Discover 7 Hidden Waterfront Gems in Virginia for Your Crowd-Free Summer Escape
If you haven't booked your summer vacation yet, popular beaches may be crowded and pricey. Discover these seven lesser-known waterfront destinations in Virginia for an affordable, memorable coastal getaway without the hordes.
Lake Anna—Louisa County
Lake Anna covers 13,000 acres with over 200 miles of shoreline, perfect for water adventures or relaxation. Lounge on sandy beaches, launch your boat, kayak, or SUP, or explore Lake Anna State Park's 15+ miles of hiking trails leading to the water. Conveniently located 72 miles south of Washington, D.C., 66 miles north of Richmond, and under an hour from Charlottesville and Fredericksburg.
Where to Stay:
- Lake Anna State Park Cabins—Spotsylvania
- Lighthouse Inn—Mineral
- Christopher Run Campground on Lake Anna—Mineral
Where to Eat:
- Tavern on the Rail—Mineral
- Roma Italian Restaurant & Pizza—Louisa
- Obrigado—Louisa
Sandbridge Beach—Virginia Beach
Just 15 miles south of Virginia Beach's resort area, Sandbridge offers five miles of pristine, uncrowded Atlantic beaches. Nearby Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park provide hiking, kayaking, and fishing. Camp primitively at False Cape for ocean sunrise views (reservations required).
Where to Stay:
- Sandbridge Luxury Oceanfront Condos—Virginia Beach
- False Cape State Park Camping—Virginia Beach
- North Bay Shore Family Campground—Virginia Beach
- Sandbridge Blue Vacation Rentals—Virginia Beach
- Ocean Key Resort—Virginia Beach
Where to Eat:
- Margie & Ray’s Crabhouse—Virginia Beach
- Waterman’s Surfside Grille—Virginia Beach
- Rockafeller’s Restaurant—Virginia Beach
- Rudee’s on the Inlet—Virginia Beach
- Catch 31—Virginia Beach
Smith Mountain Lake—Bedford, Franklin, and Pittsylvania Counties
Virginia’s second-largest freshwater lake, an hour southeast of Roanoke, boasts 500 miles of shoreline and Blue Ridge Mountain views. Smith Mountain Lake State Park rents boats, tubes, skis, and wakeboards; nearby B&Bs and rentals abound.
Where to Stay:
- Bernard’s Landing Resort & Conference Center—Moneta
- Arrowhead Campground—Penhook
- Smith Mountain Lake State Park Cabins—Huddleston
- Eagles Roost Campground—Huddleston
Where to Eat:
- The Landing Restaurant—Moneta
- The Pointe at Mariners Landing—Smith Mountain Lake
- Heath’s Waterfront Grill—Huddleston
- Mango’s Bar & Grill—Moneta
- Waller’s Bar & Grill—Moneta
Philpott Lake—Bassett
Spanning 3,000 acres with 100 miles of shoreline in the Blue Ridge foothills, Philpott Lake is ideal for hiking, biking, and fishing. Eight campgrounds, six beaches, and nine boat launches await. Visit Fairy Stone State Park for “fairy stones” and trails. Limited dining nearby—opt for campfire meals.
Where to Stay:
- Camp at Philpott Lake (Various Sites)—Bassett
- The Virginia Home Inn—Fieldale
- Cabins in Fairystone State Park—Stuart
Where to Eat:
- Checkered Pig Barbecue—Martinsville
Lake Gaston—Bracey
Straddling Virginia and North Carolina with 350 miles of shoreline, Lake Gaston suits fishing, boating, skiing, and more. Family-friendly Lake Gaston Americamps offers pools, mini-golf, sports courts, playgrounds, and pet accommodations. Rent boats/kayaks at Holly Grove Marina.
Where to Stay:
- Lake Gaston Americamps—Bracey
- North Bend Park Campground—Boydton
- Keats Point Farm Cabins—Boydton
- Lake Gaston Resort—Gasburg
Where to Eat:
- Shady Shack Grill—Bracey
- Pino’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant—Boydton
- Copper Kettle—Boydton
Onancock—The Eastern Shore
Overlooked compared to Chincoteague and Cape Charles, Onancock—the “Gem of the Eastern Shore” per Captain John Smith—charms with antiques, eateries, and historic B&Bs. Stroll town, then kayak or SUP Onancock Creek via Burnham Guides.
Where to Stay:
- Charlotte Hotel—Onancock
- The Inn at Onancock—Onancock
- The Inn & Garden Café—Onancock
- 1882 Colonial Manor Inn—Onancock
Where to Eat:
- The Blarney Stone Pub—Onancock
- Da Vinci’s Italian Kitchen—Onancock
- Charlotte Hotel Restaurant—Onancock
- Mallards at the Wharf—Onancock
The New River—Radford
One of the world’s five oldest rivers, flowing south-to-north through Virginia, the New River offers public boat ramps near Radford. Rent gear from Tangent Outfitters (Pembroke/Radford) or New River Outdoor Adventures (Galax). Hike/bike 40 miles on New River Trail State Park’s rail-trail; camp or cabin nearby.
Where to Stay:
- Mountain Lake Lodge & Conservancy—Pembroke
- Main Street Inn—Blacksburg
- Jackson Park Inn—Pulaski
- New River Trail State Park Camping—Max Meadows
- New River Trail Cabins—Galax
Where to Eat:
- The Palisades Restaurant—Eggleston
- Preston’s Restaurant—Blacksburg
- The Village Coffee Shop & Restaurant—Draper
