Norfolk County, VA · Chesapeake Bay

Ocean View Beach

7.3 miles of free Chesapeake Bay shoreline on Norfolk's north edge — three distinct beach parks (Ocean View Beach Park, Sarah Constant, Community Beach) plus the Ocean View Fishing Pier at 1,690 feet, the longest free-standing fishing pier in North America. Calm Bay water, summer concert series at the outdoor stage.

Eats & Drinks23

Today's Conditions

Skip the beach today.

Thunderstorms · NWS alert active · 96°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 106. Southwest wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tonight

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2am and 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 79. Heat index values as high as 102. Southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Weather

96°F air — heat risk — serious hydration required
23% rain — pop-up showers possible

Water

80°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
3.6ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids

Safety

Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
UV 10 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
NWS alert active — severe thunderstorm watch issued july 18 at 2:14pm edt until july 18 at 9:00pm edt by nws wakefield va

15 /100

skip

0 Swim

37 Sunbathe

20 Walk

0 Fish

25 Photo

Best for sunbathing today

Weather alert in effect

Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 2:14PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA

Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 9:28AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

96°F

Mostly Cloudy

Wind

15 mph

Rain

23%

This Afternoon

UV Peak

10 Very High

High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~20m

Burn-free before 08 AM & after 06 PM

Tomorrow

88°F

Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

Water

Water Temp

80°F

Swimming weather

Sea Nettles

No nettles expected

3% probability · York Spit buoy

Water Quality

Elevated

288 cfu/100mL · E. coli

USGS · sampled 2mo ago

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

5:59 AM

Sunset

8:22 PM

Moon · 18%

Waxing Crescent

Neap tides — smaller range

Tides

Time	Type	Height
12:37 AM	High	2.8 ft
6:58 AM	Low	-0.0 ft
1:13 PM	High	2.8 ft
7:27 PM	Low	0.2 ft

Time	Type	Height
1:26 AM	High	2.6 ft
7:45 AM	Low	0.1 ft
2:03 PM	High	2.7 ft
8:25 PM	Low	0.3 ft

Time	Type	Height
2:13 AM	High	2.3 ft
8:32 AM	Low	0.2 ft
2:53 PM	High	2.7 ft
9:24 PM	Low	0.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:01 AM	High	2.2 ft
9:19 AM	Low	0.3 ft
3:44 PM	High	2.6 ft
10:22 PM	Low	0.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:53 AM	High	2.0 ft
10:07 AM	Low	0.4 ft
4:40 PM	High	2.6 ft
11:21 PM	Low	0.6 ft

Time	Type	Height
4:53 AM	High	1.9 ft
10:59 AM	Low	0.5 ft
5:39 PM	High	2.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
12:15 AM	Low	0.6 ft
5:57 AM	High	1.9 ft
11:52 AM	Low	0.5 ft
6:33 PM	High	2.5 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 8638610, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Jul 18

96°

Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

23%

Sun Jul 19

88°

Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

62%

Mon Jul 20

84°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

53%

Tue Jul 21

90°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

62%

Wed Jul 22

86°

Showers And Thunderstorms

85%

Thu Jul 23

81°

Chance Rain Showers

41%

Fri Jul 24

81°

Chance Rain Showers

25%

What to Bring Today

critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 10 — very high
recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 15 mph wind
optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 80°F
critical Extra water / electrolytes 96°F - heat risk
recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Best Fishing Times Today

Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.

Minor

10:10 PM - 11:10 PM

Major

3:40 AM - 5:40 AM

Minor

10:10 AM - 11:10 AM

Major

3:50 PM - 5:50 PM

Beach Info

Parking

Free at Ocean View Beach Park (70 spaces, 4 ADA) and adjacent lots. Pier parking separate.

Dogs

Leashed dogs permitted on beach; cleanup required.

Entry Fee

Free beach access; Ocean View Fishing Pier $11/person (no license needed)

Address

100 W Ocean View Ave, Norfolk, VA 23503

Amenities

beachfishing pieroutdoor stagefoot rinsersrestroomsbenchesshade treestackle shoprestaurant at pier

Frequently Asked

Is it safe to swim at Ocean View Beach today?

Ocean View Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

Is Ocean View Beach dog-friendly?

Leashed dogs permitted on beach; cleanup required.

Is there an entry fee at Ocean View Beach?

Entry to Ocean View Beach is free.

Are there lifeguards at Ocean View Beach?

No lifeguards are stationed at Ocean View Beach. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.

What amenities are at Ocean View Beach?

Amenities at Ocean View Beach include beach, fishing pier, outdoor stage, foot rinsers, restrooms, benches, shade trees, tackle shop.

When is the water warmest at Ocean View Beach?

The Chesapeake warms quickly — water temperatures peak in late July and August, typically 78-82°F. Swimming comfortable from mid-June through September.

Where is Ocean View Beach located?

Ocean View Beach is in Norfolk County, VA, at 100 W Ocean View Ave, Norfolk, VA 23503.