There’s almost nothing better than visiting Norfolk’s beaches on a hot summer day—except, perhaps, visiting those same beaches during fall. When the autumn season rolls around, Norfolk’s beachy neighborhood of Ocean View transforms into a blissful experience, minus the scorching temperatures. We invite you to breathe in the brisk, salty air, feel the cool sand beneath your feet and enjoy a stroll with a warm fall beverage in hand. Here are just a few things to celebrate about Ocean View in autumn.
1. The beaches are less crowded—and you can bring your dog.
Ocean View’s sandy beaches meet the beautiful Chesapeake Bay, a perfect setting for a stroll any time of year. Dress in cozy layers to explore more than seven miles of shoreline in a calm and serene setting. Traveling with a four-legged friend? Bring Fido along! Leashed dogs are welcome on Norfolk’s beaches Labor Day through Memorial Day. Free parking is available at Community Beach Park, Ocean View Beach Park, and Sarah Constant Beach Park.
2. It’s arguably the best season for flavored lattes (and flavored beers) .
Whether you look forward to a traditional pumpkin spice or like to turn things up a notch with maple, butterscotch and caramel, it’s the perfect season to cozy up to a coffee counter and order something hot for a brisk day. Stop by COVA Brewing Co., serving a fantastic lineup of coffees, plus beer, wine, seltzers and ciders on tap. Caffeinate to your heart’s content with one of COVA’s homemade syrups available in fun fall flavors. Speaking of delicious fall beverages, it would be a shame to leave COVA Brewing not having tried their pumpkin spiced latte ale.
3. The fish are probably biting. The views are definitely worth trying.
As the Chesapeake Bay cools off, the striper fishing season heats up! The striped bass season is an anticipated fall gift for Chesapeake Bay fishers. An abundance of Virginia state records for award-winning large striped bass has come from these prime fishing waters, with catches up to 70 pounds! Cast a line from shore, or find a chartered fishing excursion here. Ocean View’s famous Ocean View Fishing Pier, along with their handy tackle shop, will be open for your fishing needs until around Thanksgiving or as long as weather permits.
4. It’s barbecue season.
The smell of savory smoked barbecue wafting through the crisp fall air is something we can’t get enough of this time of year. If you’re in that same frame of mind, head to Bar-Q, located at Bold Mariner Brewing Company, for a platter of something tasty, smoky and irresistible.
5. It’s also seafood season.
Just kidding; it’s always seafood season in Norfolk. But, we do love to talk about Ocean View’s seafood restaurants, including Longboards, Captain Groovy’s Grill and Raw Bar, Stony’s Dockside Bar and Grill and the Ocean View Fishing Pier Restaurant. All of these traditional seafood spots are casual, welcoming and ready to warm you up with a steaming bowl of she crab soup after a chilly fall day.
