When you are finished downtown, you might consider bringing your family on an adventure in the wilderness of the False Cape State Park. While visiting the park, you may travel on foot or bike or a boat. This park has no vehicular access, but does provide primitive camping and an extensive environmental education program. It is one of the last undisturbed coastal environments on the east coast.
In the 1800′s, this area was a literal ship’s graveyard. This happened because the area resembled Cape Henry so much that it caused the ships to get too close to the shallow waters and wrecked them. Interestingly enough, one of the area’s first communities was created by the survivors or just such a shipwreck. The village’s church and other buildings were built from cypress wood from a wreck. So, they named the town “Wash Woods.”
The False State Park offers camping by reservation. What is unique about this is that they offer primitive camping as an environmental educational program. You can also set your own camp on the beachside where you will surely experience calmness and relaxation. Admire the view during nighttime as you can gaze at the stars and listen to the sound of the night with the waves splashing on the shore. On sunrise you will surely fall in love with the serenity of the place. Enjoy the beach in the morning breeze and observe some dolphins playing nearby. Complete your day with a hike where you will be able to see wild animals such as snakes, eagles and even wild pigs in their natural habitat.
There are plenty of things to do in False Cape State Park but some things have to be done in reservation. There are designated places where you are limited to one particular activity for your safety. The place will surely be unforgettable and will make you think to come back for more adventure. Virginia Beach will never fail to give you the vacation you are looking for.
If you are approaching from Interstate 64, exit on to Indian River Road East. Go 13 miles, then turn left onto Newbridge Road, then right onto Sandbridge Road. Next, turn right onto Sandpiper Road to Little Island City Park. Parking fees required Memorial Day to Labor Day. Day use only parking also is available at Back Bay Wildlife Refuge.
If you are coming from First Landing State Park and oceanfront, turn east onto Shore Drive (Route 60); follow Pacific Avenue to General Booth Boulevard, then left on Princess Anne Road and then straight onto Sandbridge Road. Turn right onto Sandpiper Road to Little Island City Park. Parking fees are required from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Drive Time : From Virginia Beach’s oceanfront to Little Island city parking lot is about 40 minutes.
CABINS / CAMPING: Rental rates for cabins and camping vary by season, offering and park. Rates are subject to verification by DCR’s state parks reservations staff ( 1-800-933-PARK ). First determine the season, which varies by park, then the rate. Click here for park fees.
SWIMMING: There are no designated swimming areas.
TRAILS: Hiking, bicycle trails, self-guided trails. Five trails, including the Barbour Hill self-guided interpretive trail, total 15.3 miles. They are available for hiking, biking and exploration. The park’s location on a barrier spit allows visitors to observe beaches, dunes, maritime forests of oak and pine, wooded swamps, marshes and the bay all in one visit.
WILDLIFE: Virginia State Parks are great places to discover and reconnect with the wild world. Bring a camera and share your captures with the world. But please don’t disturb or get too close to the animals. The park is, after all, their home. Here are a few recent natural encounters others have had at False Cape.
