who lives in VA beach or Tidewater and never goes to the beach? (Virginia Beach: oceanfront, houses)

[Serenity2019]

I had a question,
I am a lover of the water, Chesapeake Bay and Lynnhaven River, Lafayette River in Norfolk (fishing and crabbing with my Dad, and Grandad when I was young), and the Atlantic Ocean.
I go to the water often , whenever I can, whether to ride the waves, fish, or just walk on the bay or beach.
I do not believe I will ever live away from the East Coast.

Does anybody live in Tidewater and never go around the water and why? I see the same thing here in Charleston , Sc. I have friends that never , ever go to the beach or the water!
The main reason I live somewhere or want to move back to Virginia Beach is the coast. Am I the minority?

[CrazyTed]

I grew up on the southern end of the NJ shore. The real Jersey Shore, not the MTV version. We spent a great deal of time on the beach, working on the docks, fixing commercial fishing vessels, etc. I met a girl on the Wildwood boardwalk who I later married. When she graduated college we came to Va Beach for her to get a job teaching. I followed along and also worked for the city.
We hardly ever go to the beach around here. The way folks act tends to ruin the fun. We do hit the inner waterways for water skiing and tubing. When we want to hit the beach, we head to Ocracoke Island, NC. Much more laid back and fun for us.

[tvpirate05]

I've never heard of anyone not going on the water around here. I think folks here still enjoy it one way or another, just not the way the tourists do. However, I think locals still hit the "touristy" parts of the beach (I'd say the part between 15th-25th streets), but a lot of us go to other beaches in the area (Chicks Beach, Sandbridge, Buckroe, even Ocean View) to avoid the tourists.

The great thing about this area is that you have quite a few options when you want to relax on the water...

[Coconut1]

I don't. Last time I was down at the Oceanfront was for the Neptune Fest a couple years back (2010, I think.) My problem with VA Beach is that the water always looks so dirty, the sand is like a giant ashtray, there's far too many smokers who couldn't care less about which way their smoke is blowing and honestly there's just really not a whole lot to do.

I, too, am so used to the shore that VA Beach will never compare. It just can't hold a candle to places like Wildwood.

[Serenity2019]

Originally Posted by Coconut1

I don't. Last time I was down at the Oceanfront was for the Neptune Fest a couple years back (2010, I think.) My problem with VA Beach is that the water always looks so dirty, the sand is like a giant ashtray, there's far too many smokers who couldn't care less about which way their smoke is blowing and honestly there's just really not a whole lot to do.

I, too, am so used to the shore that VA Beach will never compare. It just can't hold a candle to places like Wildwood.

That's a real shame. I love Va. Beach and the water is no different than in NC beaches or SC beaches where I now live. The water is not dirty at all, just the color is different. It is a shame that people don't take care of the beach and pick up their trash and cigarettes. I think the boardwalk and all the sand looks beautiful there. You shouldn't let a few litterers ruin your time at the beach.
And, if you don't like VB and think another beach is better, move on !

[JoeHenry]

I love the north end of Va Beach.Dont go on the strip to much.But Marys kitchen is my favorite place for breakfest at the beach. The north ends beaches are alot bigger.Not much parking.But its mostly locals that go there.Iv never seen it crowded.You got to walk alittle bit but when I go its worth it.

[Katherineramos]

i live in miami 5 minutes away from the beach and never go to the beach. i still haven't tanned!!! mainly because of work and there are so many other activities to do.

[froggin4colorado]

I don't care for the beach at all. I will make more space for the beach lovers by staying away and allowing you to have my parking spot.
The reason why- the exact reason you probably love it: sand, smell of the ocean, salt water with ocean animals swimming around, waves, and sun beating down on a hot day. If I were to go, I wouldn't go in summer or any other hot day, but then I am dealing with the sand and the smell.

[Serenity2019]

Originally Posted by froggin4colorado

I don't care for the beach at all. I will make more space for the beach lovers by staying away and allowing you to have my parking spot.
The reason why- the exact reason you probably love it: sand, smell of the ocean, salt water with ocean animals swimming around, waves, and sun beating down on a hot day. If I were to go, I wouldn't go in summer or any other hot day, but then I am dealing with the sand and the smell.

Thanks for your kindness. I will gladly take your spot! I love all the things you hate! I love them! I even love the smell of blue crabs and seafood driving over the Hampton Roads Bridge tunnel.

[UHgrad]

I think there really needs to be a distinction drawn between the strip (1st -40thish street) and all of the other beaches around here. We rarely go to the strip, maybe for ECSC and Neptune festival during high season and to walk the dogs in the winter, but we go to the beach a lot (Sandbridge, North End, First Landing). I've never seen trash or cigarettes on 83rd street and it is not crowded because there is limited parking. I can launch my kayak, fish, surf, or let the dogs run off leash down there with no issues and we really enjoy it. It is beautiful with the nice houses lining the dunes and the tourist area off in the horizon.

I do have friends though that never go, it just doesn't interest them.