In the Resort Area between Rudee Loop and 42nd Street, dogs are banned from the sand and the water for the whole season, which the city code defines as 6pm on the Friday before Memorial Day through 6pm on Labor Day. During that season leashed dogs are allowed on the Boardwalk between 6am and 7pm only. Outside it, pets are welcome on the beach and the Boardwalk at any time, leashed on the Boardwalk and allowed off leash on the sand.
Alcohol is banned on the sand and on any parking area, street or right of way next to the beach, all year, and public consumption is separately banned on the beach, boardwalk, bike path, sidewalks and parks. A permitted special event is the only exception.
Fires are banned on every sand beach in Virginia Beach at all times. There is no beach bonfire permit.
A tent, shelter or structure may go up during the day but must come down for the night: it is unlawful to erect, maintain, use or occupy one between 8pm and 8am without a permit. Unattended chairs, umbrellas and windbreakers may not be left where they obstruct public use of the beach.
Glass containers of any kind are banned on the sand and on any parking area, street or right of way next to the beach, all year.
Fishing from the sand between 42nd Street and Rudee Inlet is prohibited during the resort season, May 1 through September 30, from 10am to 4pm on weekdays and 10am to 6pm at weekends and on holidays. Shark fishing is prohibited everywhere in the city and within 500 yards of the mean low water line at all times, including chumming or using tackle meant to attract sharks.
Not verified here
We have not verified this rule for this beach yet. Check with the city before you rely on it.
We have not verified this rule for this beach yet. Check with the city before you rely on it.
We have not verified this rule for this beach yet. Check with the city before you rely on it.
We have not verified this rule for this beach yet. Check with the city before you rely on it.
Source: City of Virginia Beach, Beach Rules & Safety · checked 2026-09-09. Rules change by ordinance and by season. When it matters, confirm with the posted signs.
Dogs at Virginia Beach: In the Resort Area between Rudee Loop and 42nd Street, dogs are banned from the sand and the water for the whole season, which the city code defines as 6pm on the Friday before Memorial Day through 6pm on Labor Day. During that season leashed dogs are allowed on the Boardwalk between 6am and 7pm only. Outside it, pets are welcome on the beach and the Boardwalk at any time, leashed on the Boardwalk and allowed off leash on the sand. Not allowed at Virginia Beach: alcohol, glass, fires & grills. Allowed only in places or at certain times: dogs, tents & shade, fishing. Checked against City of Virginia Beach, Beach Rules & Safety on 2026-09-09. Rules we have not verified for Virginia Beach are marked as such rather than guessed on the beach rules page.