4 days ago
This Quiet Virginia Beach Town Has No Hotels—Just Cottages, Crab Shacks, And Pristine Beaches
Whether gliding across quiet coves, savoring she-crab soup, or catching a wave, Sandbridge, Virginia, has something for every kind of beach lover.
Sandbridge is where quiet coastal charm meets endless outdoor fun. It's perfect for doing a whole lot or nothing at all. Whether you want to kick back on a calm beach, paddle peaceful inlets, or enjoy easy access to a bustling boardwalk scene, this laid-back paradise lets you have it all.
When you crave a break from the beach, stroll through local parks or get up into the treetops for a new perspective. With fresh-caught seafood, vibrant farmers markets, scenic bike paths, and paddle-perfect waterways, Sandbridge offers a beach escape that can be relaxing or adventure-filled. It's up to you. Here's what not to miss in Sandbridge.
Best Things to Do
Explore Remote Beaches
Tucked between the Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, False Cape State Park is as off-grid as it gets in Virgina, reachable only by foot, bike, boat, or open-air tram. Once there, you'll find six miles of pristine beaches and more than 15 miles of trails winding through dunes, forests, and marshes. Seriously, this is a haven for nature lovers. Don't skip a selfie with the 'Southernmost Virginia State Park' buoy in front of the visitor center. It's practically mandatory.
4001 Sandpiper Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456; 757-426-7128
Hike or Paddle Back Bay
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is made for coastal adventures. Stroll scenic trails, like the accessible Seaside Trail and the Raptor Trail, where west-facing views serve up magical sunsets. For water-based fun, paddle your way through peaceful coves and winding inlets. Bring your own kayak or join a guided tour with Surf & Adventure. Several days a week, a tram departs from the visitor center for a ride into the wilds of False Cape State Park.
4005 Sandpiper Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456; 757-301-7329
Catch a Wave
Claim your spot on the sand at Sandbridge Beach. It's just right for sandcastles, splashy wave play, and a full day of family fun. The waves are mellow enough for new surfers, but still fun for seasoned riders. Need gear? Hit up Ocean Rentals of Sandbridge for surfboards, skim boards, and paddleboards. They'll even teach you how to use them. Cool off or re-fuel at Little Island Park, which has picnic shelters, a playground, and public restrooms.
577 Sandbridge Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456; 757-721-6210
3820 Sandpiper Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456; 757-385-7324
Drop in a Fishing Line
Grab your rod and reel and head to Sandbridge Little Island Fishing Pier. It's a favorite among local anglers and welcomes all skill levels. Stretching out 400 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, the pier offers easy access to deeper waters where you might hook flounder, speckled trout, or even striped bass. Swing by Wilkins Brothers Bait & Tackle for all the odds and ends you need for a chill, line-in-the-water kind of day.
Stroll Scenic Local Parks
Need a break from the beach? Stretch your legs at some of the area's most inviting green spaces. Stroll past lily pads on a quiet pond at Lotus Garden Park or wander serene paths at Red Wing Park, home to a Japanese Garden and the Reba S. McClanan Fragrance Garden. A short drive away, Mount Trashmore Park offers lake views, paved trails, and breezy hilltop panoramas that are perfect for kite-flying.
1289 Sandbridge Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456
1398 General Booth Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23451; 757-437-2038
310 Edwin Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462; 757-385-2995
Take in Treetop Views
Owl Creek Landing is a 38-acre forest adventure park that's anything but ordinary. Climb the 65-foot-tall Nautilus Lookout Tower, then return to the forest floor by way of the longest stainless steel slide in the country. Explore the canopy on suspended treetop trails or let the kids go wild at the Children's Treehouse Village, which features four whimsical elevated treehouses. Shaded walking paths and picnic tables make this a must-visit for outdoor fun.
801 General Booth Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23451; 757-330-0473
Tee Off on the Greens
A short drive from Sandbridge, Virginia Beach National Golf Club welcomes players of all levels to its championship-level course, featuring wide fairways, tricky bunkers, and water hazards designed to test all skill levels. After a round, unwind with farm-to-table dining at the clubhouse restaurant. Golf club rentals are also available, making it a hassle-free outing for visiting golfers.
