Here's how to plan a trip to Outlook Beach. Published on May 12, 2026 The sandy shores of Outlook Beach in Virginia. Credit: Sarah Hauser/Virginia Tourism Corporation Outlook Beach in Hampton is a less-crowded option for summer fun along Virginia's coast. In addition to surf and sand, the beach has historical attractions, as well as nearby spots for drinks and seafood. The public beach also offers restrooms and public parking. Among Virginia’s 10,000 miles of shoreline is a quaint swath of sandy shore in Hampton: Outlook Beach. This “secret beach” offers more than stunning water vistas and golden sands. What distinguishes it from other public beaches is its unique historical roots. The beach is situated along the Chesapeake Bay at the base of historic Fort Monroe, the largest masonry fortification in the United States. Fort Monroe was a site of strategic importance during the American Civil War, serving as the only Union-held fortified base in the Upper South.…