Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Ocean View Beach Park

    4.0 (52 reviews)

    Ocean View Beach Park Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Ocean View Beach Park

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Anissa W.

    8/6/21: I took my children here to play on the beach one evening. There was plenty of parking, but the portapotty was stinking up the area. The beach had litter all around, but we were still able to enjoy ourselves. It was a beautiful scenery & the waves were so calming. Be careful to not get pinched by the sand crabs. That's my only warning. :)

    Norfolk Public Beach Informational Signage
    Lisa M.

    Ocean View Beach Park is a okay beach with modest facilities and an adjacent park area that is probably best suited for anyone for a park gathering or for Norfolk locals looking for a beach day. The main positives for it as a beach are that it is moderately crowded but not packed, has milder waves than the ocean, and it's easily accessed by Norfolk locals. -- The Beach -- Ocean View Beach is one of the 3 main beaches that, along with the many smaller Norfolk beaches, altogether make up 7.3 miles of public beach along the Chesapeake Bay. Ocean View Beach (like the other two main beaches of Community Beach and Sarah Constant Beach) has public facilities and free municipal lot parking. Ocean View Beach (like Community Beach Park) has access ramps and walkways. Ocean View Beach has mostly clean sand and slightly murky water with mild waves. The metal storm water pipes are decidedly uninviting and historically have been a source of pollution, even resulting in the water needing to be closed to the public. It had some litter but the permanent features like access points were well maintained. -- The Park -- Ocean View Beach Park is a 6.5-acre beach park with a nice grassy area, a large gazebo/covered band stage area, and a boardwalk. The gazebo/open air stage area would be very nice for events. Festevents programs are offered there throughout the summer. The boardwalk has a nice view of the Chesapeake Bay, but it's not particularly long and had litter. This is a park only (no playground equipment.) -- Pets -- Ocean View Beach is pet friendly: from the Saturday before Memorial Day (in May) through Labor Day (in September), leashed pets (8 feet of less) are allowed on the beach before 10am and after 6pm. Outside of that season, there are no time limits. There is enough space on the sand and to the shoreline to walk them. -- Restrictions -- Ocean View Beach does not offer any locations for grilling, and fires are not permitted on the beach. Walking on the rocks is prohibited. -- Amenities -- The park next to Ocean View Beach has one bathhouse (outdoor showers and restrooms) near the municipal parking. There are trashcans in the park and located near the beach access points. -- Lifeguards -- Ocean View Beach does not have lifeguards. (Lifeguards are on duty at Community Beach Park only and only in-season from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily.) -- Municipal Parking -- There is free, dedicated municipal parking lot located at the park. While we were there on a Saturday in late July, there lot was about 2/3 full with many parking spots still available. Parking might be more of a concern during a summer event. -- Takeaway -- As a Coastal Virginia native and VA Beach resident of over a decade, I much prefer the beaches in VA Beach for water activities. Ocean View Beach Park is not my choice for actually going in the water. That said, it's always nice to be near the water, so having a view of it is relaxing. The park has a nice open air stage, and the park's grassy area was the most well-maintained area of the park, boardwalk, and beach. So I do recommend the park. It's nice that this location has facilities, but it's important to note that (as of Summer 2022), Ocean View a beach Park does not have lifeguards.

    Shantell C.

    Visited this beach park while looking to avoid afternoon HRBT traffic. The parking lot was half full, benches along the board walk were open. Benches were a little rusty but painted over so as not to ruin your clothes. The beach was family friendly. While walking a mile and back I picked up about 5lbs of trash in the sand. The bathrooms were clean, outdoor shower with decent water pressure. Only complaint is the trash and were overflowing with garbage.

    Alycia A.

    I was pleasantly surprised to find this playground on the beach. It was our first time to visit the very end of the oceanfront beach so I'm glad we did. The playground is appropriate for older kids but toddlers love it just the same. I love that it is right on the beach, they have benches for parents, and there are public bathrooms located right behind the playground so you can make sure your kids wash up after playing. There is no hand sanitizer stations here so bring your own. The playground was pretty empty. Hoping to return again when the pandemic dies down.

    My cat babies enjoying the breeze.
    Brittany C.

    I grew up in Norfolk and have been visiting Ocean View beaches all my life. I personally love the beach parks down here because there is plenty of parking, plenty of room to lay out and usually there is a restroom facility close by. I enjoy being able to drive or walk down the street to a 711 or corner mart to grab a drink or a snack if I need to. I love the overall convenience that the beach park offers. Even though the beach is not entirely west facing you can still catch an incredible sunset which is what I enjoy most about summer nights. The beach is closed right now due to COVID 19 but I am still reminiscing on the days I got to enjoy it before we were quarantined. I can't wait to return in the summer! Fingers crossed we have a summer, right guys?

    My sons playground
    Queen B.

    This is the beach that I go to the most. It's close to home. Lifeguards leave around 5 ish and you van brings your dogs after 6 pm. Plenty of parking. Little to no waves. Never crowded. Perfect Beach Bum Bliss

    So peaceful
    Jahnay M.

    Ocean View is perfect during the the busy beach season due to the fact that you're guaranteed not to run into large crowds of people. Off season is a great time to visit as well! I enjoyed seeing pups strolling on the beach, next time I will have to have my puppy in tow. I've visited a handful of times and would definitely recommend if you're in Norfolk or visiting close by elsewhere in the 757. Parking is free. The beach is well kept. The best area to park is near the restrooms in the lot right a few steps from the beach across from the shopping center. I enjoyed my stroll with family here. I loved being able to have my own little space not feeling right on top of other beach goers. I would recommend. The beach even has yoga events for the community to take advantage of too!

    Keri O.

    OV is OV. Lol. Its the beach you visit in the summer when you don't want to be in the company of the larger crowds. I visit the beach anytime of year but was surprised to see as many people at the beach yesterday as I did (Warm Winter day) I've missed the ocean since moving. I needed this like I need oxygen. It wasn't far from Norfolk Premium Outlets, just a short 15 min drive. Ocean View is the chill beach, the quiet beach of the area and then you catch a drink and listen to music at one of the local bars like Mojo Bones and Froggies (if they're still around) for examples; however its not the tourist beach so I don't recommend being out here in the late late night. OV doesn't have the best reputation in some areas. Not much to do here. But if you just need an ocean fix, you'll be satisfied here. Park in the small parking lot off of OV Ave and you're good to go.

    Emma C.

    We went during the week and found parking. Beach is right off what looks like a main road. They have plenty of places to each there. It's want packed and it looked like they had a nice set up for music.

    Shivana D.

    One of the nicer beaches in the VA beach area! I went from late afternoon to sunset. The water was noticeably clear, and the beach wasn't crowded at all. We had a whole stretch to ourselves. Street parking by capeview was free, and the beach was easily accessible. Will definitely go back.

    You can go really deep in
    Alli S.

    Very relaxing beach. It is very shallow so you can go really deep in the water. I would definitely come back to this beach the next time I come back to Virginia. The waves at Virginia Beach was too strong for me so I came here to ocean view instead

    Beach space
    Eugene M.

    My fam and I visited this beach on August 17, 2018. We were at the "Sarah Constant Park Beach" and it was a great experience for us. First off the parking lot is right there next to the beach. The water was calm and the beach was not populated like the Virginia Beach tourist side is. The great thing is that this park is located across from all kinds of food places and small stores so you can quickly get your food and bring it back to the beach (hence dominos or something else). I read a lot of reviews and some people were saying the area is sketchy and the beach was dirty. Let me assure you that is not the case. If you consider yourself a well rounded person you will quickly see this is a great move if you want to entertain a family with young kids without the bullshit that comes with a full scale tourist type beach. I highly recommend this beach!

    My happy place
    Lee L.

    I really like this beach because it's so secluded. I was born in South Africa and our beaches are incredibly beautiful and ALWAYS packed. Then living in Miami for the past few years, the beach is very busy a lot of the time. Ocean view beach is quiet, cute, quaint and undisturbed- there's no touristy feel- you feel like you're in your backyard.

    Beautiful sunset

    See all

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Emma C.
    7
    63
    90

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Xerxes N.
    1769
    1211
    8302

    14 years ago

    Helpful 13
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Chel R.
    385
    354
    437

    16 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Truly enjoyed Ocean View Beach. Not too many people and the children were well behaved. We will definitely visit again.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of T W.
    2
    364
    472

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amber K.
    466
    130
    15

    19 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Andrea G.
    25
    40
    19

    10 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jacqui R.
    68
    445
    476

    16 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of E V.
    223
    42
    11

    10 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    18 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Ocean View Beach Park

    Hi, Is this far from Virginia Beach? Far from Holiday Inn-Norfolk?

    It is at the north end of Granby Street.

    How's the water temp in June? We live in WA where the coast is freezing! Wanting to visit the Atlantic in June for a few days and am liking the quite, calm reviews of Ocean View Beach. (Virginia Beach tourism trap doesn't appeal to us)

    Water temps should be fine in June for swim. Still recommend VB beaches overall. Croatan is more off beaten path of OF.

    View All 3 Questions

    Review Highlights - Ocean View Beach Park

    I took the advice of a reviewer, and parked on the street near the intersection of Capeview and Ocean View Ave.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Beaches 1,767 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Oak Grove Lake Park

    Oak Grove Lake Park

    (93 reviews)

    Free Parking. Porta Potties available. This park has a cement walk way leading up to the…read moreplayground, porta potty, and a picnic area that would be great for wheelchairs. This park is great for adults, kids and dogs. The views are of a crystal clear lake NO swimming and NO boating. Plenty of trees. Great for bird watching. They have a nice size children's playground. Covered picnic tables throughout the park. a few fitness stations on the 1 1/2 mile hike. VERY easy loop hike. Starts out with a cement trail and turns into fine gravel trail around the lake. Lots of people running, kids playing and dogs walking. My favorite thing I found a bench dedicated to their sweet dog Savanna. And they offer doggy poop bags. Encouraging a nice clean park. Nice easy walk and if you time it right there are a lot of great places in that area to eat and a nice shopping area

    Nice little natural trail around a lake. It is about 1.5 miles for one rotation around the lake…read more There is paved parking lot for the park and there a relative decent sized playground for kids to play at. Only portapotty available for bathroom facilities which I guess is normal for the smaller parks in the area. The path is clean and nice but there are bicycles and other wheeled vehicles sharing the walking path. There were birds using the lake but I didn't see any sign of any fish or life in the lake so I am not sure if there are fish or anything else in the lake. I went to the right to start my walk and I am not sure if that was the wrong way but it seemed everyone was going the other way or it was just that I didn't catch up to anyone ahead of me so it looked like I was the only one walking my way. I took my walk on a supposed warm day but the weather changed and it was a little cold so I had to walk a little quicker than expected. There were people jogging the path, walking their dogs, and just sitting by the lake. There are lots of wooden pierlike structures that get you close to the water but like I said before, no signs of fish as far as I could see.

    Lakewood Park - The largest oak tree I ever seen in this park!

    Lakewood Park

    (2 reviews)

    A very nice relaxing park with amenities to boot. Spent all day outside cooking out and relaxing…read moreunder huge oaks and pine trees! Lots of room for activities and games. The perfect gathering spot for large families!

    Lakewood Park offers much more than meets the eye. It may not be the most scenic, but I bet it's…read morethe most functional. This is one park if unfamiliar you should know more about. More over if you reside in Norfolk this should be a recreation area that you frequent. The park is in one word expansive and stretches wide and long. I think you will love hearing more about this Norfolk gem. Although not a new park by any stretch, as a matter of fact it's a petty old park. Located off of Tidewater Dr. a quarter of a mile in a residential area. However, it is well maintained with newer equipment and some extras in the rear that I will elaborate on. I will work myself from front to back of property for this review. Parking is huge! I have never seen it even a quarter full even with events. It is well maintained, but usually has some amount of debris around. The park office is also located up front too. You will find older clean restrooms that are used by not only park goers, but during the week it acts like a rest stop. There are two ball fields to the right. Two all purpose fields to the left used for football and soccer. Both are used for Norfolk Recreation League. Since I am not a resident of Norfolk I am unsure how the sign up process works, however there is info at the park office. All the way to the left is a full court basketball court, however the surface is in horrid condition.. Directly to the rear is the huge tennis center with nine courts, you read correctly NINE and it's lit. There is also league play for adults. The court is kept in great condition. In the center are the playgrounds which have anything but regular equipment. Slides, swings and unique items you will NOT find in any other park. One of my daughters favorite is one that you get on and slide back and forth. Another one twirls you around, so hold on tight. There are also three nice shelters with bbq grills. All of this is in close proximity of each other. Now let's move to the rear of the property close to the water. The Lakewood Dance and Music Studio offers classes, clinics etc. through the Norfolk Parks and Recreation system. If you are not a Norfolk resident there is an up charge. My daughter who is a dancer at a VB studio attends clinics. The Tidewater Rowing Center is at the very rear of the grounds. It's main build is very large and two stories. This is also home to ODU Rowing. Two good size out buildings house rigging and row equipment for the club and ODU. Two drawbacks to this park are debris, it seems like no matter how hard the staff clean up its around. On a visit tonight someone had pushed over a can apparently on purpose. Another issue is an element of homeless/transients. They have never bothered me, but I don't like it. Lakewood has a lot to offer and is a terrific facility in the Norfolk park system. Come see for yourself.

    Pagoda & Garden Foundation - Lights camera action!

    Pagoda & Garden Foundation

    (32 reviews)

    I came here after going to a sports card show in Norfolk. It wasn't a planned visit but I was just…read morelooking for something interesting to look at since I had a lot of free time and the weather was nice on Saturday. I thought it would be a lot larger but the spot is quite small but it is very nice to walk around. There are also lots of nice areas adjacent to the garden and terrace as well. I parked in front of the garden went around it and then found the USS Wisconsin and the Naval museum just past the garden. I went around and finished checking out the other side of the garden after. The parking was free for 2 hrs in front of the garden and it seemed like parking in general was plentiful and open this weekend. It looked like college dormitories around the garden and some other residential areas around the middle of downtown Norfolk. There were many nice plants in the garden, the terrace was nice but not open as far as I could tell, and the koi pond was nice if someone would clean out the pond scum from the fish pond. There were small bridges over the water and multiple water fountains in the koi pond. There were a few benches to sit on if you wanted to just relax or meditate in the garden. Overall, it was a nice garden but it is not something to go downtown to see, but it is a nice additional thing to see if you are going to the USS Wisconsin and the Naval museum or if you staying in downtown area. Lots of people were exercising (walking and jogging) so it is a nice scene to pass by if you are doing that.

    Great spot to walk around. There's ice cream inside too! Very yummy. Beautiful day to explore.read more

    The Plot - Neon District

    The Plot

    (6 reviews)

    There is so much potential for this the space that is The Plot and the Neon District. There is buzz…read morearound the plans that the City of Norfolk has to revitalize the area. It's a shame that a lot of established business in the Neon District has either left or have plans to move. The murals, the tables and chairs, and the potted plants that hang on the walls of the painted containers are all very nice to see, but wish that people utilized it more. At the time of my visit, the concrete in the Plot seems to be in pretty rough shape! More shade would be nice so that if people purchase food from surrounding businesses could have a place to eat their food out in the nice outdoors! If you're in the area, you should definitely check out the space and the murals in the area. There is a giant one of fish by a well known muralist in the area known as Onie Tonie. I also liked the one with "LOVE VA" that is one street over from The Plot, right in front of the Sanctuary, a local taco spot. Enjoy, Friends and never stop exploring!

    I have now had well over a dozen visits to The Plot. An idea developed from the folks who own The…read moreParlor restaurant across the street a few years back. The goal to do something with the vacant lot which was an eye sore. So it may not appear to be much and maybe it isn't to many. However, it's the nucleus of the Neon District and that's enough for me to dub it pretty darn special. The location of The Plot is the intersection of Granby and Olney. There is a sign that was once for a car lot I believe. This is not a city owned lot like many believe. The City of Norfolk pays rent to the owner. Parking will be off street. The half block is repurposed land that has a few cargo containers for storage, a stage for performances and some art pieces. There are also plantings. You can find a newspaper mailbox made into a cell phone charging station, who came up with that fantastic idea. There is also station to get air for your bike tires. This more of a meeting type place than a park. There are a few benches. Small events are held here. The largest even for the area will be October 15&16 when the area holds it's first annual Neon Festival. There has been a lot of activity taking place in the 2-3 block area such as wall murals and construction of the new wheel house glass studio. I am excited and hope to attend the event. So what does the future hold for The Plot. For most this will be a shock. The Plot's land is actually for sale, if sold it will be moved one block over into a City of Norfolk lot of around the same square footage. This could always change I suppose, but this is information that I just recently got from a store owner. Come check The Plot you will love it. Walk around and enjoy the shops, restaurants and nearby Chrysler Museum of Art. It goes with out saying enjoy the art...it's every where. I applaud all involved in the Neon District, It is something Norfolk has needed and is beginning to take off.

    Ocean View Beach Park - beaches - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...