2500 Tournament Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23456; 757-563-9440
Stroll or Bike the Three-Mile Boardwalk
Head to the iconic three-mile boardwalk in Virginia Beach for ocean views, street performers, and the towering 34-foot-tall King Neptune statue at 31st Street. Catch surfers riding waves and enjoy live music on oceanfront stages. Rent bikes at Cherie's Bicycle & Beach Rentals, which has a dozen locations across the boardwalk, or relax on an outdoor patio or beachfront cocktail bar.
Where to Eat and Drink
Dive Into Delicious Seafood
Savor delicious, fresh-caught seafood, a must while in Virginia Beach. At Sandbridge Island Restaurant, a creamy, she-crab-packed chowder pairs perfectly with the day's fresh catch and casual waterfront vibes. Just down the road, Margie & Ray's Crabhouse serves up classic seafood fare, like crab legs, grilled scallops, and crab cakes, in a laid-back, no‑frills, crab shack setting. Simply Steamed offers seafood steam pots ready to cook at home or your vacation rental.
205 Sandbridge Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456; 757-721-2899
1240 Sandbridge Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456; 757-426-2397
2545 Sandpiper Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456; 757-301-8553
Seek Out Farm-Fresh Finds
Explore buzzing farmers markets and taste the freshest local flavors. From April through October, the Old Beach Farmers Market opens every Saturday at 9 a.m., showcasing seasonal produce, pasture-raised meats, artisan breads, and cheeses. Year-round, the Virginia Beach Farmers Market features local vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade soaps, plants, honey, and crafts of all kinds.
611 18th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
3640 Dam Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23453; 757-385-4388
Indulge in Taco Time
Craving tacos and margaritas? Sandbridge has you covered. Head to Jose Tequilas on the south end for casual beachside vibes, classic Mexican fare, and a full line-up of refreshing margaritas. They even do marg flights. Just a short drive away, Señor Fox serves up all the authentic favorites, like enchiladas, fajitas, and quesadillas. For a laid-back bite, hit up Bandido's Tacos & Burritos, a relaxed taco truck with picnic tables.
3738 Sandpiper Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456; 757-301-3236
1080Nimmo Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA 23454; 757-427-1423
661 Sandbridge Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456; 757-751-3680
Settle in on an Outdoor Patio
Thanks to its mild coastal climate, you can dine al fresco nearly all year long. For oceanfront views and delicious seafood, Waterman's Surfside Grille on the south end of the Boardwalk is a go-to, famous for its breezy patio and signature Orange Crush. Relax creekside at Blue Pete's Restaurant, which delights with crab-encrusted salmon and crispy calamari. In Sandbridge, Baja Restaurant delivers patio seating, live music, and calming beach vibes.
415 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451; 757-428-3644
1400 North Muddy Creek Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456; 757-426-2278
3701 Sandpiper Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456; 757-426-7748
Where to Stay
Book a Room Steps from the Boardwalk
Sandbridge doesn't have any hotels, but staying near the Virginia Beach Boardwalk puts you close to the action. Just a 25-minute drive, you'll find oceanfront hotels, plus plenty of restaurants and beach bars. For a stay with style and views, check into the Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront or Sandcastle Resort on the Beach, both located on the south end of the boardwalk with resort-style perks just steps from the shore.
1201 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451; 757-452-4515
1307 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451; 757-428-2828
Camp Close to the Coast
If you're looking to camp near Sandbridge, North Bay Shore Campground is a solid pick, offering full hook-ups and easy bay access. The Virginia Beach KOA Holiday is another favorite, with plenty of RV and tent sites, plus modern amenities and a convenient location for coastal adventures. For a true back-to-nature escape, check out False Cape State Park, where tent sites are only reachable by foot, bike, or boat.
3257 Colchester Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456; 757-426-7911
1240 General Booth Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23451; 757-428-1444
Escape to a Beach Cottage
Sandbridge is all about vacation rentals, with a range of beach houses and condos for families, couples, or groups looking for a beach escape. Choose from quaint cottages to spacious oceanfront homes with private decks, sweeping views, and direct beach access. With plenty of space and the comforts of home, it's easy to unwind and soak in the calm, uncrowded scene.
Read the original article on Southern Living
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