There are many aspects of Norfolk, Virginia to celebrate—excellent restaurants, ample shopping, plenty of annual community events, many diverse attractions, and Ocean View Beach. Radiating a small-town friendly feel, Norfolk is a popular stop during Virginia tours. Located across the bay from Newport News and Hampton, Norfolk is a great base for exploring some of the best state areas laden with many attractions. It's also a great place to explore some of the many Virginia beaches. Buckroe Beach in Hampton is only a half-hour drive as is famous Virginia Beach and the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, opening the door to more sightseeing possibilities.

Ocean View Beach Park is one of the two designated festival parks in Norfolk because of its many amenities and spacious grounds. Showcasing almost seven acres throughout both beach and park areas, a long boardwalk, a large band shell, and a terrific beach, Ocean View Beach is ideal for many kinds of family or fun outings. The Ocean View Beach Festival is a sponsored annual event that kicks off at the beginning of each summer. Typically lasting three days, the festival boasts live musical performances, a carnival, and a local arts and crafts. There are numerous children's programs offered as well as several beach-side activities.

For anyone seeking a quieter alternative to crowded beaches, this beach in Norfolk is an ideal choice. Lapped by gentle waves flowing in from Chesapeake Bay, Ocean View Beach Park is a good spot for Virginia fishing and crabbing, swimming, sunbathing, and just lazing around and enjoying the view. A number of tackle and bait shops complement the area's commercial piers while the bathhouse, gazebo, and picnic tables make spending the entire day easy.

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There are three beach parks located in Norfolk—Community Beach Park, Sarah Constant Beach Park, and Ocean View Beach Park. All parks offer showers and restrooms for public use, but only Ocean View Beach affords visitors a number of extra services and special events. A shuttle running from the center of town every twenty minutes offers visitors transportation to the beach so you can leave your rental cars behind if you'd like. Anyone driving to the beach in Norfolk, Virginia will enjoy free parking in the adjacent lot.

At Ocean View Beach Park, several rental options offer a chance to enjoy a number of water-based activities. Onsite rentals include jet skis, sail boats and, paddleboats from the park's Watersports Shop. Along with watersports, park visitors can also enjoy beachcombing for shells, casual walks along the beach and pier, and watching the ships and submarines passing from the close by naval association. With so many acres to explore, over-crowding is hardly a problem at this beach in Norfolk. Other nearby attractions include the Children's Museum of Virginia, the Norfolk Botanical Garden, the Chrysler Museum of Art and, and the USS Wisconsin. Richmond, Virginia is only an hour and half away, affording even more things to do during Virginia tours.