Best known for its golden sands and long stretch of coastline, Virginia Beach offers visitors a warm welcome to its shores with stunning ocean views and a laid-back coastal charm. Beyond the beach, this region of southeastern Virginia beckons nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts with its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or someone who enjoys a leisurely stroll through scenic surroundings, this article highlights some of the best hiking trails and scenic walks to explore around Virginia Beach.
First Landing State Park
Virginia Beach’s most famous park, First Landing, boasts a 1.5-mile shoreline that stretches along the Chesapeake Bay and offers nearly 20 miles of winding trails throughout its diverse landscapes. Some of the highlights include:
- The Cape Henry trail: At over 6 miles long, Cape Henry is the longest trail in First Landing State Park. Beginning at the north border and winding down to southern Atlantic Avenue, this trail offers bikers and hikers spectacular views of the bay, sprawling lush forests, salt marshes and sandy dunes. Ornithologists and amateur bird watchers can also enjoy views of various feathered friends such as egrets and osprey and may even catch a glimpse of a rare eagle in flight.
- Bald Cypress trail: This 1.8-mile loop trail is a family favorite and can easily be completed in just over 30 minutes. Scenic views of diverse landscapes featuring swamps, bogs, and towering Bald Cypress trees draped in Spanish moss can all be taken in over wooden boardwalks. These shaded pathways provide the perfect setting for a peaceful and picturesque stroll.
- Long Creek trail: This trail, stretching over 5 miles long, winds along the edge of the Chesapeake Bay and salt marshlands, offering hikers stunning views of the serene waterways and rich, open wetlands. Small marsh crabs can be caught scuttling along this trail and it is also the best in First Landing State Park for viewing a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.
If you are traveling for work as part of a large group, Engine offers various accommodation options that can provide your group with close proximity to various hiking trails.
False Cape State Park
False Cape features six miles of coastline, offering an array of diverse landscapes ranging from sand dunes and forest to salt marshes and swamps. Accessible by foot, bike, or kayak, the park provides a range of different trails for hikers, bikers and kayakers alike that meander through its pristine beaches, wooded areas, and backwaters. The trail also boasts a rich selection of wildlife species which include birds, ducks, otters, foxes, deer and turtles. Hikers may even spot wild horses, American bald eagles and a variety of reptiles such as the eastern glass lizard, Carolina anole and the venomous, cottonmouth snake.
Pleasure House Point Natural Area
Located near the Chesapeake Bay, Pleasure House Point offers quiet trails with scenic views of marshlands, oyster beds, maritime forest and water views. This hidden gem is a great spot for birdwatching or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature. It is also perfect for canoeers and kayakers looking to explore the scenic waterways of the Chesapeake Bay.
With a variety of trails and walks to choose from, Virginia Beach is the ideal destination for hikers, bikers and nature lovers alike.
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