Tyler’s Beach

Have you ever missed a turn while trying to find a place, and then end up unexpected? That’s what happened to me one day when I was looking for Fort Huger and accidentally arrived at Tyler’s Beach (TB) in Smithfield. It was a most pleasant surprise – I took some pictures and knew I would have to bring my boys there. After finding out that the beach at Fort Boykin was closed today, we decided to try out TB.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much information about TB online. TB is on the James River – it has boat access and a beach. Most people come here for fishing and boating, but today I did see some people swimming. My boys put their feet in the water, which was very warm, and there aren’t any waves.
This beach would be a nice spot except for the fact that the area really isn’t taken care of; there is lots of litter around; the parking lot is kind of a mess; and all I saw was a port-​a-​potty (I was too scared to look). TB is a no-​frills beach! I think the locals probably want it to stay that way, though.