Ocean View is Norfolk's public beach on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay rather than the open Atlantic. The bay location means calmer, warmer water than you will find at Virginia Beach, and the beach tends to be less crowded. The area had a slightly rough reputation for many years, but has improved markedly with development of the waterfront.
The beach is good for swimming, crabbing, and watching the naval traffic — you can see warships and container vessels passing from the beach. The Norfolk Yacht and Country Club is nearby, and the area has a strip of seafood restaurants along the waterfront road. A pleasant alternative to the more heavily developed Virginia Beach shore.