Ocean View Beach Park

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. :)

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.

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?

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!

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.