Lynnhaven Inlet - Bridge, boat parking and service building on Skagit River on Whidby Island in Puget Sound
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Lynnhaven Inlet

4.9
·13 reviews·Virginia Beach, United States

Scenic inlet offering fishing, family fun on a unique sandbar, and stunning views of the Lesner Bridge, especially at night.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better fishing

CrowdLow
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Lynnhaven Inlet - Bridge, boat parking and service building on Skagit River on Whidby Island in Puget Sound

Lynnhaven Inlet

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better fishing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Scenic inlet offering fishing, family fun on a unique sandbar, and stunning views of the Lesner Bridge, especially at night.

4.9
(13 reviews)

"Great place to fish or just hangout by the beach with gorgeous views and the beautiful Lesner Bridge."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎣 Know Your Spots

Research public fishing spots as much is private. The area under the Lesner Bridge offers deep water access.

🚤 Boat Launch Fees

A reasonable fee grants access to launch your boat, offering quick access to the bay and ocean.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lesner Bridge Views

Lesner Bridge Views

Under the Lesner Bridge

Witness the stunning Lesner Bridge, especially magical when it lights up at night. A unique backdrop for any visit.

TikTok
Shore Fishing Opportunities

Shore Fishing Opportunities

North side under the bridge

Cast your line directly into deeper waters from the shore, offering a convenient fishing experience without a boat.

Reddit
The Sandbar Playground

The Sandbar Playground

Near the Inlet mouth

A vast, shallow sandbar emerges at low tide, perfect for family fun and water play. Disappears at high tide!

Instagram
Boat Launch Convenience

Boat Launch Convenience

Designated boat launch area

Easily launch your boat for a quick run to the bay or ocean. Affordable fee for convenient access.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Fishing Access & Regulations

Navigating Lynnhaven Inlet for fishing can be tricky due to private property. Research public access points and understand local fishing regulations before you cast your line. Check for any specific rules regarding catch limits or seasons to ensure a smooth fishing trip. Reddit

Best Times for Anglers

For the best fishing experience in Lynnhaven Inlet, consider visiting during weekdays when crowds are thinner. Early mornings or late afternoons often yield better catches, especially for popular species like speckled trout. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better fishing
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Prime time for bites
Crowd
Medium
When
Low tide
Why
Sandbar fun for families
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A sandbar shark was spotted in the area of the Lynnhaven Inlet at Chic's Beach on Thursday, the Virginia Aquarium confirmed. The sandbar shark was identified by its dorsal fin, and is common in the Chesapeake Bay due to its nurseries. Video credit: Krissi Wood
@coastalcurr3nts
7.8K likes • 115.9K views

🎣 Know Your Spots

Research public fishing spots as much is private. The area under the Lesner Bridge offers deep water access. Reddit

🚤 Boat Launch Fees

A reasonable fee grants access to launch your boat, offering quick access to the bay and ocean. Reddit

Pirate relics recovered from Lynnhaven Inlet, Virginia Beach—remnants of the bloody 1700 battle between the French pirate ship La Paix and the British warship HMS Shoreham. #pirate #piratetiktok #virginiabeach #virginia #grapeshot
@americanwarmuseum
77 likes • 1.2K views
Some #TipTuesday inshore action with @cobiakiller in the Lynnhaven Inlet! 🎣 Using a popping cork and DOA shrimp to get on the bite. 🦐 Pop the cork every 5-6 seconds to mimic a distressed meal—it’s perfect for drawing in puppy drum and speckled trout. That surface pop sound is a proven fish attractor, especially for redfish and trout! Spread a little inshore or shrimp @procurebaitscents for a speci...
longbaypointe
163 likes • 5.1K views

🏖️ Sandbar Magic

Visit during low tide for a unique sandbar experience, but be aware it submerges at high tide. Instagram

🚗 Parking Tips

Parking is available and paid for safety. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Reddit

Havin fun on the Chesapeake Bay and Lynnhaven inlet! @visitvabeach #visitvabeach
gokayakvb
18 likes • 568 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎣 Know Your Spots

Research public fishing spots as much is private. The area under the Lesner Bridge offers deep water access. Reddit

🚤 Boat Launch Fees

A reasonable fee grants access to launch your boat, offering quick access to the bay and ocean. Reddit

🏖️ Sandbar Magic

Visit during low tide for a unique sandbar experience, but be aware it submerges at high tide. Instagram

🚗 Parking Tips

Parking is available and paid for safety. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Reddit

💡 Gear for the Inlet

Consider gear suitable for both shore and boat fishing, depending on your chosen method. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(13 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Lynnhaven Inlet for its beautiful views, especially the Lesner Bridge at night, and its accessibility for both fishing and family fun. The shallow sandbar is a highlight for kids, and the convenient boat launch is appreciated by boaters. Some find parking can be crowded on weekends.

"Great to place to fish or just hangout by the beach.You will see gorgeous views, and The beautiful Lesner Bridge that lights up underneath it at night. You can watch tugboats come through and Parking is close by as well, Just a short walk."

