Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
About
9,000 Acres of Coastal Habitat For Migrating Waterfowl
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge protects 9,000 acres on the southeast tip of Virginia Beach - dunes, marshes, woodlands, and Atlantic shoreline. Established 1938 for migrating and wintering waterfowl. Pristine uncrowded beaches and seven hiking trails.
What Kids Can Do
Seven hiking trails range from easy boardwalk walks to longer beach hikes. Bay Trail boardwalk gives close views of marsh wildlife. Dune Trail leads to undeveloped Atlantic beach where shells, sand dollars, and shorebirds dominate. Migrating snow geese and tundra swans winter here in massive flocks (November-February peak). Visitor Center has hands-on coastal ecology exhibits. Junior Ranger booklet free. Tram rides to False Cape State Park beyond [marked: $5 entry fee April-October, free November-March - peak waterfowl viewing winter months].
What's Included
$5 per vehicle entry (April-October), free November-March. Trails, Visitor Center, Junior Ranger packets included. Tram to False Cape separate.
Experience
Plan 2-5 hours. Almost entirely outdoor - bring water, sun protection, bug spray (heavy mosquitoes spring-fall). Stroller-friendly Bay Trail boardwalk. About 20 miles south of resort area in Sandbridge VA.