Discover Virginia Beach Beyond the Beach
It’s no secret that Virginia Beach is known for its sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. Sure, you can spend your days playing in the surf and sand at Virginia Beach’s three beaches, but did know that there are even more destinations for outdoor exploration? Virginia Beach offers several other outdoor attractions that will show you a different side to the city.
Outdoor Attractions in Virginia Beach
When you visit Virginia Beach, be sure to check out these scenic outdoor attractions.
First Landing State Park
With over 2,800 acres and a wide range of outdoor activities, this local state park is a great place to start your adventurous vacation in Virginia Beach. Did you know that First Landing is Virginia’s most-visited state park? This nature retreat near urban Virginia Beach features a relatively uncrowded beach and tons of fun, seaside activities. Explore lagoons and scenic trails with cypress trees as well as a varied assortment of area wildlife. The park also features fishing locations, a boat ramp, swimming, biking, hiking and even camping.
Click here to read more about First Landing State Park.
False Cape State Park
Tucked between the Atlantic Ocean near Sandbridge Beach and the Back Bay, False Cape State Park is one of the few remaining undeveloped areas on the Atlantic Coast. The nearly 4,000-acre park offers outdoor adventurers plenty of opportunities for scenic fun and relaxation in a primitive setting. Explore six miles of beaches, 15.3 miles of trails for hiking and biking and 12 primitive campsites. Take a guided kayaking tour or go freshwater and saltwater fishing in the Back Bay.
Click here to read more about False Cape State Park.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Back Bay NWR is a thin strip of barrier islands on Virginia’s coastline. The area is home to habitats, including beaches, dunes, woodlands, agricultural fields and freshwater marshes. Wildlife, such as waterfowl, swans, loggerhead sea turtles, bald eagles and more, call the refuge home. It is not uncommon to find threatened and endangered species here. Venture out for some freshwater and surf fishing then go bicycling. Go kayaking, canoeing or boating through the bay and explore nature up-close and personal.
Click here to read more about Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
Mount Trashmore
As you’re driving along the highway toward the Virginia Beach Town Center, you’ll spot a very large grassy hill. This is Mount Trashmore, one of two man-made mountains. Mount Trashmore Park is a 165-acre public park that also features two lakes, playgrounds, a skate park and multi-use paths. Go for a run, walk or bike ride on the paved paths around the lake. Or bring the family out for an array of activities or a simple picnic in the grass.
Outdoor Activities in Virginia Beach
While you’re taking a break from the beach experience some of Virginia Beach’s popular outdoor attractions.
Hiking in Virginia Beach
There are miles of hiking trails to explore with varying lengths, terrain and difficulties. From shimmering waterways and marshlands to a vast array of wildlife, there’s so much to see when hiking in Virginia Beach.
Click here to read more about hiking in Virginia Beach.
Ziplining in Virginia Beach
Be sure to also take part in some of the thrilling outdoor activities.For example, did you know that you can go ziplining in Virginia Beach? While you may be at the beach, you can still soar through the trees on a zipline.
Image from Adventureworks Zip Tour
Adventureworks Wetland Zip Tour lets you ride through the treetops on a nine-line ziplining adventure. Choose from a tour that sends you through Virginia Beach’s wetlands at a distance of up to 1,000 feet.
The Adventure Park at the Virginia Aquarium is an eco-friendly zipline and aerial adventure park. The Adventure Park is perfect for all ages and abilities, with 16 trails through the trees, that are looking for some outdoor excitement.
Click here to read more about ziplining in Virginia Beach.