Grommet Island Park — Attraction in Virginia Beach

This isn't just any beach park – it's a truly special place, and one that genuinely warms your heart. Imagine a beach where everyone can enjoy the sand, sun, and ocean breeze, regardless of their physical abilities. That's exactly what Grommet Island Park is all about! Located right on the Virginia Beach oceanfront at 2nd Street, it's proudly America's first fully accessible oceanfront park. What makes it so fantastic? Inclusivity at its Core: The entire park is designed "for everyBODY." This means smooth, poured-in-place surfacing that's easy for wheelchairs to navigate, wide ramps on the playground, and even accessible swings and a teeter-totter. It's truly a place where kids and adults of all abilities can play side-by-side. Thoughtful Play Features: Beyond the general accessibility, they've included incredibly thoughtful elements like raised sand tables for sandcastle building (perfect for wheelchair users!), a sensory board for children with autism and visual impairments, and playful sculptures of dolphins and surfboards that kids can interact with. Beach Access for All: They offer free beach wheelchairs, available on a first-come, first-served basis, and staff is usually on hand to help. This means those who might otherwise be limited to the boardwalk can actually get down onto the sand and feel the ocean. Beautiful Location: You're right on the oceanfront, with stunning views of the Atlantic and the Rudee Inlet. It's a fantastic spot for a picnic (they have accessible picnic tables!), a leisurely stroll, or just soaking up the vibrant Virginia Beach atmosphere. Inspired by a Local Story: The park was inspired by a local surfer, Josh Thompson (a "grommet" in surfer slang), who was diagnosed with ALS. His family's desire for him to continue enjoying the beach led to the creation of this groundbreaking park, a testament to community spirit and making a difference. While it's primarily a playground and accessible beach access point, it's more than that – it's a symbol of what's possible when design prioritizes universal access. It's a heartwarming place to visit, whether you have specific accessibility needs or just appreciate a truly inclusive and well-designed public space. It can get busy, especially during peak season, so be mindful of parking, but the joy and smiles you'll see there are...

As I stepped onto the soft, sun-warmed sands of Grommet Island Beach Park, I prepared myself for yet another beachside spectacle—a place that, at a glance, seemed destined to blend into the monotonous oceanfront offerings of Virginia Beach. Yet, much like the first spoonful of a deceptively simple dish, the park revealed itself to be a revelation. Its design is not just inclusive but inspiring, a space where accessibility and beauty unite in harmonious perfection. From the whimsical playground that delights young explorers to the sensory joy of the sea breeze unfettered by barriers, Grommet Island is a triumph of thoughtful engineering and artistry.

The park, however, does not rest solely on its laurels of design. Its charm is magnified by the energy of its visitors—a medley of children laughing, waves crashing, and the rhythmic hum of wheelchair wheels gliding across smooth pathways. It is a place where humanity’s capacity for connection is on full display, a banquet of moments both shared and solitary. Grommet Island Beach Park is not just a destination; it is an experience, a reminder that simplicity and sincerity, when executed with care, can transcend expectation and leave even the most skeptical critic savoring the richness of life’s...

We traveled a little over 5 hours to Grommet Park on Sunday, 5/26/19. Due to it being a weekend we paid $10 to park and was VERY surprised we could even find parking at 9am due to a Surf competition and Art Show. The park surprised me quite a bit actually. It was somewhat clean, considering thousands of people were on the beach and park area. I did my part and cleaned up nearly a full bag of trash while there. The restrooms were very crowded but hey, can't complain there were actually bathrooms in the beach! Free for public use! There were park attendants cleaning and replacing trash bags. We stayed a total of 13 hours and had an absolute blast! I highly recommend going. They have beach accessible wheelchairs for people to use. A very nice playground with quite a bit to do. It's neat that many of the ships use the bay right beside of it. Definitely worth the 400 mile drive. We will return. Hoping next time though there isn't a huge expo and...