Top 10 Things to Do in and Around Sandbridge

Alright, everyone, gather round! Welcome to Sandbridge, one of Virginia's best-kept secrets and, I promise you, by the time we're done today you are going to LOVE this place. This narrow barrier island sits just south of Virginia Beach's main strip, and it has a personality all its own. Let's get into it — ten things you absolutely cannot miss!

1. Swim and Surf at Sandbridge Beach

First stop: the beach itself, and folks, what a beach it is! We're talking wide open sand, barely any crowds, and waves that are just right for bodyboarding. None of that elbow-to-elbow chaos you get up on the main strip. Parking? Easy. Water temperature? Warm right through September. This is the beach the way a beach is supposed to be!

2. Kayak or Paddleboard on Back Bay

Now turn around — yes, right behind us — and you've got Back Bay. Flat, calm, gorgeous. Grab a kayak or paddleboard from one of the local outfitters and get out there first thing in the morning. You'll be gliding past herons and osprey before most people have finished their coffee. It's honestly one of my favorite things to do here, and I think it'll be one of yours too!

3. Explore Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Okay, I need everyone to pay attention for this one because it is spectacular. Nine thousand acres — nine THOUSAND — of beach, dunes, marsh, and forest, right here on the Virginia coast. In the fall, the migratory birds come through in huge numbers. In summer, loggerhead sea turtles nest on these very beaches. This is wild, living nature, and it is right on your doorstep!

4. Fish from the Shore or a Boat

Anglers, this one's for you, and trust me, you are going to be very happy. Red drum, flounder, striped bass — Sandbridge delivers depending on the season. You can cast right from the beach, or book a charter out of Rudee Inlet and head offshore for the big stuff. Either way, you're in for a great day on the water!

5. Visit False Cape State Park

Now here's where it gets really adventurous. False Cape State Park is accessible only by foot, bike, or boat. No road in. You hike or bike six miles through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge to get there, and what you find is one of the most remote, unspoiled stretches of Virginia coastline you'll ever see. Primitive camping is available if you want to spend the night under the stars. I cannot recommend this enough!

6. Rent a Boat and Cruise the Waterways

Want to explore at your own pace? Rent a pontoon boat or motorboat from one of the nearby marinas and just go. Find a sandbar, drop anchor, jump in. See the coastline from the water. There is no wrong direction to point the boat. Half-day or full day, it's all good!

7. Head to the Virginia Aquarium

About 20 minutes north in Virginia Beach, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is absolutely worth the drive. The shark tank alone is worth it, and the river otters will steal your heart. They also run seasonal whale-watching and dolphin-watching boat tours out of the marina. If you've got kids, clear the whole morning — you'll need it!

8. Eat Seafood at Local Spots

Alright, who's hungry? Sandbridge is mostly residential, so you won't find a restaurant on every corner, but that's part of the charm. The Croatan Surf Club is just up the road and always a good call for a casual meal. Head to the Oceanfront for more variety, or drive out to the docks at Lynnhaven for oysters pulled straight off the boat. Fresh doesn't get fresher than that!

9. Catch a Sunrise on the Beach

I know, I know — it means setting an early alarm. But listen to me: Sandbridge faces east, and the sunrises here are something else. Get down to the water before 6 a.m. in summer and you'll have the whole beach to yourself. Just you, the Atlantic, and the sky turning pink and gold. Bring coffee. You will not regret this one!

10. Day Trip to the Outer Banks

Last stop on our tour, and it's a big one. The North Carolina border is about an hour south, and the northern Outer Banks are absolutely worth the drive. Head to Corolla and take a 4WD vehicle out onto the beach to spot the wild horses that roam freely there. Or swing by Kill Devil Hills and stand at the Wright Brothers National Memorial, the exact spot where powered flight began. History, horses, and open road — what a day trip!

And that, my friends, is Sandbridge. Ten things, endless memories. This place has a way of getting under your skin, and I guarantee you'll be planning your next visit before you've even unpacked from this one. Now get out there and enjoy it!