False Cape State Park

This mile-wide barrier spit, set between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, boasts six miles of unspoiled shoreline as well as sand dunes, maritime woodlands, salt marshes, and wooded swamps. With such a diverse collection of natural habitats, the area is home to more than 300 bird species, including a variety of shorebirds, ducks, geese and American bald eagles — as well as otters, white-tailed deer, red foxes, feral pigs, wild horses and a number of interesting reptiles. 

From April through October, visitors may travel into the heart of the park via educational tram tour, then explore its nine miles of trails on foot, or even set up camp at one of its 12 primitive campsites. The tram leaves from Little Island Park in Sandbridge and follows the west bike trail through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge onto the cape. Other times of the year, the park can be accessed by boat or on foot through the refuge.