The Best 3 Summer Portrait Locations in Virginia Beach Virginia

Trying to find the best summer portrait locations in Virginia Beach Virginia can be challenging, especially if your looking for places that aren’t super crowded! So, if your looking for where to take your spring or summer family photos in Virginia Beach this year… I’ve got you covered!

After years of photographing families all over the Hampton Roads area, Virginia Beach has some of the most beautiful spots. So today, I’ve narrowed down my three absolute favorite locations, each offering something totally different, all with ample privacy for your family. Whether you’re dreaming of coastal charm, lush garden elegance, or serene shoreline beauty, this guide will help you choose the perfect spot for your family’s portraits. No more guesswork, just gorgeous photos in the best summer portrait locations in Virginia Beach, Virginia!

East Beach, Norfolk: Coastal Charm with Classic Details

Tucked along the Chesapeake Bay, East Beach in Norfolk blends breezy beach vibes with timeless architecture. This walkable neighborhood is filled with charming pastel homes, white fences, and peaceful dunes that create a soft, coastal backdrop. The open shoreline is especially stunning during golden hour, when the sun dips low over the water and bathes everything in warm light.

When looking for summer portrait locations in Virginia Beach Virginia, East Beach in Norfolk is ideal for families looking for that effortless, barefoot-on-the-beach feel without the crowds of the oceanfront. The setting pairs beautifully with neutral tones, breezy linen outfits, and beachy textures like straw hats or barefoot toes in the sand. These images feel light, joyful, and timeless, which are perfect for displaying in coastal or modern home spaces.

It’s also very family friendly and only a short drive from Virginia Beach! There’s ample street parking, plenty of space for little ones to run, and soft sand that’s easy on tiny feet. If you’re looking for summer portraits with a laid-back feel and lots of open sky, East Beach is the spot.

One thing I love about this location is how you can get two different feels it! If you want the beach scene but also some coastal homey vibes, the neighborhoods are an amazing spot!

Norfolk Botanical Garden: Lush, Upscale and Blooming

For families who love greenery, blooms, and beautifully manicured spaces, Norfolk Botanical Garden is a summer dream. With over 175 acres of gardens, trails, and water features, this location is endlessly inspiring. You’ll find everything from rose gardens to shady wooded paths to open lawns framed by tall trees! All spots offer a unique feel for your portraits and is right outside of Virginia Beach.

The Botanical Garden shines in summer, with vibrant colors and full blooms making every corner feel alive. The location lends itself to a polished, romantic aesthetic which is perfect for flowing dresses, timeless styles, and soft, elegant tones like blush, sage, or ivory. The images here feel lush and full of life, ideal for traditional or refined home decor.

When looking for summer portrait locations in Virginia Beach Virginia, making sure the location is family friendly is a MUST! I love how the paths are stroller-friendly (I’m a mom of two girls who are still in strollers), there are nearby restrooms, and shaded spots offer breaks for little ones (a MUST for me, as a client). There is a photography permit fee, but the beauty and variety of backdrops make it more than worth it!

North End, Virginia Beach: Secluded Shoreline Beauty

If you’re dreaming of classic beach portraits without the hustle and bustle of crowded boardwalks, North End is your hidden gem. Nestled at the far end of Virginia Beach, this area offers wide, quiet beaches and soft sand dunes that stretch into the horizon. It’s peaceful, open, and full of sky, which is everything you could want for a calm and natural summer session.

North End is perfect for barefoot adventures and relaxed moments. Whether you’re cuddling close in the dunes or running along the shoreline with your little ones, the scenery keeps the focus on connection. Outfit colors like pale blue, khaki, white, and soft coral work beautifully here and evoke a relaxed, timeless feel.

There’s limited public parking, so it’s best to plan your session during off-peak hours or coordinate nearby parking in advance. The walk to the beach is short and manageable for families, and the quiet nature of the area allows everyone to relax into the moment!

How to Choose the Right Spot for You | Summer Portrait Locations in Virginia Beach Virginia

Each of these summer portrait locations in Virginia Beach Virginia brings its own magic. East Beach offers charm and coastal calm. Norfolk Botanical Garden brings lush, colorful beauty. North End provides peaceful, open space with that perfect touch of seaside serenity.

When I guide families through choosing the right location, I always consider how you want to feel during your session and how you want to remember this season of life. Do you imagine sand between your toes or blooms behind your children? Do you want something polished, relaxed, or a mix of both?

No matter which setting you choose, your session should reflect your family’s style and story!

Ready to Book Your Summer Session?

f one of these locations sounds like the perfect match for your family, let’s make it official! I have limited summer session availability and would love to help you create meaningful memories in one of Virginia Beach’s most beautiful places. Reach out today to book your date and let’s capture your family’s story in a way that feels deeply personal and truly you.

Still unsure which spot is right? I’m happy to help you decide on the best summer portrait location in Virginia Beach Virginia based on your vision and your family’s needs!