It’s the original photo filter: the sun. And, whether it’s rising or setting, everyone looks better when bathed in the glorious sunshine of Virginia Beach. Thanks to an enviable location with panoramic views of the sunrise over the Atlantic AND the sunset over Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach can fill your social feeds with the bounty of two horizons in a single day. Here’s where to catch the best snaps.
Best Sunrise Photos in Virginia Beach
Sandbridge Beach
Shifting sand dunes? Check. Swaying sea oats? Check. Sleepy, laid-back vibes? Check, mate! The quiet community of Sandbridge, just a stone’s throw from the Oceanfront District, offers THE quintessential Virginia Beach sunrise view — including 4.5 miles of golden shoreline to reflect those dawn patrol pastels.
Neptune’s Park
Anchored by the iconic Paul DiPasquale statue of King Neptune, the stretch of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk near 31st Street is the perfect place to capture pics worthy of a professional postcard. Standing 26 feet high and weighing in at over 100 tons, the King and his sea creature subjects make an ideal centerpiece for your Virginia Beach sunrise photos.
Rousting the kids out of bed for a family photo op? To keep the crowd motivated, dangle the promise of Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip Pancakes at Pocahontas Pancake House — a Food Network “Best Of” series winner and guaranteed morning-maker. (P.S. If pancakes are your thing, Virginia Beach has plenty to go around.)
Virginia Beach Fishing Pier
There’s more than one way to snap the sunrise at the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier. Stand a bit down the beach and let fiery colors frame the pier’s photogenic silhouette; mosey underneath and catch the rays as they peek through the pylons; or walk to the end for an unobstructed view.
Afterward, grab a bite at the Belvedere South Coffee Shop & Diner, a legendary local diner recently resurrected in the Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront hotel — and once again offering its beloved original recipes.
Oceanfront Hotels
If you’ve already booked an Oceanfront hotel for your Virginia Beach vacation, you’ve got it made in the shade — order room service breakfast and catch the ‘rise from your very own balcony. If you’re still browsing, though, here are our top three picks on the “sunrise selfie” scale.
The Hyatt Place Virginia Beach Oceanfront has a seaside terrace tailor-made for elevated sunrise photo shoots. At the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, you can catch the show twice: once IRL, and again on the glassy surface of the rooftop infinity pool. Or, fuel up at the Holiday Inn Virginia Beach Oceanside; their casual seaside restaurant serves everything with a side of sunshine.
Croatan Beach
The Beach Boys may have put West Coast surf culture on the map, but Virginia Beach is home to the longest continuously running surf contest in the world. Even if you’re not visiting in August, when the annual East Coast Surfing Championship rolls into town, you can still catch some of the contenders in your sunrise pics. Head over to Croatan Beach for a pre-dawn palette with more pastels than Taylor Swift’s Lover album cover, then tuck in for a hearty breakfast at Doc Taylor’s.
Best Sunset Photos in Virginia Beach
Rudee Inlet
Rudee Inlet, at the south end of the Oceanfront District, is a twofer! If you’re up early to meet your fishing charter, you can watch the sunrise over the Atlantic. At day’s end, watch it drop behind the inlet, framed by bobbing boats and dockside eateries like Rockafeller’s — named for its signature oyster dish, which is sure to go down easy after a full day spent soaking in the sun.
Chesapeake Bay Beach (By Land)
Protected from wind and tidal swells by the Delmarva Peninsula — so named because it spans Delaware, Maryland and Virginia — the Chesapeake Bay is known for its calm waters and family-friendly atmosphere. Go for a sunset stroll or set up some beach chairs on the shore. Then, after the show, adjourn to HK on the Bay for fresh seafood in a charming spot a few blocks off the water.
Chesapeake Bay (By Water)
We may be biased, but we believe you get the best Virginia Beach sunset photos with a total immersion strategy. Hit Chesapean Outdoors for a kayak or paddleboard rental, and put yourself in the picture. It’s our favorite way to watch the sun sink behind the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (yes, it is both a bridge and tunnel) into the glittering bay.
Broad Bay
Broad Bay, secreted away near the mouth of the Chesapeake, is a tranquil hideaway framed by seagrass and rich in natural wonders. For the ultimate Virginia Beach sunset photos, secure an afternoon pontoon rental from Bay Venture Boat Rentals and savor a floating picnic while cruising around to get THE shot.
The Narrows
The tapering waterway bordering First Landing State Park, known to Virginia Beach locals as The Narrows, is one of our favorite hidden spots to snap a beautiful shot over the water. You can trek out by kayak or SUP board for a more unique perspective.
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Written by Staci Amend
As a Californian living in Colorado, writer Staci Amend takes a “why not both” approach to the whole mountains vs. oceans debate. She covers travel, nature, beauty and fashion for a variety of publications and brands — and is happiest when surrounded by hand-painted tile, struggling to pronounce her next meal. A Huntington Beach native and longboarder, she tries to time her Virginia Beach visits with the East Coast Surfing Championships.
