Though summer may be several weeks away, it's never too early to plan for a getaway. While Virginia has long been praised for its family-friendly beaches and coastal attractions, few realize that there are still some relatively unknown stretches of shoreline to explore.

Virginia's Eastern Shore is filled with such places, and the coastline of Tangier is no exception. If you're looking to enjoy picturesque white sands as well as fascinating ecosystems, this might be your next favorite summer destination. Here's more on the gorgeous beaches that await on Tangier island:

With a population of less than a thousand, Tangier is a tiny island located in the Chesapeake Bay along the lower Eastern Shore.

The beach can be accessed from 16799 Hog Ridge Road, Tangier VA 23440.

Unlike other beaches in Virginia, the coastline of Tangier is incredibly remote and relatively unknown.

Accessing the beach means arranging for transportation to the island followed by a twenty minute walk from town.

There are also no facilities on the beach, so visitors must take responsibility for leaving the area exactly as they found it.

Despite being a bit different from the traditional beach experience, there's no denying the breathtaking beauty of this landscape.

As you walk through the soft, white sand, you'll feel as though you've discovered a slice of paradise.

For the nature enthusiast, this spot is nothing short of heavenly. Whether you're in the mood to hike along the sand dunes...

...Learn about the delicate ecosystem of the marshlands and wildlife...

...Or marvel at a pristine sunset over the horizon, this remote beach will make for an unforgettable day trip.

As mentioned before, a visit to Tangier Island takes a bit of planning. Depending on tidal conditions, you may have to walk through shallow ponds and over sand dunes. For information about ferry lines and accessing the island, click here.

Have you visited the beaches of Tangier before? If so, we'd love to hear about your experience there! If you're curious to learn more about the town itself, click here. And for more gorgeous beaches, be sure to read about These 9 Little-Known Beaches That'll Make Your Summer Unforgettable.