Is Ocean Park safe?
Virginia Beach, Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Ocean Park as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Ocean Park
“Go. Ocean Park is a peaceful, affluent bayside enclave known for its scenic coastal views and relaxed local dining. Violent crime is exceptionally rare, and property crime remains significantly below national averages, making it an extremely safe destination for visitors.”
Recent municipal news focuses on traffic calming measures along the Shore Drive corridor and coastal erosion management around the Lynnhaven Inlet.
About the area
Situated along the Chesapeake Bay just west of the Lesner Bridge, Ocean Park is a tranquil coastal neighborhood favored by locals over the busier Oceanfront resort area. It features calm bay beaches, leafy side streets, and popular waterfront seafood spots along Shore Drive.
- Coastal / Bayside
- Quiet Residential
- Relaxed Beach Vibe
- Family-Friendly
Walking and biking in Ocean Park
Walk score: 52/100 · Bike score: 64/100
Dedicated shared-use paths along Shore Drive connect seamlessly over the Lesner Bridge to the extensive trail network at First Landing State Park, though docked public bike-share is limited.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Exceptionally low rates of violent and serious property crime relative to national averages
- Affluent economic foundation characterized by high median household income and high homeownership
- Calm, family-friendly bay beach access with significantly less congestion than the oceanfront boardwalk
Cons
- High-speed vehicular traffic along Shore Drive poses pedestrian crossing hazards
- Occasional seasonal vehicle break-ins during peak summer beach months
- Strict residential parking enforcement limits convenient access for non-local motorists
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Ocean Park, with no established encampments or regular panhandling in the neighborhood.
What Ocean Park is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and exceptionally safe, filled with residents walking dogs, jogging, and heading toward the bay.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Active with beachgoers and casual diners, maintaining a safe and family-friendly atmosphere.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Pleasantly bustling around Shore Drive dining spots as patrons gather for sunset meals.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and dark on residential side streets, remaining remarkably secure with virtually no foot traffic.
Transit, parking and getting around
Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) provides bus service via Route 33 along Shore Drive, connecting Ocean Park to the Oceanfront and points west, though service is infrequent.
On-street parking in residential zones is tightly restricted to permit holders, leaving limited public access parking near beach paths and dedicated customer lots for local businesses.
Things to do in Ocean Park
- Relax or paddleboard along the calm, shallow waters of the Chesapeake Bay shoreline
- Walk the elevated pedestrian path across the Lesner Bridge for panoramic sunset views of Lynnhaven Inlet
- Launch a kayak into the scenic marshlands and tributaries of Long Creek
Local favorites
- Buoy 44 Seafood Grill · Seafood Restaurant · 4.4★ (1850)Direct beachfront eatery serving fresh catch, raw oysters, and drinks with panoramic bay vistas.
- Commonwealth Brewing Company · Brewery · 4.6★ (1200)Renowned craft brewery housed in a restored former fire station with a spacious family-friendly beer garden.
- Taste · Gourmet Deli · 4.7★ (650)Longtime local staple known for signature sandwiches, house dressings, and specialty picnic provisions.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.