If your family loves the great outdoors, Virginia Beach is the perfect destination for your next escape. With 35 miles of beaches, 293 parks and facilities, 29 miles of scenic waterways, and 300 miles of bike paths and trails, spending time outdoors provides an escape from everyday stress, from self-guided bike tours to family-friendly hikes and everything in between. Families should consider getting the Get Outdoors Pass, which offers deals and discounts to visitors to explore local attractions, tour operators, rentals and more.
Back Bay Wildlife Refuge & First Landing State Park
South of the resort area and nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Back Bay is a 9,250-acre freshwater habitat home to a wide range of wildlife. The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is accessible by marsh trails, bikes, seasonal guide tram service, canoes and kayaks. The refuge protects critical habitats for threatened and endangered species ,such as loggerhead sea turtles.
Make sure to visit First Landing State Park, featuring 20 miles of hiking and biking trails to explore the unique coastal habitat. Travelers can take guided kayak tours through the marshes, bays and lagoons, as well as embrace the maritime forest community and spend the night in one of the climate-controlled cabins, tents or RVs.
Birthplace of East Coast Surfing
James M. Jordan, Jr. and his massive Hawai’ian surfboard launched Virginia Beach as a surf destination in 1912. Today, riders of all experience levels still seek out Virginia Beach’s swell and compete annually in the East Coast Surfing Championship.
Grommet Island Adventure Park
Enjoy a beach day at Grommet Island Adventure Park. This location was built specifically to accommodate wheelchair patrons. The oceanfront beach features plenty of play areas accessible by polymer decking. It also features raised sand tables, hand-operated sand scoop, a sensory board and sway boat that puts kids “on” a surfboard or among a pod of dolphins. This park provides the perfect beach day for everyone!
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