McDowell Virginia BEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES

Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near McDowell, Virginia.

1. Lake Arrowhead Park Stretch out on a sandy lakeside beach with the Blue Ridge Mountains as your backdrop. Swim, picnic, and enjoy a scenic park filled with trails and wildlife just minutes from town.

2. Westmoreland State Park Discover fossil-rich beaches along the Potomac River with opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and spectacular cliff views. Picnic areas, nature trails, and a popular fishing pier round out a classic Virginia waterfront experience.

3. Colonial Beach Spend the day at a vibrant riverfront town with sandy shores perfect for lounging, swimming, and waterfront strolls. The lively boardwalk, piers, and family-friendly parks make it a favorite Chesapeake Bay getaway.

4. Gloucester Point Beach Park Soak up the sun on a sandy public beach with gentle waves and panoramic York River views. Enjoy swimming, fishing, and picnicking, plus playgrounds and shaded areas for family fun.

5. Haven Beach Relax on a broad, sandy Chesapeake Bay beach with tidal lagoons, dune grasses, and designated swimming spots. Birdwatchers and nature lovers flock here for the wildlife-rich habitats and serene coastal scenery.

6. Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve Walk miles of wild dunes and sandy shoreline on a pristine Chesapeake Bay preserve home to rare plants and nesting shorebirds. Beachcombing and wildlife observation are top draws at this peaceful, undeveloped shoreline.

7. Vir-Mar Beach Find tranquility at a secluded riverside beach with expansive Potomac and Chesapeake Bay views. Wildlife abounds, making it a quiet refuge for sunbathing, strolling, and nature photography.

8. Yorktown Beach Experience the charm of a historic village while lounging on wide sandy beaches by the York River. Swimming, water sports, and a bustling riverwalk offer fun for all ages.

9. Buckroe Beach and Park Dive into family adventure with eight acres of sandy shoreline, lifeguards, and a playground on the Chesapeake Bay. Picnic shelters, walking trails, and calm waters invite day-long relaxation and recreation.

10. Chippokes Plantation State Park Enjoy two miles of natural beach along the James River steeped in centuries of history. Recreational swimming, riverside picnicking, and scenic farm landscapes create a unique beach getaway.