Croatan Beach
Croatan Beach: Virginia Beach's premier surf spot offering a local, less crowded beach experience with stunning sunrises.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best waves for surfing
Croatan Beach
Best Time
Best waves for surfing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Croatan Beach: Virginia Beach's premier surf spot offering a local, less crowded beach experience with stunning sunrises.
"This was the cleanest beach we went to while in the area. Soft sand, clean water, lots of shells."
🚗 Parking Lot Hours
The parking lot has strict closing times (around 5:30 PM), with towing enforced. Check current hours before staying late.
🏄♀️ Surf Lessons Available
Several surf schools offer lessons here, making it a great spot to learn or improve your surfing skills.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Surfing Haven
Atlantic Ocean
Known as the best spot for surfing in Virginia Beach, with consistent waves for all skill levels.
Secluded Beach Experience
Between Rudee Inlet and Camp Pendleton
Enjoy a quieter, more local feel compared to the main Oceanfront, perfect for a peaceful beach day.
Sunrise Views
Atlantic Oceanfront
Witness breathtaking sunrises over the Atlantic, a popular activity for photographers and early risers.
+1
Public Parking Lot
South end of Croatan Beach
A convenient, free public parking lot offers easy access, though it's a short walk to the sand.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Croatan Beach
Surf's Up: Best Time for Waves
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Lot Hours
The parking lot has strict closing times (around 5:30 PM), with towing enforced. Check current hours before staying late.
🏄♀️ Surf Lessons Available
Several surf schools offer lessons here, making it a great spot to learn or improve your surfing skills.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Times
Dogs are allowed on the beach before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m., making it great for furry friends.
🌊 Rinse Off After
Shower stations are available to rinse off sand and saltwater after a day at the beach.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Lot Hours
The parking lot has strict closing times (around 5:30 PM), with towing enforced. Check current hours before staying late.
🏄♀️ Surf Lessons Available
Several surf schools offer lessons here, making it a great spot to learn or improve your surfing skills.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Times
Dogs are allowed on the beach before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m., making it great for furry friends.
🌊 Rinse Off After
Shower stations are available to rinse off sand and saltwater after a day at the beach.
📸 Golden Hour Photography
The beach offers stunning light for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Croatan Beach for its clean, soft sand, pristine waters, and fewer crowds compared to the main Oceanfront. It's a favorite for surfers and those seeking a more local, relaxed beach experience. Some note the parking lot's strict closing times and the lack of nearby food options as minor drawbacks.
"Wonderful time being here for Sunrise!! Place is clean and walkable from nearby street!! Tides are great as well!!"
Chakri Perabattula
"Croatan Beach is in a beautiful residential neighborhood in Virginia Beach. Croatan Beach is a beautiful coastal destination on Atlantic Avenue. Croatan Beach has the most pristine views and shorelines of all beaches in Virginia Beach. Croatan Beach is near Rudee Inlet and Camp Pendleton. There is a public parking lot with beach access on the south end of Croatan. The parking lot is a little distance from the beach. The beach is open to dogs before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. Surfers, paddler boarders, and boogie boarders love this beach 🌊🏄🏽♀️🏄♂️ 🏄🏽❣️I enjoy this quiet hidden gem.🏖️🐕"
Valerie Williams
"This was the cleanest beach we went to while in the area. Soft sand, clean water, lots of shells. Very few people. Shower station and restrooms. Lifeguard on duty. 7.00 parking which beats Virginia Beach."
Brandy Becerra
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Croatan Beach is located on the Atlantic Ocean in Virginia Beach, accessible via the Croatan neighborhood. There's a public parking lot on the south end, offering beach access.
Yes, there is a public parking lot with ample spots, though it can fill up quickly during peak season. Parking is free during certain times of the year.
The parking lot has strict closing times, typically around 5:30 PM, and towing is enforced. It's best to check current regulations before planning to stay late.
The beach is accessible from the parking lot, though it involves a short walk to the sand.
Croatan Beach is separated from the main Oceanfront by Rudee Inlet. You can drive around via Atlantic Avenue or potentially walk across the inlet if conditions allow, though driving is more common.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Parking at the public lot is often free, especially outside of peak summer season. Some reviews mention a $7.00 parking fee, so it's advisable to check current pricing.
The beach itself is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, the parking lot has specific closing times, usually around 5:30 PM.
Yes, lifeguards are typically on duty during the peak season, providing an added layer of safety for swimmers.
Dogs are permitted on Croatan Beach before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m., making it a great spot for pet owners during those hours.
No, Croatan Beach is a public beach and does not require advance ticket purchases for entry. Parking fees may apply seasonally.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Croatan Beach is ideal for surfing, boogie boarding, and paddleboarding. It's also a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the sunrise.
Absolutely! Croatan Beach is renowned as the best surfing spot in Virginia Beach, offering consistent waves suitable for all levels.
Yes, there are shower stations and restrooms available, which are very convenient after a day at the beach.
Croatan Beach is generally less crowded than the main Virginia Beach Oceanfront, offering a more relaxed and local atmosphere.
The sand at Croatan Beach is described as soft and clean, with many reviewers noting its pristine condition.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food or restaurant options directly at Croatan Beach. It's recommended to bring your own snacks and drinks or visit nearby establishments.
You'll need to venture a short distance away, towards the main Virginia Beach Oceanfront or into the surrounding residential areas, to find dining options.
Picnics are generally allowed, but it's important to pack out all your trash to keep the beach clean.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise is a major draw for photographers, offering stunning colors and light. The 'golden hour' before sunset also provides beautiful lighting.
Yes, the beach offers scenic views, ocean waves, and often dolphins, making it a great location for nature and landscape photography.
While it can be dark, some visitors have captured great shots at night, with phone cameras enhancing the low light conditions.
Dolphins are frequently spotted from Croatan Beach, offering unique wildlife photography opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏄♂️ Surfers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
Numerous surf schools offer lessons and rentals, so you can easily get started. Beyond surfing, paddleboarding and boogie boarding are also popular activities here. 📸 Photographers and Sunrise Chasers
+1 Keep an eye out for dolphins, as they are often spotted from the shore, providing unique wildlife photo ops. The soft sand and ocean waves also create beautiful compositions, especially during the golden hours. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Surfing Scene at Croatan Beach
Several surf schools operate in the area, offering lessons and rentals. The beach's reputation for good waves means you'll often see a lively surf community. Even if you're not surfing, watching the surfers catch waves can be an entertaining part of your beach visit.
For the best conditions, aim for early mornings when the winds are typically calmer and the waves are more predictable. While the main Oceanfront might have piers that disrupt waves, Croatan's open stretch allows for cleaner rides.
Navigating Parking and Access
However, it's crucial to be aware of the parking lot's operating hours. Signs indicate strict closing times, often around 5:30 PM, with enforcement of towing for those who overstay. This means planning your visit to ensure you leave before closing is essential.
Once parked, it's a short walk to the sandy shores. The beach itself is known for its cleanliness and soft sand, making the brief trek worthwhile for the more tranquil experience it offers compared to the bustling main Oceanfront.
Beyond the Beach: The Croatan Neighborhood
The neighborhood offers a unique blend of exclusivity and accessibility. While it provides a private beach experience for residents and visitors, it's also conveniently located near the vibrant Virginia Beach Oceanfront, the Aquarium, and various shops and amenities.
For those interested in real estate, the Croatan neighborhood sees a wide range of property prices, reflecting its desirable location and the quality of homes. It's a community that appeals to beach lovers seeking a permanent residence or a vacation destination that offers both peace and proximity to activity.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit