Family Beaches Near Williamsburg
The best family beaches near Williamsburg, Virginia are Yorktown Beach on the York River, Jamestown Beach Event Park on the James River and, a little farther away, Buckroe Beach in Hampton. Yorktown Beach is the closest pleasant one, with the historic town behind it and restrooms, showers and picnic tables by the sand. Buckroe is the only one of the three with lifeguards, in summer, so it is the pick if you have toddlers who want to swim. Jamestown Beach is a riverside park with grills and a playground.
| Beach Name | Key Amenity | Booking Options |
|---|---|---|
| Yorktown Beach | Restrooms/Showers | View Details → |
| Jamestown Beach | Playground | View Details → |
| Buckroe Beach | Playground | Booking.com Expedia VRBO |
| Grandview Beach | None | Booking.com Expedia VRBO |
Yorktown Beach
Yorktown Beach has a historic backdrop on the York River, and the county lists it for boating, swimming and fishing (Visit Yorktown). We could not confirm lifeguards there, so an adult stays in the water with small children.
- The Beach: Soft sand on the York River. No lifeguards we could confirm, so wade with the children.
- Key Amenities: Public restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic tables are all conveniently located near the sand.
- Tip: Buy lunch at the waterfront shops instead of carrying a heavy cooler.
Good to know: On summer weekends parking fills by mid-morning.
Top-rated family hotels in Williamsburg
Jamestown Beach Event Park
Jamestown Beach Event Park feels more like a riverside park than an ocean beach, with everything a short walk from the car.
- The Beach: A sandy shore on the James River. The county says there are no lifeguards, as the FAQ below notes.
- Key Amenities: Grills, restrooms and a playground for a break from the water.
- Tip: Use the grills and cook lunch by the water.
Good to know: There is a small daily parking fee, and in return you can usually find a space.
Top-rated family hotels in Williamsburg
FAQs About Family Beaches in Williamsburg
Which beach is best for toddlers?
Buckroe Beach, because it is the one with lifeguards, on site from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with swimming kept inside the buoys (City of Hampton). Yorktown Beach is closer to Williamsburg and well kept, but we could not confirm lifeguards there.
Are there lifeguards at all these beaches?
Only Buckroe Beach, where lifeguards are on site from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (City of Hampton). James City County says Jamestown Beach has none (James City County), and we could not confirm any at Yorktown Beach or Grandview, so stay close to small children in the water.
Which beach is the least work for parents?
Buckroe Beach. It has plenty of free parking and a big playground, so the kids have something to do when they are done with the water.
More Family Travel Guides for Williamsburg: