Virginia Beach draws in visitors with its busy boardwalk, sandy shores, and vibrant entertainment.
Yet, not everyone craves constant motion during their getaway.
Smaller lakes within a few hours’ drive offer calm waters, soothing scenery, and an easy pace.
The selection here focuses on small-to-mid-sized lakes with peaceful atmospheres and straightforward access, perfect for those wanting to trade beach noise for quiet reflection.
1. Lake Drummond
Inside the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge lies Lake Drummond, a rare natural treasure and one of only two such lakes in Virginia.
About a 30–40 minute drive from Virginia Beach, the route takes you away from city noise into a secluded wetland setting.
Towering bald cypress trees rise from the swamp forest, their reflections creating a mirror-like surface on still days.
The water carries a natural dark tint caused by tannins from decaying vegetation, giving it a mysterious and photogenic quality, unlike some maintained lakes that use professional aeration and fountain systems to enhance clarity and visual appeal.
Kayaking and canoeing here feel like drifting through a quiet, timeless space. Anglers can expect rewarding catches of crappie and bowfin, with occasional surprises such as chain pickerel.
The lake’s regulations limit boat motor size, which ensures the water remains calm and wildlife remains undisturbed.
Those who visit early in the morning may spot egrets gliding overhead or turtles sunning on half-submerged logs.
Deer often wander close to the waterline, offering a glimpse of nature in its most unguarded moments.
- Location: Chesapeake, VA, inside Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
- Activities: Kayaking, canoeing, fishing
- Why it’s quiet: Motor size limits and protected habitat
2. The Mariners’ Lake
Set within the grounds of the Mariners’ Museum, Mariners’ Lake offers a blend of history, recreation, and nature about 45 minutes to an hour from Virginia Beach.
At 165 acres, the lake provides space for relaxed boating while still feeling intimate.
Surrounding it is a 550-acre park, home to a well-maintained 5-mile hiking trail that crosses multiple bridges and passes shaded, tree-lined sections perfect for breaks.
Small boat rentals allow for a leisurely day on the water, and picnicking spots with tables offer restful pauses.
Many visitors pair their lake time with a visit to the museum’s maritime exhibits, creating a day filled with both outdoor and cultural experiences.
The museum setting encourages a slower pace, with limited noise and minimal boat wake.
Wildlife such as ducks, herons, and turtles often appear close to shore, enhancing the tranquil mood.
- Location: Newport News, VA
- Activities: Boat rentals, hiking, picnicking, museum visits
- Why it’s quiet: Museum setting encourages calm recreation
3. Lake Maury Alternative Mention
For a lake-like experience in a historic coastal town, Yorktown Waterfront offers calm, bay-like waters perfect for relaxation.
The small sandy beach invites visitors to sit back and enjoy the sun, while paddleboarders and kayakers glide over gentle swells.
Historic architecture and colonial-era streets frame the waterfront, creating a setting that feels far removed from modern resort towns.
The area is dotted with cafes and boutiques, giving visitors plenty of options for food and shopping between time on the water.
Evening strolls along the pier are especially peaceful, with golden sunsets stretching across the York River.
Limited large-boat activity ensures that the water remains calm, making it a pleasant destination for anyone looking to combine leisure with light exploration of local culture.
- Location: Yorktown, VA
- Activities: Walking, beach relaxation, town exploration
- Why it’s quiet: Limited large-boat activity and a small-town setting
4. Lake Gaston (VA/NC Border)
Lake Gaston straddles the Virginia–North Carolina border, offering both expansive waters and secluded corners.
While it is known for recreation, certain coves remain quiet even during peak summer weekends.
These hidden areas, often bordered by wooded stretches and distant from marinas, provide excellent conditions for kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply floating without interruption.
Clear water and a variety of fish species make it attractive for anglers, while small sailboats take advantage of gentle breezes in the less-traveled sections.
Early risers often enjoy mirror-like reflections before the day’s activity begins.
Choosing a rental property or campsite in one of these quieter coves allows for a more private experience, even on a popular lake.
- Location: Virginia–North Carolina border
- Activities: Fishing, sailing, paddling
- Why it’s quiet: Remote coves far from heavy boat traffic
5. Sherando Lake (Lyndhurst, VA)
Sherando Lake offers a mountain escape about three hours from Virginia Beach.
Often called the “Jewel of the Blue Ridge,” it covers 24 acres and features a sandy swimming beach, making it a favorite for families and solo travelers seeking calm waters.
Forested slopes rise around the shoreline, muffling outside sounds and creating a cocoon-like atmosphere.
Visitors can paddleboard, swim, or fish for trout and bass. Multiple hiking trails begin near the lake, leading to scenic overlooks and shaded forest paths.
Picnic areas provide tables and grills, and a nearby campground makes it easy to extend the stay.
Seasonal lifeguards on duty during busy months offer added safety for swimmers.
- Location: Lyndhurst, VA
- Activities: Swimming, fishing, hiking, paddleboarding
- Why it’s quiet: Smaller size and mountain setting reduce noise
6. Philpott Lake (Franklin/Henry/Patrick Counties, VA)
Philpott Lake stretches over 2,880 acres with more than 100 miles of shoreline, much of it untouched by development.
Located about 4.5 hours from Virginia Beach, the lake is ideal for those who appreciate open water paired with quiet, natural surroundings.
Kayakers and canoers enjoy gliding past forested coves, while scuba divers explore underwater terrain in designated areas.
Picnic shelters and scenic overlooks make for relaxing midday stops, and anglers often have success catching bass, crappie, and catfish.
The lack of dense residential or commercial construction keeps the noise low and the views unobstructed.
Wildlife is plentiful, and many visitors encounter bald eagles, osprey, and deer during their time here.
- Location: Franklin, Henry, and Patrick Counties, VA
- Activities: Kayaking, scuba diving, fishing, picnicking
- Why it’s quiet: Predominantly undeveloped shoreline
7. Douthat Lake (Millboro, VA)
Within Douthat State Park lies Douthat Lake, a 50-acre waterbody surrounded by rolling forested hills.
Gas-powered boats are prohibited, ensuring that paddlers and anglers enjoy calm waters without engine noise.
The park offers paddle boat rentals and ample shoreline for fishing, with trout regularly stocked during the season.
Hiking trails wind through the park, many offering views of the lake or leading to waterfalls and scenic ridges.
Families appreciate the gentle slopes near the water, which make for safe swimming areas.
Cabins and campgrounds provide options for overnight stays, making it easy to spend several days enjoying the quiet and natural beauty.
- Location: Millboro, VA
- Activities: Paddle boating, fishing, hiking
- Why it’s quiet: Ban on gas-powered boats and focus on low-impact activities
Summary
Quiet lakes near Virginia Beach provide a chance to unwind without giving up access to water-based activities.
Planning visits during weekdays or outside peak summer months increases the likelihood of having large stretches of shoreline almost to yourself.
Both coastal spots and inland retreats offer variety, letting travelers mix different settings for an even more satisfying getaway.
