back bay national wildlife refuge

245DaveK

Worth the drive to the end of Sandbridge Island to experience a unique natural setting. Easy access by auto or bike. Trails and walkways wide, well marked and provide great opportunities to observe plants and wildlife. Blinds and observation points well located for optimum viewing. Nature center very informative. Plan to spend several hours exploring.

856DavidD856

we had a nice visit down to the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge near Sandbridge, VA south of Virginia Beach (a half hour drive). We're not official "birders" but managed to see Cormorants, Turkey Vulture, Snow, Canada and Blue Geese, Tundra Swan, Mallard, Canvasback, Pintail and Northern Shoveller Ducks, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Coots, Gulls, Terns, Mourning Doves, Flicker, BlueJay, Crow, Starling, Robin, Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Meadowlark, Common Grackle, Carolina Wren and Yellow Rumped Warbler! Not bad! Nice interpretive signage, and plenty of trails for hiking, nice "blinds" for getting a little closer to the waterfowl, and look out for the turtles and cottonmouth snakes!

h3rbie

I only have visited during the winter months, so my opinions may be skewed. Back Bay is definitely secluded and a drive from anywhere in Virginia Beach, unless you live in Sand Bridge. There are some nice trails that move along the water, a few benches here are there. A great place to come and watch the sunset, take some photos or just relax to peace and quiet.

ValriB

We visited here in January. The views were wonderful, and it was very peaceful. I definitely wouldn't come here in the summer though, as it seems that it would be very hot and buggy. Any other time of the year should be good though. It looks like a nice place to canoe/kayak.

Gazpar_Florida

great back to nature experience... I am sure I would have enjoyed it more if it had been warmer regardless it was a nice way to spend a few hours

56britneyj

If it's one thing the girls and I like to do, it's hike. We decided to visit our friend In Virginia Beach, so this was very close and convenient. Great day walking the trails and exploring, definitely a great outdoors day trip.

bakerst46

We went out to the refuge and we would love to have explored and walked the trails. Unfortunately it was cold, windy and rainy. :( We will go back on a nicer day.

763bryant

If you are ever in Va Beach and our looking to take a nature hike or just see the softer sides of Va, take a ride out to back bay, this is a place everyone should see. Hiking, boating kayaking, basketball courts, and of course the view of the intercostal water way.

buddydial

This is one of the great walking beaches. The only downer were the porta - toilets at the ranger station. Maybe the filthiest I have ever seen- and I've been to rock concerts,

445paulad

The weather was bad so we didn't take the tram, but it looks beautiful and we can't wait to get back and ride the tram and put the yaks in the bay

JanisB757

The best time to go is in the winter with when Virginia Beach offers its Winter Wildlife Festival. Back Bay is usually open only to birds at this time of year, so it's a treat when professionally led expeditions through the refuge are available.

junette1

This is a great place to hike. They offer guided tours & shuttle tours also. We think it is a wonderful place to ride bikes and take the grandchildren.

BriPhilly

Back Bay and the adjacent False Cape State Park give you a glimpse of what the oceanfront was like before being built up. Miles and miles of pristine, nearly uninhabited beaches. Bike/hike trails along the interior dikes, leading to Virginia's most southern state park (False Cape). Our favorite place to go in Virginia Beach.

NJag67

Not many birds; crabs were interesting. There are lots of trails. The beach is away from the tourist trap areas.

kevincollins999

For a very small fee (during summer) this wildlife refuge can award you with a fantastic natural experience. Great place to observe wildlife native to Virginia. Winter tram trips present fantastic views of Tundra Swans and Snow Geese. Hiking, biking and fishing are allowed seasonally. They offer annual and lifetime passes for sale which can help save time and money. There is no swimming, sunbathing, picnic tables, surfing. They do have a convenient kayak launch site. No tow behind a vehicle trailers are permitted. They do not rent any equipment. No pets are allowed. In the summer there are many educational activities. There is more so please visit their website. They provide a great place to enjoy nature.