Stay Local, Play Local: Top Beach Spots in Charlottesville

Featuring 45 water acres and 2 beach acres, Walnut Creek Park offers a great, local escape featuring sand, swimming, and plenty of fun!

Located between Charlottesville and Scottsville a few miles off of Route 20, this park is a short drive for folks in Charlottesville or areas south of the city.

After you've enjoyed your time on the sandy shore, be sure to explore the other offerings available at this county park. You can find 15 miles of trails for hiking, biking, or running, and there's even an 18-hole disc golf course!

For those visiting the northern end of Charlottesville or Albemarle County, your beach vacation isn't far! Boasting 53 water acres and 2 beach acres, Chris Greene Lake promises to cool visitors down on even the hottest of summer days.

Enjoy some quality time on the sand-covered beaches, or if you're feeling a bit more adventurous, rent a canoe and enjoy the lake from a different vantage point. There's even a dog park on site for your four-legged friends, so every member of the family can get in on the fun. Want our full guide to a dog-friendly trip to Charlottesville? Check out our guide, featuring the best places to go with your furry friend!

Located a short drive away just outside of Crozet, this 520-acre park features 8 water acres and 1 beach acre. In addition to its swimming beach, Mint Springs Valley Park features two state regulated stock trout lakes, an ADA wheelchair-accessible fishing pier, and reservable picnic shelters (featuring charcoal grills and nearby restrooms). Want to explore the park? Head out and hike the park's five miles worth of trails!

For the best experience, we recommend stopping in to visit Crozet before or after your time at the beach. There are a number of excellent restaurants to try out, such as Crozet Pizza, Coconut Thai Kitchen, or the newly opened Crozet Crepe Company! Looking for something sweet? You can't go wrong with some ice cream from Crozet Creamery!