Virginia Beach, VA
From the oceanfront beaches, long nature trails, and the downtown city, Virginia Beach has so many photo worthy spots to find and visit. Virginia Beach has a gorgeous view of the sunrise along the oceanfront beach in the morning, and the the brightest sunsets that face the bay in the evenings. As a photographer in Virginia Beach, Virginia, I’ve gone ahead and gathered a list of my personal favorite photo locations in Virginia Beach / Norfolk Virginia to help you in your search!
Certain locations may require photo permit(s) or entrance fees! It’s best to check the websites for these locations for more in depth information. Check for a star (*) under the locations that have fees.
1. Virginia Beach Oceanfront / Boardwalk
Well it wouldn’t be a Virginia Beach location list without including the most obvious, the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Boardwalk. Located directly off the main strip, the Virginia Beach oceanfront boardwalk extends a total of 3 miles, from 2nd to 40th street. The large beach, open ocean, and tall fishing pier all make for great photo spots for your next photoshoot in Virginia Beach.
**Parking can be found throughout the streets, and parking fees are dependent on the season of year and/or the time of day. Metered Parking at Virginia Beach Oceanfront has a $2/hour fee from April 1st-October 31st.
2. First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park is another gorgeous photography spot in Virginia Beach. Located right next to Virginia Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk, First Landing State Park has trails extending for 20 miles, and direct access to the Chesapeake Bay beach front.
The long trails, small walking bridges, and sand dunes right on the beach make First Landing State Park another great photoshoot spot in Virginia Beach. It’s also a great spot to catch the sun setting right along the water.
**A photographer permit is required for all commercial work, and can take up to two weeks to obtain one. At this time, they require a $25 fee proof of insurance to photograph at their location. The parking entrance fee can range from $7-$10 depending on the time of year.
3. Downtown Norfolk, Virginia
Right outside Virginia Beach, just about 20 minutes away is the city of Norfolk, Virginia. Just by walking the streets downtown, you’ll find many gorgeous spots to stop and take photos. Some of the most popular spots in the downtown square is the U.S.S. Wisconsin, Granby Street, the Freemason District, and the Pagoda & Oriental Garden.
**Parking can be found throughout the streets , and parking fees are dependent of area/time of day. Meter parking, lots, and garages are all available to park in.
4. Pleasure House Point
One of my personal favorite locations for photoshoots in the Virginia Beach area is Pleasure House Point. One of the best spots for a gorgeous view of the sunset and the sunrise, depending on which trail you take. With a mix between nature trails, open fields, and a small beach surrounded by sand dunes, Pleasure House Point is a great chose for a photoshoot location.
**Parking for Pleasure House Point trails are alongside Marlin Bay Drive in Virginia Beach.
5. Lake Smith Lake Lawson Natural Area
Looking for more of a nature trail/lake vibe? Lake Lawson Natural Area is a great spot to go for your next photoshoot in the Virginia Beach area! Although most people don’t even know of this park, it’s definitely a hidden beauty in VA Beach. The park has over 42 acres total, and includes paved and unpaved trails, water overlooks, and a pedestrian bridge. As you walk around, you’ll find many spots worthy enough to stop and take some photos, all with a gorgeous view of the lake.
**Free Parking
There you have it! There’s 5 Photography Spots in Virginia Beach, including the most popular, and the hidden treasures! Whether your vibe is an open beach, a wooded nature trail, or a downtown city, Virginia Beach has the spots you’re looking for, and you’ll be sure to capture some great memories.
Let me help you capture your love story at your favorite Virginia Beach location! Reach out to me, tell me your vision, and let’s capture some memories that will last a LIFETIME!
