, courtesy of its calm water.
Nestled amid marshes and woods, the park is a hotspot for birdwatchers, with sightings of eagles and herons.
On-site facilities enhance the visitor experience, featuring restrooms, three pavilions, and two horseshoe pits.
While there’s no motorboat launch, ample parking and pavilions equipped with grills add to the park’s appeal.
Aquia Landing offers a serene beach escape, steeped in history and rich in natural beauty.
3. Caledon State Park
- Distance from Woodbridge: 51 miles
- Activities: sunbathing, fishing, picnics, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, hiking, camping
- Facilities: restrooms, picnic tables, trails, campsite
Caledon State Park, a National Natural Landmark, offers a unique beach experience on the banks of the Potomac River.
While not an official beach, the accessible shoreline boasts serene views and a tranquil atmosphere.
Visitors must walk a scenic 45-minute trail to reach the area, making it a rewarding destination for hikers.
The beach itself is a delight for birdwatchers, as the park is a summer home for many American bald eagles.
A seating area provides a peaceful spot to enjoy the sound of the river’s gentle waves.
The park is well-equipped with amenities like restrooms, picnic areas, and a visitor center showcasing bald eagle exhibits.
Though swimming is discouraged due to swift currents, the beauty of Caledon’s beach lies in its natural charm and biodiversity.
4. Colonial Beach
- Distance from Woodbridge: 66 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, fishing, picnics, kayaking, canoeing, boating
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, picnic tables, rentals, boat launch, concessions
Colonial Beach, a popular town 66 miles from Woodbridge, offers a vivacious beach experience on the shores of the Potomac River.
Visitors can indulge in a plethora of activities ranging from sunbathing on the sandy stretches to fishing off the pier, or engaging in adrenaline-fueled kayaking journeys.
Boasting the second-longest public beach in Virginia, it’s a hub for relaxation and aquatic adventures.
The lively boardwalk is adorned with over 25 diverse restaurants and multiple shops.
Essential amenities like restrooms, showers, and rental facilities are conveniently located for public use.
Recognized as ‘Best Virginia Beach’ in 2018, Colonial Beach provides a family-friendly, engaging beach experience, with an accessible blend of nature, history, and beachside fun.
This seaside town ensures an unforgettable vacation destination.
5. Westmoreland State Park
- Distance from Woodbridge: 72 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, fishing, picnics, kayaking, canoeing, boating, hiking, camping
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, picnic tables, rentals, boat launch, campsite
Overlooking the Potomac River, Westmoreland State Park in Montross offers an exciting beach experience.
Despite its compact size, the beach, popular among families, features a picnic area with tables, shelters, and grills for outdoor feasts.
A real treat for adventure seekers is hunting for ancient shark teeth along the coastline.
Notably, the park provides kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals for aquatic enthusiasts.
While swimming is unguarded and pursued at one’s risk, the park’s unique location invites visitors to enjoy the fascinating view of the fluctuating river level.
A visitor center, restrooms, a camp store, and a powerboat ramp are among the convenient amenities available.
From fossil hunting to boat excursions, this park assures a fulfilling beach-side retreat for all visitors.
6. Sandy Point
- Distance from Woodbridge: 62 miles
- Activities: swimming, fishing, kayaking, hiking, picnics
- Facilities: restrooms, trails, playground, grills, piers, seasonal lifeguards
62 miles from Woodbridge lies Sandy Point State Park, a beach haven on the Chesapeake Bay.
The park’s sandy expanses offer a variety of activities from swimming, overseen by seasonal lifeguards, to angling from designated fishing jetties.
For water enthusiasts, the calm bay waters are ideal for kayaking.
On land, visitors can explore the park’s trails or engage in picnics, aided by provided grills.
Its restrooms, showers, and marina enhance convenience.
Adding to the allure, the majestic Chesapeake Bay Bridge serves as a stunning backdrop.
With an entry fee of $5-$7, Sandy Point Beach provides a perfect blend of safety, recreational activities, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit beach destination.
7. North Point State Park
- Distance from Woodbridge: 71 miles
- Activities: swimming, fishing, kayaking, hiking, picnics
- Facilities: restrooms, trails, playground, grills, piers
Tucked away in Edgemere, North Point State Park is a 1,310-acre coastal delight, hosting a charming beach that pulls in locals and tourists.
Despite being small, the beach brims with unique charm, its rocky terrain peppered with shells that enchant beachcombers.
The beach’s shallow waters offer a refreshing dip to swimmers, even in the absence of lifeguards.
Angling enthusiasts are drawn to the park’s fishing piers, perfect for capturing a variety of local aquatic species.
Additionally, numerous grills and picnic areas allow for memorable seaside gatherings.
The park’s hiking trails, cutting through diverse landscapes of wetlands, fields, and woodlands, add to the appeal.
With an entry fee of $4-$6, North Point State Park offers a rich beach experience blended with nature’s wonders.
8. North Beach
- Distance from Woodbridge: 52 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, fishing, kayaking, picnics
- Amenities: restrooms, showers, playground, pier, boardwalk, restaurants, hotels
Nestled on the Chesapeake Bay, the town of North Beach, offers a coastal experience reminiscent of the Jersey Shore.
Its seven-block beach, limited to 800 visitors, ensures a comfy seaside experience.
The swimming area, netted against jellyfish, offers families a safe dip, while the nearby playground and toy rentals enhance the fun.
A separate bike lane along the beach and boardwalk keeps walkers and cyclists apart, ensuring serene strolls.
A fishing pier divides the beach for fishing fans, with a Visitors Center nearby offering umbrella, chair, and float rentals.
Well-maintained restrooms add to the beach’s convenience.
Open from dawn till dusk, North Beach provides a simple, easy coastal experience, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
9. Calvert Cliffs State Park
- Distance from Woodbridge: 74 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, fishing, kayaking, picnics, hiking, fossil hunting
- Amenities: restrooms, trails, playground, grills
Calvert Cliffs State Park, in Maryland, boasts a sandy beach stretch where prehistoric charm meets modern-day leisure.
The park is a mecca for fossil hunters, with shark teeth being the sought-after treasure.
A 1.8-mile trail, adorned with water lilies and local fauna, provides access to the beach.
Dog enthusiasts can bring their furry friends, as long as they stay on a leash.
The park caters to young adventurers too, featuring a playground and picnic tables.
Restrooms are conveniently located along the trail and at the entrance.
While the stunning cliffs are a sight to behold, visitors are reminded to stay safe and stick to the beach.
Thus, Calvert Cliffs combines ancient allure with contemporary comforts, promising an unmatched beach experience.
10. Lake Anna Beach
- Distance from Woodbridge: 62 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, picnics, hiking, camping
- Amenities: restrooms, trails, playgrounds, grills, campsite
Lake Anna State Park in Virginia showcases a buzzing freshwater beach along one of the state’s most popular lakes.
Its shores teem with activity – swimming under the watchful eyes of lifeguards, fishing in a pond accessible to all, or relaxing in picnic areas.
Hungry beachgoers can refuel at the snack bar.
A bathhouse ensures comfort and the boat launch beckons to those seeking aquatic adventures.
Despite its popularity, the beach maintains its allure, blending natural beauty with top-rated amenities.
The park’s history is traced through visitor center exhibits, and nature programs entertain visitors of all ages.
Lake Anna State Park, although busy, combines leisure and learning, making it a jewel among Virginia’s beaches.
