Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Travel Guide

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge which includes general coastal views
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge which includes general coastal views
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge showing tranquil scenes
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Marvel at the diverse range of terrain in this vast lake-filled park and enjoy the serenity on the walking trails.

The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a large park centered on a freshwater lake. It contains a diverse and picturesque topography, consisting of sand dunes, forests, ponds, marshes and a beach. Hike around the perimeter of the vast Back Bay waters to enjoy the tranquil and scenic environment.

Embark on some of the intriguing nature trails with your family or consider renting bikes for the trip. Climb aboard the tram that transports visitors around the refuge and to the nearby False Cape State Park.

Various plaques explain the ecosystems of the area’s animals and plants. Spot some of the interesting species that live here or migrate through the park, such as snow geese and tundra swans. Look for deer, horses and other wild animals.

The park contains a visitor center with educational displays and friendly staff. Go on a guided walk with a docent to spot animals and hear stories about the refuge. Make sure to bring enough water for the full time you’ll be on the walking trails.

Fishing is permitted in designated areas throughout the park, providing you have a license that complies with State of Virginia requirements. Gaze up at the skies to spot birds of prey, including bald eagles and hawks.

Note that the park was inaugurated in 1938 as an isolated section of Princess Anne County. It opens daily during daylight hours, while the visitor center opens from morning until late afternoon. There is a fee to enter the park in summer visit for free November 1 through March 31.

The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is near the border with North Carolina, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) south along the coast from Virginia Beach. Drive from the city to the park in about 40 minutes. Go to nearby landmarks, such as False Cape State Park, the North Landing River Natural Area Preserve and the Princess Anne Wildlife Management Area.

Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront

3 out of 5
5700 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA
The price is €97 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€97
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,601 reviews)
"Beautiful view of the ocean,live music indoor and outdoor pool all made it feel like a resort not just a hotel."

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Surfbreak Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Ascend Hotel Collection

Surfbreak Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Ascend Hotel Collection

3 out of 5
1101 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA
The price is €110 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€110
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,056 reviews)
"All in all the staff was amazing. The rooms carpet could be cleaned more but was definitely a great spot in Virginia Beach would recommend"

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Surfbreak Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Ascend Hotel Collection
Holiday Inn & Suites Virginia Beach North Beach by IHG

Holiday Inn & Suites Virginia Beach North Beach by IHG

3 out of 5
3900 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA
The price is €178 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
€178
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,008 reviews)
"The location of the room was good, we were on the second floor and had a beautiful ocean view. We were in the small tower, so it was a little bit of a hike to go to the front desk. One thing I did not like was that after spending almost $700 to stay there for two nights, I had to walk across the ..."

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Holiday Inn & Suites Virginia Beach North Beach by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Atrium Resort, Virginia Beach by Vacatia

The Atrium Resort, Virginia Beach by Vacatia

3.5 out of 5
315 21st St, Virginia Beach, VA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,419 reviews)
"I like it ! Really good customer service"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

The Atrium Resort, Virginia Beach by Vacatia
The Ocean Key Virginia Beach Resort

The Ocean Key Virginia Beach Resort

3 out of 5
424 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,407 reviews)
"Fantastic, very professional"

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

The Ocean Key Virginia Beach Resort
Ocean Sands Resort, Oceanfront, Virginia Beach by Vacatia

Ocean Sands Resort, Oceanfront, Virginia Beach by Vacatia

3 out of 5
2207 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,115 reviews)
"Good location, everything was close by walking distance"

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Ocean Sands Resort, Oceanfront, Virginia Beach by Vacatia
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.