Welcome to our guide to Virginia Beach, VA. We keep it short: where the town is, who lives there, and what the water is doing today.

Quick answer: Virginia Beach, VA is an independent city with about 453,737 residents in 2025. Its tides come from NOAA station 8639168, Virginia Beach. The closest town in our guide is Norfolk, about 17 miles away.

Contents

About Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is an independent city in Virginia. It is not part of any county.[1] About 453,737 people lived there in 2025.[2]

Tides Today

The tide box on this page shows today’s highs and lows. They come from NOAA station 8639168, Virginia Beach. NOAA tide tables use only past data. Wind and weather can push the water higher or lower.[3]

Nearby Bay Towns

Town Miles away (straight line)
Norfolk 17
Hampton 24
Cape Charles 29

We measured these from official map points.[1]

National Park Site

The National Park Service lists Cape Henry Memorial among its sites in Virginia.[4] It is part of Colonial National Historical Park.

Before You Go Out

Check the marine forecast on our tides page first. NOAA says wind forecasts get less sure after one or two days. So check again on the day you go.[3] Then have a good day on the Bay.

Frequently asked questions

What county is Virginia Beach, VA in? None. Virginia Beach is an independent city.

How many people live in Virginia Beach? About 453,737 residents in 2025, according to the Census Bureau.

Where can I see tides for Virginia Beach? In the tide box on this page, from NOAA station 8639168.

What Bay town is closest to Virginia Beach? Norfolk, about 17 miles away in a straight line.

References

See every town and station on our Chesapeake Bay map.