The Five Best Places to Photograph in Virginia Beach

I recently received a message from someone planning a vacation and looking for the best photography spots in Virginia Beach. Always eager to brag about the beauty of my hometown, I put together a list of my favorite places to photograph. Whether you are on vacation looking to share on Instagram, a new resident exploring the area, or a salty local still in love with your town- these spots in Virginia Beach are always worth a visit.

Sunrise at the Little Island Fishing Pier

Located at the far southern end of Virginia Beach called Sandbridge, the Little Island Fishing Pier is the local’s favorite fishing pier. Away from the hustle and bustle of the oceanfront, Little Island Pier and Park feels like a quiet retreat at a hidden gem of a beach. Whether you are photographing long exposures under the pier, landscapes from the shore, surfers in the waves, or chasing birds across the skyline, a visit to Little Island is a must! Be sure to stop at the Sandbridge Market for freshly made donuts on your way in!

The Cape Henry Lighthouse at Fort Story

I will never forget my first time visiting the Cape Henry Lighthouse, I was in 3rd grade; and we were doing a unit on local history. I was utterly mesmerized by the tall tower sitting so close to the sea and the stories of it guiding sailors through the dark skies. Years later, when I got married, our wedding had a lighthouse theme with replicas of Cape Henry centering the tables. To me, lighthouses have always held promise, and hope, and served as grounding inspiration. The “new” Cape Henry Lighthouse is my favorite, located on Fort Story, a U.S. military base. The lighthouse and other historic locations on the base can be visited by riding a free shuttle and passing through security. My favorite location to photograph the new lighthouse is from the other side of the dunes on the beach. Be sure to visit the “old” lighthouse to learn its rich history and make the climb to the top!

Stumpy Lake Natural Area

Stumpy Lake is one of my favorite places to visit on a foggy day. Cypress trees stand tall in the lake’s center, creating ideal compositions in misty weather. The lake can be approached from two different areas- a boardwalk and fishing dock towards the south end and the causeway leading to the golf course at the north end. To photograph the trees, you’ll want to follow the road toward Stumpy Lake Golf Course (which also makes for a fun outing in Virginia Beach!). In addition to landscape and nature photography options, the lake is rich with birds- learn more from my friend Rob at Beach Birding.

The Virginia Beach Oceanfront

There are so many photo opportunities at the Virginia Beach oceanfront that it calls for its own blog post! Until then, I’d suggest hopping on a bike with your camera backpack and traveling the length of the boardwalk. Must-see sights include Rudee Inlet and the First Street Jetty, the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, and the King Neptune statue. Be sure to turn off at the north end for a view of the magnificent Cavalier Hotel- a recently restored and updated icon from the roaring twenties. This is the perfect spot for a late afternoon cocktail on the back lawn.

Sunset at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

At the far south end of Virginia Beach’s Sandbridge community lies a seldom visited natural treasure, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.  The expansive beaches feel wilder than the shores just a few miles north and are littered with the footprints of sandpipers rather than humans.  On the west side, the marsh waters of Back Bay serve as the fishing holes for the Great Blue Heron and a wealth of others animals.  My favorite reason for visiting is to photograph the sunset over Back Bay.  Watching the sunset from the west-facing shoreline, you’d never imagine you were standing on the far east side of the country.  Be sure to pack bug spray if you visit any time other than winter as they can be vicious here!

If you’re interested in exploring more of the best photography locations in Virginia Beach, sign up for The Saltwater Retreat Sandbridge or the Sunset at Back Bay photography workshop.