Virginia Beach combines 38 miles of coastline with more than 4,000 acres of scenic parks. The diversity is especially clear at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge: established in 1938, the refuge protects migratory and wintering waterfowl and provides habitat for them. The coast and opportunities to observe nature offer a different view of the city from its historic houses and cultural attractions.
Coastal Areas and Protected Areas
The landscape of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge includes stretches of beach, freshwater marshes, dunes, scrubland and higher-elevation forest. Seven trails and a beach are available for recreational activities. Visitors can hike, bike, watch wildlife and take photographs there. Kayaking, freshwater fishing and surf fishing are also possible; permits and regulations may apply to fishing.
One specific route through the refuge is the 0.4-mile Raptor Trail. The one-way trail leads to overlooks with views across Back Bay. From April to October, you can walk or bike along the East Dike Trail to False Cape State Park. This seasonal connection makes the time of your visit an important difference between the trails.
First Landing State Park also showcases a distinctive mix of habitats: its 2,888 acres include cypress swamps, tidal marshes, sand dunes and maritime forests. More than 20 miles of hiking trails and a bike trail offer a different scale of route from the single short Raptor Trail in Back Bay Refuge. Guided kayak tours are also offered at First Landing State Park; availability may be seasonal.
At False Cape State Park, six miles of unspoiled coastline sit alongside sand dunes, maritime forests, salt marshes and wooded swamps. More than 300 bird species are found there. From April to October, educational tram tours run into the park’s center. Check current operating dates before planning your visit.
Historic Houses and Different Perspectives
Thoroughgood House was built in the early 18th century. It is one of the oldest surviving colonial houses in Virginia Beach and a National Historic Landmark. Tours cover the history of the Thoroughgood family as well as that of the enslaved people who lived and worked on the property. The Indigenous history of the region connected to the landscape is also among the topics.
Lynnhaven House dates to around 1725 and is considered an important surviving example of early Virginia vernacular architecture. Free Preservation Tours take place on the third Thursday of each month at noon; regular tours are affected by restoration work. At Francis Land House, tours explore plantation life and the experiences of free and enslaved members of the household. Cape Henry Memorial, in turn, is associated with the first landing of English colonists in Virginia in April 1607.
Marine Life, Art and Seasonal Experiences
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is home to more than a dozen species of sharks, rays, eels and reptiles, as well as North American river otters and seals. Its offerings include interactive exhibits, touch pools, an interactive water-quality lab and outdoor play areas. The aquarium is fully accessible to visitors of all abilities. It also offers trips out to sea to search for marine mammals and other wildlife. Animal populations, exhibits and programs may change.
For a different kind of discovery, take the public art tour through the ViBe Creative District, which includes more than 450 works of art. During the summer months, “Live! On Atlantic” brings music and other entertainment to four stages on the beach; most events are free. As program details may change, it’s worth checking the dates for your visit.
Activities on the water are also a focus at Rudee Inlet, where stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and jet skis are available to rent. The inlet is also a hub for fishing charters. Rental offerings and operators may change.
Discover more destinations: Virginia Beach, Clarke County, King William County, Alexandria, Culpeper County, Manassas, Gloucester County, Alleghany County.
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