Planning a family vacation far away from crowds and congestion? Try a socially distanced getaway in secluded Sandbridge Beach. This hidden seaside haven provides unsurpassed peace and privacy. Yet it also gives easy access to a world of fun and adventure.
What's more, you'll love Sandbridge because it offers....
#1 An Utterly Unspoiled Oasis
You won't find any noisy tourist traps here at Sandbridge Beach. But you will find pristine white-sand beach, seagrass-covered dunes, foam-capped ocean surf, and shimmering sound-side waters. All in a tranquil setting where you can stretch out your legs - and your beach blanket - without bumping into 50 other people.
#2 Fun for the Entire Family
There's truly something for everyone here at Sandbridge Beach. Little ones will enjoy building castles in the sand and wading through shallow waves. Older kids will be eager to splash and swim in the pleasant Gulf Stream surf. And grownups and grandparents will love soaking up sun while watching the children play.
#3 Fantastic Year-Round Fishing
No fishing license? No worries. At Little Island Fishing Pier (3820 Sandpiper Road), you'll pay a modest per-day fee to cast your line for prized game fish like croaker, flounder, drum, mackerel, and striped bass. Afterward, you can clean your catch at the pier's free cleaning station, then charcoal-grill it to tasty perfection at the nearby sheltered picnic area.
Weekly and annual fishing passes are available, too, also at reasonable rates. Plus, kids 9 and under get to fish free, as long as they're accompanied by a paying adult.
If you do have a Virginia fishing license - saltwater or freshwater or combo - you'll have endless opportunities to hone your angling skills. Local waters teem with fish, and the season runs all year 'round.
#4 The Perfect Picnic Park
Have little kids in tow? Take them on a fun-filled outing at Little Island District Park (also located at 3820 Sandpiper Road, right next to the pier).
Covering 122 acres in all, this multi-activity park offers:
- A 775-foot beach exclusively for surfing
- A 2,000-foot beach for swimming, sunning, surf fishing, and beach volleyball
- A spacious playground featuring well-maintained kiddie equipment
- 4 shelters complete with picnic tables and charcoal grills
- Lighted tennis courts
- Basketball, pickleball, and volleyball courts
- A launch for canoes and kayaks
- Clean public restrooms
- Vending machines, seasonal concession stands, and more
Come spend a few hours at the Little Island Beach, work up a hearty appetite, then chow down on a delicious family picnic. Afterward you can work off the calories with a vigorous game of tennis or pickleball. (Equipment is available for check-out at the Little Island Park Office.)
#5 Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Love wildlife? You're in luck. Sandbridge Beach is home to the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge - over 9,250 acres of protected coastline, maritime forest, and freshwater marshes.
This breathtaking preserve provides feeding and nesting habitat for thousands of migratory birds during their long journey along the Atlantic Flyway.
Visit any day between dawn and dusk, hike or bike the well-maintained trails, view gorgeous coastal scenery, and catch amazing glimpses of waterfowl and other wild birds - Canada and snow geese, tundra swans, piping plovers, brown pelicans, bald eagles, and various species of ducks. Who knows? You may even spot a rare giant loggerhead turtle.
#6 False Cape State Park
Ready to get even wilder? Take the Refuge's East Dike or West Dike Trail - or the special park tram - to enter False Cape State Park, where you can explore 4,321 acres of undeveloped wilderness, including a six-mile stretch of pristine Atlantic beachfront.
#7 Thrilling Watersports Galore
Always wanted to surf, kayak, or paddle-board? At Ocean Rentals (577 Sandbridge Road), you can rent equipment for various watersports, arrange for guided kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding tours, plus take surfing lessons customized to your skill level.
You have other options, too. Sandbridge Beach is ideal for sailing, boating, windsurfing, parasailing, jet-skiing, kiteboarding, and more.
#8 Fabulous Views & Vittles at Favorite Seaside Restaurants
Want to savor spectacular views along with your scrumptious meal? Several Sandbridge Beach restaurants offer "ringside seating" right on the ocean or sound.
- At Sandbridge Island Restaurant, you can sit near a window or out on the deck and gaze at the glistening ocean while you dig into succulent seafood, juicy burgers, and goodie-topped pizza.
- At Baja Restaurant, you can fill up on surf-n-turf and other gourmet delicacies while you watch the sun set in living color over Currituck Sound.
#9 "Big-as-Your-Head" Donuts
Does your family love donuts? Bring them to Sandbridge Seaside Market at 209 Sandbridge Road for delicious, freshly baked donuts - so large each one is a meal! These locally famous confections go fast, so come early in the morning to make sure you nab your share.
#10 Convenient Access to Virginia Beach
Occasionally you may feel the urge for just a wee bit more excitement. Simply hop in your car and head north to bustling Virginia Beach - 15.3 miles away - where you'll find attractions, nightlife, and more. Have a blast with friends and fam, then head back down Sandbridge Road to your serene Sandbridge Beach retreat.
Don't Miss the Boat
Start planning your Sandbridge Beach getaway right away.