Virginia Beach Living

"Nice beach for swimming and craving
Nice parking lot with payment for safe parking"

Michael Nguyen

"Very nice set up. Can actually fish in some deep water from the shore under the bridge from the north side"

Ricky Woods

What People Like

Gorgeous views
Lesner Bridge at night
Sandbar for kids

What People Dislike

Weekend crowds
Private property access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Lynnhaven Inlet is accessible via Shore Drive. Parking is available and paid for safety, with weekday visits being less crowded than weekends. Reddit

Yes, there is a nice parking lot with payment for safe parking. It tends to be empty during the week but pretty full on weekends. Reddit

Absolutely! There's a convenient boat launch area with a fee, providing a quick run to the bay or ocean. Reddit

Yes, it's a great spot for kayaking, with an easy paddle to the sandbar and the mouth of the Inlet to the bay. You can enjoy riding waves in and out. Instagram

Finding public fishing spots can be challenging due to private property. The area under the Lesner Bridge on the north side offers deep water access from the shore. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There are no general admission tickets required to visit Lynnhaven Inlet. However, there is a fee for parking and a fee for boat launching. Reddit

Parking is available and paid for safety. The exact cost can vary, but it's considered reasonable for secure parking. Reddit

The boat launch fee is approximately $8.00, which is considered a good value for quick access to the bay or ocean. Reddit

While specific regulations can change, it's always wise to check local fishing licenses and any posted rules regarding catch limits or seasons for Lynnhaven Inlet. Reddit

Yes, you can fish from the shore, particularly from the north side under the Lesner Bridge where you can access deeper water. Reddit

🎫 🎣 Fishing & Activities

The area under the Lesner Bridge on the north side is known for deep water shore fishing. Exploring the mouth of the inlet can also be productive. Reddit

While specific reports vary, anglers often target species like speckled trout, flounder, and other common bay fish. Checking a local fishing report for Lynnhaven Inlet is recommended. Reddit

For shore fishing, consider a medium-action rod with 10-15 lb test line. For boat fishing, adapt your gear to target specific species. Live bait often works well. Reddit

Yes, the sandbar area near the inlet mouth offers shallow waters that are great for swimming and playing, especially for families with children. Instagram

Families can enjoy the shallow sandbar for water play, swimming, and exploring. The views of the Lesner Bridge and passing tugboats are also entertaining. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The Lesner Bridge, especially when illuminated at night, provides a stunning photographic subject. The sandbar at low tide and the activity of boats are also great for capturing memorable shots. TikTok

Photographing the Lesner Bridge at night when its lights are on offers a dramatic and beautiful scene. Sunset can also provide lovely colors over the water. TikTok

The western-facing areas of the inlet can offer beautiful sunset views over the water, with the bridge potentially silhouetted against the sky. TikTok

Landscape photography capturing the bridge and water, as well as action shots of boats and people enjoying the inlet, are popular. TikTok

Always check local drone regulations before flying. If permitted, drone photography can offer unique aerial perspectives of the inlet, bridge, and surrounding waterways. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Lynnhaven Inlet is a gem for families, especially during low tide when the sandbar emerges. This vast, shallow area is a natural water playground where kids can safely splash and explore. Pack beach toys and enjoy the unique experience of a disappearing sandbar! Instagram

Parking is available and paid for safety, making access easy. While the inlet is known for fishing, the sandbar offers a fantastic alternative for family fun. Watching the tugboats and the illuminated Lesner Bridge at night can also be a hit with younger visitors. TikTok

🎣 Anglers Seeking Action

For fishing enthusiasts, Lynnhaven Inlet offers accessible shore fishing spots, particularly under the Lesner Bridge, where you can reach deeper waters. If you have a boat, the inlet provides a quick launch to the bay and ocean for a wider variety of species. Reddit

Consulting a fishing report for Lynnhaven Inlet is highly recommended to find the best fishing spots and target species like speckled trout. Be aware of private property and focus on designated public access areas. Reddit

📸 Photographers

The Lesner Bridge, especially when lit up at night, is a prime subject for photographers. Capture stunning shots of the illuminated structure against the dark sky. TikTok

Consider visiting during sunset for beautiful light over the water, or during low tide to photograph the unique sandbar landscape. The movement of boats and the natural scenery offer diverse photographic opportunities. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Fishing Lynnhaven Inlet: A Comprehensive Guide

Lynnhaven Inlet is a popular spot for anglers, offering diverse fishing opportunities from shore and boat. While much of the shoreline is private, strategic public access points allow for enjoyable fishing experiences. The area under the Lesner Bridge is a key spot for shore-based anglers, providing access to deeper water where fish often congregate. For those with boats, the inlet offers a quick route to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, opening up a wider range of fishing possibilities. Reddit

When planning your fishing trip, it's crucial to consult a fishing report for Lynnhaven Inlet to understand current conditions and target species. Common catches include speckled trout, flounder, and various other bay fish. Using live bait like shrimp or minnows is often effective. Remember to check local regulations for any specific fishing licenses, catch limits, or seasonal restrictions to ensure compliance. Reddit

Beyond the fishing itself, the scenic beauty of Lynnhaven Inlet adds to the experience. The Lesner Bridge is a notable landmark, particularly when illuminated at night. The inlet also provides opportunities for observing marine traffic, including tugboats, adding a dynamic element to your visit. TikTok

Family Fun at Lynnhaven Inlet

Lynnhaven Inlet is a fantastic destination for families looking for a day of outdoor fun. The most unique feature for families is the sandbar that emerges near the mouth of the inlet during low tide. This expansive area of shallow water, sometimes only inches deep, creates a natural water playground perfect for children to splash, play, and explore safely. It's an ideal spot for wading, building sandcastles, and enjoying the water without the concern of deep currents. Instagram

It's important to note that the sandbar is a tidal feature and will disappear completely at high tide. Therefore, planning your visit around the low tide is essential to maximize the sandbar experience. The parking facilities are convenient and paid for safety, making it easy to access the beach and water. While the inlet is known for fishing, the shallow, calm waters of the sandbar make it a safe and enjoyable alternative for non-anglers and younger children. Reddit

Beyond the sandbar, families can enjoy watching the tugboats and other vessels navigate the inlet, adding an element of excitement. The Lesner Bridge itself is an impressive sight, and its nighttime illumination offers a unique visual spectacle. Lynnhaven Inlet provides a blend of natural beauty and accessible recreation for a memorable family outing. TikTok

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