Small — offshore NW @ 7.
0mph. Ideal swell angle.
Spot guide
Facing
E (east-facing)
Ideal swell
E, SE, NE
Ideal wind
W, NW (offshore)
Tide
Works at all tides
Break type
Beach break
Ability level
Beginner to Intermediate — one of the best beginner spots on the coast
Crowd
Heavy — major military and tourist population
Hazards
Rip currents, crowded beach in summer
Best season
Fall and early winter; summer consistent but small
Bottom
Sand
Local knowledge
One of the most popular surf destinations on the Mid-Atlantic coast. Consistent but generally not powerful — ideal for learning and intermediate surfing. Fall NE storms produce the best waves of the year. Large military surf community. 17th Street area is the main surf hub.
Beach fee
FREE — no beach admission fee in Virginia Beach year-round.
Parking
IN SEASON (Apr 1–Oct 31): Metered parking at resort area lots and on-street. $2/hour at municipal lots and street meters. Multiple garages available. Residents receive new $50/year voucher program in 2026. Mobile pay and credit card at all meters. OFF-SEASON (Nov 1–Mar 31): FREE parking at meters and lots. The best surf season = free parking.
Transit
Virginia Beach Wave trolley (FREE) runs along the oceanfront in summer — connects resort strip to 40th St and back. Amtrak to Newport News (~35 min from Virginia Beach) then bus/rideshare. Hampton Roads Transit bus service from Norfolk. Virginia Beach is spread out — car is most practical. From NYC, it's a 6-hour drive.