Hey hey yelpers!!!! I have now lived in OV about 3 years now!! Ocean view park has been a pleasure to have!!! I have celebrated first dates here, movies in the park,country music in the park, enjoyed many of the parks reps welcoming demeanors, and it has just been a wonder experience. Most events here are free to the public and many vendors do come show love!! Pet friendly and all around a great vibe if you wanting to get out. Most events takes place are Friday or Saturday at this beautiful park!!! read more

Ocean View Beach Park - Walk way of ocean view park!! - Beaches Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Beautiful day at the beach. We found some shade and sat on the beach for nearly 2 hours, during which an osprey flew back-and-forth and a large pod of dolphins jump and swam up and down in front of us for nearly 20 minutes. And of course there were the Navy helicopters and jets periodically passing overhead and seagulls running up and down the beach. One particularly grumpy seagull must've believed that the portion of the beach in front of us was his and his alone as he kept running around chasing all the other gulls away from "his" part of the beach. All in all a very entertaining and relaxing visit at the OV beach. read more

Ocean View Beach Park - Beaches Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Free parking and clean vicinity made this a wonderful pit stop on our way home to Maryland. We chose to stop by after visiting Bar-Q up the street and so glad we did. The park was clean and the parking very easy. Loved the view and how clean it was there. Our dogs loved it there too and I am looking forward to dining al fresco there next time. read more

Ocean View Beach Park - Beaches Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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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. :) read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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Well, not quite the ocean, but it will do. The waves still make the lapping sound, so I can pretend I'm at the ocean. Way less crowded than Virginia Beach. Not sure how safe it is at night given what others have written. We came for the Summer Sunday Jazz concerts. There had been a huge thunderstorm, but I looked at the concert's website AND Facebook page and there was no update about canceling. Anyways we stayed on the beach for a bit hoping to see the blue moon, but it was way too cloudy because of the storm. I much prefer the beach at Fort Monroe. I think that is my go-to spot when I'm in town next time. read more

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. read more

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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? read more

Ocean View Beach Park - My cat babies enjoying the breeze. - Beaches Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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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 read more

Ocean View Beach Park - My sons playground - Beaches Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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! read more

Ocean View Beach Park - So peaceful - Beaches Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

Ocean View Beach Park - Beaches Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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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 read more

Ocean View Beach Park - You can go really deep in - Beaches Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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! read more

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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. read more

Ocean View Beach Park - My happy place - Beaches Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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One of the best beaches in the area. I love going to Ocean View Beach because it's rarely crowded. This beach is more for the relax crowd, bring a chair out and unwind. Cannot compare to VA Beach because it's not a touristy area. The best time to go is during sunset (that's when the bridges light up). If you're facing the water (which is facing north) and look over to you're right you will see the Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel. Whats also amazes me is seeing the separation from the bridge and the tunnel. When you look over to your left you'll see the HRBT. There's always a lot of shells to collect, horseshoe crabs usually wash up on this beach and sand crabs digging its way through the sand hiding from the seagulls. The animal life here is awesome, if you watch Animal Planet you will surely enjoy Animal watching at this beach. read more

Ocean View Beach Park - Beautiful sunset - Beaches Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Since 4th of July falls on a Wednesday this year a few places decided to have their fireworks this weekend. Ocean View Beach was one of them. I grew up in this part of Ocean View throughout my teens and know this area quite well. Ocean View doesn't have the best name for itself but has vastly improved over the years with a lot of high dollar houses going up in both the East and West neighborhoods of the area. I had the opportunity to see the fireworks from the 5th floor of the "high" rise condos that oversee Ocean View Beach and Ocean View Beach Park. I'll say this... If you're from Ocean View this place holds a special place in your heart. You may gravitate to waters throughout Hampton Roads but coming back to Ocean View is always a treat. Friday night certainly served this thought as I was reminded of many great memories of Ocean View especially with fireworks right in front of my eyes. If you have friends that live on the water you'll enjoy the beach more because of the privacy. Sure you'll get that random dude walking around hoping to find 57 cents with his magnetic toy but you'll skip the general public and tourists. Since this beach is surrounded by neighborhoods you'll get a pretty view of some decent looking houses. I lived on this beach for a few years and really enjoyed having the beach to myself. Roll to the beach along the park, Ocean View Beach Park, during the warm holiday season or on a Friday or Sunday evening and you may just find a band playing that you can hear from blocks away. It's a wide open grass area that can fit a couple thousand people. If there are fireworks you can see them practically from anywhere on the beach, East or West Ocean View. If you go to Ocean View Beach for the park and their festivities prepare to walk a ways as parking is an absolute pain in the butt. You'll either be in the neighborhoods, the Farm Fresh parking lot across the street or a few blocks in either direction where there is public parking. This isn't the beach to go to for surfing (nor is any beach around here really). Grab a case of beer, a cooler, red solo cups, a few chairs and an umbrella and just relax for the day. You're not too far from the everyday life but far enough to enjoy the rest and relaxation a beach is supposed to offer. read more

