This National Natural Landmark is Virginia’s most visited state park and one of the first state parks. It was established in 1936 (formerly Seashore State Park). The park’s new name reflects its unique history as the site of the landing of the first permanent English Settlers in 1607. The park offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including 19 miles of hiking trails, bike trail, a boat ramp, picnic areas, campsites, and cabins. Visitor center exhibits in the natural area explain the uniqueness of this environment featuring lagoons, cypress swamps and Spanish moss. First Landing State Park is located on Cape Henry in North Virginia Beach. This 2,888 acre park offers a wide range of activities for visitors. Regardless of how long you can stay, for a few hours or for a full day, you can have a nice time visiting the park. First Landing State Park 2500 Shore Drive Virginia Beach, VA (757) 412-2300 www.first-landing-state-park.org
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge contains over 9,250 acres, situated on and around a thin strip of coastline typical of barrier islands found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Habitats include beach, dunes, woodland, farm fields, and marsh. Approximately 10,000 snow geese and a large variety of ducks visit Back Bay refuge during the peak of fall migration, usually in December. The refuge also provides habitat for other wildlife, including loggerhead sea turtles, piping plovers, peregrine falcons, and bald eagles. Back Bay refuge is located in Virginia Beach, Virginia – south of Sandbridge, Virginia at the southern end of Sandpiper Road. Biking, hiking and tram rides available. Outdoor facilities are open daily dawn to dusk. The Visitor Contact Station hours are 8:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. weekdays, 9:00 AM – 4:00 P.M. weekends. The Visitor Contact Station is closed Sundays, November through March; closed holidays with the exception of Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day. READ MORE Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge 4005 Sandpiper Road (757) 721-2412 www.bbrf.org
