Sneaking away for a winter weekend in Virginia Beach? With seasonal highs in the 50s—lovely weather for hiking—this is an incredible time to discover our natural wonders on foot. Even better: this time of year, whether you stick to the coastline or venture inland to explore, you won’t have to go far to find mile after mile of beautiful, uncrowded wilderness. So layer up and grab a fashionable beanie…here are our favorite places to log those winter steps!
First Landing State Park
Oceanfront
First Landing State Park, the delightful anchor of the Oceanfront wilderness, offers nine trails covering 19 miles of varied mild-to-moderate terrain. For only-in-Virginia-Beach scenery, you can’t beat the Bald Cypress Trail—a shady 1.5-mile loop through the gnarly, knobby and oddly beautiful cypress swamps. Wooden boardwalks and observation platforms give you a unique perspective on this fascinating ecosystem and its wildlife.
For a longer adventure with equally enticing scenery, try the Long Creek Trail. This five-mile trek through open salt marshland traces the edge of the Chesapeake Bay, passing picturesque White Hill Lake and offering some of the finest birdwatching in the area. Keep your eyes peeled for great blue heron, great horned owl, screech owl and multiple woodpecker and songbird species. Various chipmunk and squirrel species may be out foraging, and this time of year, you may even catch a glimpse of the park’s larger and more elusive mammals: bobcats and gray or red foxes.
After your trek, it’s time for tide-to-table provisions from Tides Coastal Kitchen—a local seafood standby serving elevated classics. We’re partial to the Cedar Plank Salmon and Southern-Style Shrimp + Grits, accompanied by a Smoked Old Fashioned: bourbon, simple syrup, cardamom bitters and charred rosemary. Chef’s kiss!
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Sandbridge
Set aside by President Roosevelt in 1938 as a haven for migratory birds, the thin spit of land between the Atlantic Ocean and the Back Bay offers some of the best birdwatching on the Eastern Seaboard. The 9,108 acres of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge contains barrier islands, dunes, coastal woodland, freshwater marshes, maritime forests, ponds and sandy beaches—all essential habitats for the 300 different species that make the refuge home.
And, while wildlife watchers will have plenty to see year-round, the Refuge is a birdwatcher’s paradise in the fall and winter, when migrating flocks of various duck, goose and swan species stop here to rest and feed before their long journey south. Hikers, take note: to protect these critical nesting and resting areas, the Refuge’s two longest hikes, the East and West Dike trails, are closed from November 1 through March 31. Raptor, Kuralt, Seaside and Dune Trails remain open, as does the beach. True avian enthusiasts should check the calendar of Ranger-Led Programs for Winter Waterfowl Walks and other special seasonal programming.
False Cape State Park
Sandbridge
Due southeast from Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (with access from within the Refuge itself) False Cape State Park is a mile-wide barrier spit with six miles of unspoiled coastline and nine miles of easy-to-moderate hiking trails. There’s no wrong move to make here! The False Cape Interior Trail will take you on a 6.5-mile journey along the spit’s wooded spine; along the way, you’ll find a variety of shorter side spurs connecting the Atlantic Ocean with the Back Bay.
History buffs, take note: for centuries, this part of the East Coast was nicknamed “Graveyard of the Atlantic” for its severe weather conditions, submerged obstacles…and the resulting high concentration of shipwrecks. Local legend has it that when the schooner John S. Wood ran aground here in 1889, its survivors waded ashore and decided to stay. Though the Wash Woods community has been abandoned since the 1930s, its cemetery and original Methodist church steeple remain, and both make for interesting stops during your visit to the Cape.
Whether you’ve hiked Back Bay or False Cape, nearby Margie & Ray’s Crabhouse and Restaurant is the perfect place to refuel. Their ample menu offers generous portions of the freshest local seafood available. Not sure where to start? Get the Barrier Reef for Two, featuring double portions of just-caught snow crab, spiced shrimp, oysters and little-neck clams.
Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area
Chesapeake Bay
Just inland from the Chesapeake Bay, this petite, pristine preserve is perfect for a short winter jaunt on colder days; its protected location and wooded walkways will help keep brisk onshore winds at bay—literally. The Lake Lawson Loop Trail is an easy 1.6 miles that’s popular with local trail runners, fishermen and birders; keep an eye out for wood ducks, gadwalls and pied-billed grebes…and an ear out for laughing gulls! After your hike, warm up with an order of Butter Clams and a side of Lillie Mae’s Knuckle Print Biscuits at The Rustic Spoon, just a mile or so up the road.
Pleasure House Point Natural Area
Chesapeake Bay
A hidden gem located at the mouth of the Lynnhaven River and Chesapeake Bay, the Pleasure House Point Natural Area offers three miles of flat, sandy terrain to explore; all told, it’s an hour or two of walking at an easygoing pace. While you’re there, watch the treetops for yellow-rumped warblers, bald eagles and other birds.
During your visit, check out the Brock Environmental Center, one of the most environmentally responsible buildings in the world. A LEED® Platinum-certified facility, the Center produces more energy than it uses—and is thus a fitting headquarters for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s many celebrated environmental restoration and education programs. Tours are offered several times a month; check the Center’s calendar for opportunities to learn about this Living Building Challenge™ and the many ways the CBF is working toward a brighter (and greener) future.
Afterward, stay on theme with a small-batch, from scratch vegetarian meal at TASTE. We’re big fans of the Citrus Beet Salad and Mushroom Brie Soup, separately or together.
Mount Trashmore Park
Inland
Speaking of environmental success stories, Mount Trashmore Park is a former landfill that’s been transformed into a popular open space area, including two man-made mountains, two lakes, two playgrounds and even a skate park—all traversed by a series of multi-use paths. With work starting in the early 1970s, this city eyesore, comprising nearly 650,000 tons of compacted trash, has been gradually reimagined into the 165-acre mixed-use civic asset it is today.
The Park has three main trails: the Perimeter Trail (1.9 miles,) Lake Trail (1.5 miles) and Mountain Trail (1.3 miles,) all popular and well-maintained. The Mountain Trail also offers two booty-burning staircases, one of which features a mural conceived and created by local artists. Of course, each trail offers unique vistas and vibes…but for pure sweat equity, the Mountain Trail gets our vote.
Slaying the day with a morning workout? Afterward, tuck into some well-earned grub at the nearby Hair of the Dog Eatery—the Sticky Chicken Waffle Cone is a great quick meal, but their signature Benedict Flight (three varieties, all heavy on Southern charm) will set you up ‘til dinnertime.
About Our Writer: Staci Amend
As a Californian living in Colorado, Staci takes a “why not both” approach to the whole mountains vs. oceans debate. She covers travel, nature, beauty and fashion for a variety of publications and brands — and is happiest when surrounded by hand-painted tile, struggling to pronounce her next meal. A Huntington Beach native and enthusiastic longboarder, she tries to time her Virginia Beach visits with the East Coast Surfing Championships.
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Written by Staci Amend
As a Californian living in Colorado, writer Staci Amend takes a “why not both” approach to the whole mountains vs. oceans debate. She covers travel, nature, beauty and fashion for a variety of publications and brands — and is happiest when surrounded by hand-painted tile, struggling to pronounce her next meal. A Huntington Beach native and longboarder, she tries to time her Virginia Beach visits with the East Coast Surfing Championships.