If you are looking for a quiet place to lay out in the sun and wade around, Ocean View is a terrific beach for you. It really is beautiful and relaxing. For me, the murky flat water at Ocean View isn't appealing for swimming. I need waves! Surfing is out of the question at Ocean View and that takes it off my list. But for many people, this beach is all you need for a day of sand and sun. And the water is gentle for the kids. No worries about rip tides and currents. Pay attention to Amber K.'s review. You don't want to end up at the sketchy side of the beach. It is Sketch McSketcherson over there. Stick to East Beach. read more

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

This was a beautiful beach and lucky for us.. it's October, so the beach was practically empty! It was like having our own private beach. We took our pup, it's a dog friendly beach. They do have hours for pups but didn't apply for us since we were off season. It was very clean, if we're in the area we'd definitely go back. read more

Ocean View Beach Park - Beaches Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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This used to be a pretty shady spot when I first moved here. I had a friend who lived in Oceanview for a couple years, and we came down a few times - bold 20 somethings without a care. With the kiddo now, I hadn't been back in a while since I remember it being a little sketch, but it's really cleaned up now and is super family friendly. We had a lovely day hanging out watching the waves while not dealing with the traffic or touristy issues you get a VA Beach on a weekend in the summer. We'll be back here soon! read more

First time going here wasn't too impressed but it was okay I guess. If I'm ever back in the Norfolk area may stop by again. read more

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Ocean View can be awesome or terrible, depending where you go. If you want a clean beach with white sand that's dog-friendly and never crowded, park on the street near the intersection of Capeview and Ocean View Ave. and head down the public beach access (walk east down the shore). I love taking my dog here for walks and catching some sun here when it's hot. If you want a smelly beach with sketchy people and trash all around, go to the west end where the "boardwalk" is. Don't be surprised to find a nasty used condom laying around or something. I love OV, it's definitely got its' own vibe. Stick to the east beach and you'll be fine. read more

I really love this beach. I see from many reviews that many have ragged on it something awful (lol) which I can understand -- to a point. I'll start with the Cons first: 1. Not very big compared to some other beach communities 2. Not quite as clean as a few other beaches in South Hampton Roads (Virginia Beach folks aren't any tidier than Norfolk folks... the difference is Virginia Beach has more money to pay someone to come clean the sand/beach area that Norfolk doesn't have). The Pros: 1. Less Commercialism (Virginia Beach is horrible with the over commercialization of their boardwalk... it is awful and over crowded.) Ocean View is practically pristine and untouched compared to Virginia Beach -- if you like the commercialization, then good for you -- I can't stand it. 2. Free parking -- yup, you don't have to pay for parking. They have a couple of areas of the beach that offer lots and they are Free and right on the beach... no crossing streets!! 3. So much more family oriented. Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a young person's hang out "see and be seen" kind of place. Women wear practically no clothes and have that "I just got off the pole" look. I see all kinds of folks at Ocean View, mostly normal looking moms and dads with their children and I feel much more comfortable taking my child here than the boardwalk for this reason. I had moved to Norfolk about a year ago, then moved back to VB. I will go out of my way and drive to Ocean View after discovering it before I ever go back to the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. I love it and feel very much at home there. Folks are much friendlier at Ocean View too (my opinion). This is my haven. read more

I love Ocean View, I live on the East Beach side and its pretty quiet. No noise kids, no crowd, no fighting for a parking space. And if I want to visit the beach just walk. No pain here!!!!! To to everyone complaining about how Virginia Beach so much better, go back to your overcrowded Virginia Beach we don't need you added body here. We're fine without you. read more

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I live on the Ocean View beachfront (not literally) and want to share a few insights. The negatives are (1) VB is cleaner because they have more money to clean it and generate much income from tourism (Norfolk empties the trash barrels every couple blocks every day year round). But, a big difference is that VB is on the ocean and Ocean View is on the Chesapeake Bay. Quite a bit of the trash people complain about actually washes in. Much of it is not trash at all, but sediment or brownish seaweed. Depending on the weather, it can be pristine or unattractive. (2) It can be crowded and at times less than pleasant at the City Park beaches. Many of us natives don't go to the three City Park beaches, except OV Park for the free concerts. There are almost 20 other public access points along Ocean View Ave (pedestrian bridges over the dunes, but no lifeguards). A map is at https://www.norfolk.gov/facilities/Facility/Details/32. I suggest you go east of Capeview. The beaches are less crowded and more families and older folks go there. I also avoid the 11th Bay area. The best beaches are the farthest east. East Beach is a new, expensive housing area. The beach accesses approaching it are public, but you usually park on the street. There are signs at the public access walkways. My favorite (before moving on the beach a little west) was probably 17th and 19th Bay. Many go a couple blocks east, but it is more crowded. As many have commented, nice days in the summer, there are no waves. We, however, get Noreasters, mostly in the winter, when the winds exceed 30 mph the waves are very rough. If you are form out of town, check your weather forecast to avoid the freak windy day (it can be fun to look at). Finally, late in the summer we have jellyfish. So does VB. If it is late summer when the water is warm, keep an eye out. Stings are no fun. Dog rules are pretty much the same as VB. Before 10 am and after 6 pm from May-September. Otherwise, any time. The exception is the VB tourist area up to about 42nd St. where no dogs are allowed at any time during the season. read more

