A Fall Day in Sandbridge

Sandbridge is where quiet coastal charm meets endless outdoor fun. Here, you can choose to go big or take it slow—beach strolls, guided paddles, walking trails or simply soaking up the season. Fall might just be the best time to visit, too. Mild breezes, fewer crowds and crisp mornings make everything feel fresh and new. Here’s how to spend one perfect fall day in Sandbridge, with options for the adventurous, those seeking a slower pace and ideas for when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Morning

A Sandbridge Sunrise

Start your day early with a walk along Sandbridge Beach as the first light paints the waves in shades of pink and gold. In fall, the beach can feel entirely your own. Search for shells at sunrise, breathe in the salty air and let the ocean waves usher in a new day.

Casual Breakfast

After your walk, stop in Sandbridge Seaside Market. It opens bright and early at 5:30 a.m. and is a go-to for breakfast sandwiches, hot coffee and delicious homemade donuts. Locals and visitors alike stop here for breakfast before heading off to work or setting out to explore the area.

Late-Morning

Paddle or Bike the Back Bay

Feeling active? Rent a beach cruiser bike ($24/day) or book a guided kayak paddle through Back Bay ($55/adults, $24/children) with Surf & Adventure Co. in Sandbridge. Two-hour guided paddles are offered daily at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Glide across calm waterways, watch for migrating birds and enjoy the quiet beauty of the coastal landscape.

Casual Exploration

Prefer to stay on two feet? Head to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge for a nature walk. The Seaside Trail and Raptor Trail offer easy, peaceful walks with ocean and marsh views. For False Cape State Park, book a seat on the Blue Goose Wildlife Tram, which departs Back Bay at 9 a.m. and returns at 1 p.m., stopping at the visitor center and historic Wash Woods Cemetery.

Reservations are required by calling 757-426-7128. The tram costs $8/person and operates on select dates between November and March, when the $5 vehicle entrance fee for Back Bay is waived. For a quieter, more reflective morning, take a short stroll around Lotus Garden Park, where lily pads and calm waters invite you to slow down.

Military Aviation Museum

If the weather turns windy or damp, head inland to the Military Aviation Museum. Step inside expansive hangars filled with restored World War I and World War II aircraft, many still flight-ready. Friendly guides share stories about the pilots and planes that shaped aviation history.

Exhibits include a bomber jacket display and an art exhibition on combat aviation, as well as an Army and Navy hangar filled with aircraft. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is $17 for adults and $10 for children.

Midday and Afternoon

Seafood Lunch

After a morning of exploring, break for lunch at Margie & Ray’s in Sandbridge. This casual seafood restaurant has been a local favorite since the 1960s. The menu features fresh-caught seafood prepared every way imaginable, including fried oysters, shrimp creole and she-crab soup. For a true feast, try the Tidal Wave, their famous buffet-style platter that feeds four people.

Relax by the Beach

After lunch, head back to the beach for a laid-back afternoon, maybe even a nap in the sun if you went all in on the Tidal Wave platter at Margie & Ray’s. Build a sandcastle, dip your toes in the surf or settle into a chair to read a good book. Fall beach days in Sandbridge are calm and crowd-free.

Farm Stop and Fall Treats

Take a scenic drive through the Pungo section of Virginia Beach, where quiet country roads and open fields lead to local farms and markets. Visit Cullipher Farm for pick-your-own tomatoes and pumpkins, apple cider donuts, homemade ice cream and jars of local honey. Families will love the corn maze, play area and petting farm. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fees apply to pick-your-own and the corn maze. Closed Mondays.

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

If clouds roll in, make your way to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. This popular attraction offers a close-up look at marine life, from sea turtles and rays to sharks and jellyfish. Kids will love the touch tanks and the playful river otters. The aquarium also features exhibits on coastal ecosystems and even has Komodo dragons. It’s open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $34.95 for adults and $29.95 for youth.

Evening

Dinner in Sandbridge

As the sun sets, choose from several great local dining options. For tacos and margaritas, stop in Jose Tequilas, which boasts lively beachside vibes. Or, fill up at Sandbridge Island Restaurant, known for burgers, sandwiches, wraps and seafood dinners.

For an easy night in, order takeout from Simply Steamed, which prepares ready-to-cook seafood steam pots filled with shrimp, crab legs and corn on the cob. It’s perfect for a relaxed dinner on your deck or balcony with the sound of the ocean in the background.

Thinking About Staying Overnight?

Sandbridge is best known for its vacation home rentals rather than hotels, which adds to its peaceful, residential feel. Options range from cozy cottages to large oceanfront homes and bay-view retreats with decks, hot tubs and fireplaces. Many rentals include full kitchens and outdoor grills, making them ideal for families and small groups.

If you prefer hotel amenities, stay about 25 minutes north along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Beachfront stays such as the Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Hyatt Place Virginia Beach Oceanfront offer modern comfort and easy access to restaurants, nightlife and year-round events.

When You Have More Time 

If you’re fortunate enough to be able to spend more than a day in Virginia Beach, there’s plenty more to discover. Check out these itineraries for inspiration:

How to Spend a 3-Day Weekend in Virginia Beach

Fall Family Itinerary in Virginia Beach

3-Day Virginia Beach Itinerary for Exploring Our Natural Wonders  

About Our Writer

Erin Gifford is a Virginia-based travel and outdoors writer. She especially enjoys writing about road trips, outdoor recreation and national parks. Her credits include Parents, The Washington Post, Thrillist, TIME and AFAR.com. She has written three hiking guidebooks for Falcon Guides and has created a hiking website, GoHikeVirginia.com. She also runs half marathons and is working toward completing one in all 50 states (so far, she has checked off 48 states).