Spring Has Sprung: Outdoor Activities in Sandbridge

Can you believe it’s springtime already? The winter chill is starting to leave the air, the sun is out for longer, and the flowers are growing anew again. Signs of life are returning! As the weather warms up, there are so many outdoor activities in Sandbridge to explore during your vacation.
Whether you want to spend time relaxing and reconnecting with nature or you’re looking for a rush of adrenaline to add to your itinerary, you can find it all here in Sandbridge. Searching for the best activities to add to your agenda? You’re in the right place! Read on as we explore the top outdoor activities in Sandbridge.
Lounge on Sandbridge Beach!
Of course, one classic outdoor activity everyone can enjoy on vacation is spending some time outside at the beach. And Sandbridge is the perfect place to do that! Sandbridge Beach is gorgeous, with miles of wide, sandy shores everyone in the family can enjoy. Plus, Little Island Park has a brand new playground for the kids!
Sandbridge Beach Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Sandbridge Beach open to the public?
Yes, the beach is open to everyone. No passes or permits are needed!
Are there public restrooms at Sandbridge Beach?
Yes, public restrooms are available at Little Island Park.
Are dogs allowed at Sandbridge Beach?
Yes, but rules vary by season. Dogs are allowed on the beach before Memorial Day and after Labor Day at all hours. During summer, they’re allowed on the beach before 10 AM and after 6 PM. Traveling with your pet? Check out our guide to a pet-friendly Sandbridge vacation!
Can I bring a grill or have a fire on the beach in Sandbridge?
Open fires are not allowed on the beach. Grills are permitted only in designated picnic areas (there are some at Little Island Park).
Is the beach in Sandbridge usually crowded?
Sandbridge Beach is much less crowded than the main Virginia Beach strip, especially on weekdays and in the off-season. It’s a relatively secluded spot!
Go Fish
Want to drop a line while you’re in town? Fishing is a popular outdoor activity here. You can fish from the beach or off Little Island Pier!
Several people also enjoy setting out on fishing charters. Here are a few of our favorites:
Aquaman Sport Fishing Charters
Jet Skiing
Have you ever thought about hopping on a jet ski during your family getaway? It’s a fun way to add some excitement! You’ll need to be 18 to rent one solo, but teens as young as 16 can drive with a parent’s permission and a valid ID. Riders must be at least five years old.
Do you have younger kids on vacation with you? That's no problem—you can opt for a slower-paced ride and enjoy the view from the water. As with any water activity, make sure everyone wears a life jacket and follows safety guidelines. As long as you avoid high speeds and sharp turns, it’s a great way to share the fun with your little ones!
When searching for a jet ski rental near Sandbridge, look no further than Virginia Beach Watersports. They have you covered with incredible Waverunner jet skis. Plus, you can browse their other offerings, like cruises and pontoon boats if you want to try something new!
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
For something a little slower-paced, consider a kayak or paddleboard rental. There’s nothing quite like the serenity of paddling out on the open water. Surf & Adventure Company here in Sandbridge is the perfect place to find rentals for your trip. You can rent equipment to explore the waters on your own or join one of their informative tours!
In addition to kayaks and paddleboards, they also have surfboards. Join a lesson or camp to learn the ropes, or get out on the water if you’re already an experienced surfer.
Spend Time at the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge
Get outside and see some local wildlife at the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge! Established in 1938, this local refuge is home to hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and fish. Bird lovers especially will love spending time here! You never know what kind of special bird you could spy from sharp-shinned hawks to Northern Saw-whet owls.
While you keep your eye out for birds in the sky, there are plenty of turtles in the water, too. Loggerhead turtles are quite common at Back Bay. Hop in a kayak to get up close to the marine life in the bay!
Beyond the water, there are plenty of trails to explore here to get all your steps in. Approximately seven miles of beach and trails are available to hikers! Some trails are also open to bikes, but be sure to check before you head out. Specific trails like East and West Dike are closed seasonally (November 1-March 31) to decrease disturbance to migratory and wintering waterfowl, but they’re open during the rest of the year!
Enjoy a Craft Beer
There's nothing better than enjoying the nice weather by kicking back and drinking a beer! At New Realm Brewery, you can not only try incredible new brews, but also spend time outside listening to music, playing cornhole, making new friends, and so much more. Plus, the brewery is kid-friendly, so the whole family can come along!
Exciting events are always cropping up here, so you'll have no problem staying entertained. Test your skills at trivia night, find your new favorite band, or just mix and mingle with other patrons and families. You'll have a blast!
Visit a Petting Zoo
How often do you get the chance to visit a petting zoo and bottle feed baby cows?! It's not every day, that's for sure. But you can do just that at Hunt Club Farm!
Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, with pony rides available from 11 AM to 4 PM, you and your kiddos will love it here. There are countless activities to partake in, from the petting farm to the tree walk adventure, and even an animal adventure field trip. Their Mini Cow Experience is a favorite of ours, too. You can cuddle baby cows and bottle feed them! Kids especially will love Hunt Club Farm.
Book Your Trip to Sandbridge Directly with Sandbridge Life!
Sandbridge Vacation Rental: All Shell Be Well
With so many ways to enjoy the great outdoors, you’ll find Sandbridge is a wonderful vacation destination. You’ll have plenty to do during your trip; now you just have to book it! When it comes to finding the perfect vacation rental for your time in Sandbridge, look no further than Sandbridge Life.
Whether you’re bringing your dog along and want to find a pet-friendly rental or you want to stay somewhere with a private pool, you can’t go wrong when you choose a home from our extensive catalog of Sandbridge rentals! Plus, our local team is here to help you every step of the way to make sure your trip goes off without a hitch.
What are you waiting for? It’s time to book that vacation. Browse our available Sandbridge beach rentals now and book your vacation directly with Sandbridge Life!