I went to 700 E. Ocean View, on advice from yelpers to stay away from the western end, and I had a lovely afternoon. There is a bathroom and covered pavilion with grill at this location, and a large parking lot with grassy areas for those who do not enjoy sand. The beach is not wide at all, which means you have to really walk to get away from people, but there are lifeguards and gentle waves. This is a very convenient beach for Norfolk residents who do not want to commit to driving more than 20 minutes. It was not overly crowded on a Saturday afternoon, and I swam and napped without being accosted by children running amok, or litter encroaching on my space. read more

I love the beach, but won't be coming back here. This is my least favorite beach in Hampton Roads, both for the Southside and the Peninsula. I went here for a run and was pretty grossed out about how dirty it was. It's like people think it's okay just to leave their trash laying around on the ground. There was also an unpleasant smell to this beach- no fresh, ocean breeze here :( read more

So I think that Ocean View Beach gets a bad local rap as being a kind of dingy, dirty area. However, this place can be nice, quiet and relaxing. As previously stated in another beach review I did, I don't typically go to the beach, I probably only go once or twice a summer. The few times I have been to Ocean View Beach have been nice experiences overall (stay on the 'safe' side though aka East Beach). Another added bonus for myself, and other Norfolkians, is this is much closer than going all the way down to the Oceanfront and way, way less touristy. There aren't many waves at this beach, which makes for a nice and calm dip into the water. It's good for kids and good for just taking it easy for a couple of hours. read more

This beach was pretty good. Nice rocks, apparently good crabbing. Like someone else said, no waves, but honestly Virginia Beach is not much better (maximum of 3ft). I went to VA Beach after visiting oceanview because I wanted waves and I was so disappointed. After being so disappointed that there were no waves, I googled it and it just so happens that VA Beach is infamous for their meager waves Its free, there's free parking, and there is even a cheap bar with a deck that looks down to the beach if you want to run and get a quick bite or drink while the family or friends are down below. You also don't get the crowd of a more mainstream place. read more

I can walk to this beach so we spend a lot of time here.Compared to Virginia beach this is a local hang out.The only reason it did not get 5 stars is because sometimes there is a lot if trash on the beach and you cannot be there after dusk except on special occasions. read more

A small beach that is busy but not crowded. Norfolk has really cleaned up the neighborhood and does a lot to keep this a pleasant, clean place to bring the family and relax. read more

Ocean View Beach Park - Ocean View Beach at sunset. - Beaches Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Cool your jets, complainers. Ocean View Beach is lovely, clean, not crowded, and seems to have less surf than Virginia Beach since it's in the bay. We walked here from an Airbnb a half-mile away, and felt totally comfortable in the neighborhood. And after having spent a couple of days stranded in the Outer Banks with hurricane-induced no swimming conditions, jumping in the warm summer waves here was hella satisfying. read more

The beach is very dirty and if you have children you have to watch carefully where they walk because people are inconsiderate and don't pick up broken glass and trash. If you have to go to a beach in Hampton Roads with your family I would recommend it only because the water is typically calm and there aren't as many people as the other Norfolk/Virginia Beach beaches. All of the beaches in Virginia are disgusting though. The sand and water are nasty. read more

Call me a Virginia Beach snob, but Ocean View beach just really isn't appealing to me. The beach is lined with questionable looking low-priced hotels and the water just really isn't the cleanest looking. Okay, that doesn't really separate it too much from Virginia Beach's shores, but the other beach-goers were definitely much different. Although it was nice not to hear kids screaming and parents screaming back, rowdy teenagers and assumed drunks made Ocean View beach less than relaxing. After reading the other Yelpers' reviews, I think I'll try a different part of Ocean View beach and see if I get a new opinion. read more

This is my backyard now. OV is now East Beach it's cleaned up a lot give it a shot. They keep the beach clean a lot cleaner than Virginia Beach read more

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Way more expansive than Va B and sparse!!!!!! Wind is nice when its 92 degrees!!! We're not at Edgewater folks!!!!! read more

A nice, clean, quiet, non-touristy beach. I'm glad I stopped here instead of going all the way down to Virginia Beach. Parked on the street for free, lay out in the sun for an hour, nobody bothered me, went back to my hotel happy. It's on the bay so there are hardly any waves, which was nice. I saw a woman just lying out in the water on a floaty raft and she looked so comfortable that I almost wanted to ask to borrow it. All in all a great beach if all you want to do is relax. read more