Explore Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immersing yourself in pure, unspoiled nature, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge near Sandbridge Beach is calling your name. This wildlife sanctuary is a nature lover's dream. From hiking to birdwatching, the Refuge offers a diverse range of activities for everyone. Let’s explore the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and see why it deserves a spot on your Sandbridge Beach itinerary.
Ready to start planning your beach getaway? Book with Sandbridge Life Realty! Our vacation rentals have something for everyone.
Back Bay at a Glance
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 with the noble mission to preserve habitats for migratory birds along the Atlantic Flyway. Today, it spans over 9,000 acres of diverse ecosystems, including pristine beaches, vibrant freshwater marshes and maritime forests, rolling sand dunes, and sturdy scrub-shrub landscapes. This variety of habitats creates a safe haven for wildlife. Whenever you visit, you can expect to see a wide range of lovely creatures!
- Cost: April 1 to October 31, $5; November 1 to March 31, Free
- Hours: Open daily, ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset
- Location: 4005 Sandpiper Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Wildlife at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
One of the biggest draws of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is its incredible biodiversity. More than 300 species of animals call the Refuge home at different times of the year! In the winter, you’ll see tundra swans and snow geese gliding gracefully across the water. The rest of the year brings vibrant songbirds and shorebirds. That’s not all, keep your eyes peeled for river otters in the marshes, bobcats moving through the forest, and white-tailed deer grazing in the distance. Summer offers a chance to spot nesting loggerhead sea turtles. The variety is truly incredible, and what makes it better is knowing that these animals are safe and protected here.
Activities at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
There are so many activities to partake in at the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge!
Tram Tours
Want to explore without breaking a sweat? Hop on a tram tour that takes you through the Refuge and into neighboring False Cape State Park. It’s a great way to learn about the area’s history and wildlife from knowledgeable and friendly guides.
- Cost: $8 per person
- Register online
Trails
Back Bay has a whole network of trails, each offering its own unique experience!
Reese F. Lukei, Jr. Raptor Trail
A 0.4-mile trail behind the Visitor Center that winds through bald cypress stands and marshes, ending at scenic platforms overlooking Back Bay. It’s the most popular trail and offers new glimpses of wildlife with every visit!
Sunset Point Overlook Loop
This short 0.25-mile boardwalk loop features a viewing platform facing south and west, ideal for capturing stunning sunsets.
Kuralt Trail
Enjoy a lovely short walk to an overlook of a tranquil cove at Back Bay. Keep an eye out for bobcat tracks in the morning or watch for swans and ducks!
Seaside Trail
This is a quick 0.25-mile path through marsh and dunes that leads straight to the beach. Although it’s a brief jaunt, it’s ideal for wildlife observation and photography. Who knows what kind of flora and fauna you might see!
Dune Trail
This raised boardwalk, about 0.3 miles from the Visitor Center, takes you through dunes to the beach, with a midway platform offering expansive and breathtaking views of both Back Bay and the ocean.
East and West Dike Trails
These trails start about half a mile from the Visitor’s Center and stretch all the way to False Cape State Park. They are open for hiking and biking from April to October but closed in winter to protect the wonderful waterfowl.
Refuge Beach
Enjoy three miles of pristine beachfront well suited for for surf fishing, shell collecting, and nature watching. Just be aware that the northernmost mile is reserved for wildlife only!
Kayaking & Canoeing
If you love being on the water, grab a kayak or canoe and paddle through the calm marshes. There is a soft, earthen launch for these hand-carried boats. This is a peaceful way to get up close to the refuge’s aquatic ecosystems and explore this habitat from a different angle.
Birdwatching
Bring your binoculars! There are so many prime spots for birdwatching, especially the East and West Dike trails. For both serious birders or newcomers to the hobby, the variety of species here will leave you in awe.
Photography
Back Bay is a photographer’s dream. Take photos of the sunrise and sunset, the coastal landscape, or see if you can catch any wildlife on camera! Everywhere you turn offers a postcard-worthy view.
Fishing
Surf fishing along the beach or freshwater fishing in designated areas is allowed, just make sure you have the proper license. Freshwater anglers can reel in largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. Surf fishing is great for catching bluefish, whiting, redfish, spot, croaker, and more. What a fantastic way to spend a day outdoors!
- Buy a Virginia Fishing License Online
Read More
If you love staying active, read our blog on the various outdoor activities you can enjoy in Sandbridge Beach.
Book Your Sandbridge Beach Vacation
Now that you have learned about the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, it’s time to book your trip to Sandbridge Beach and stay with Sandbridge Life Realty. There's so much to do here! If you love nature, you’ll be amazed at how much wildlife you may encounter on your Sandbridge Beach vacation. For active types, there are many activities to do if you visit our lovely coast.
When you stay with Sandbridge Life Realty, you have a convenient home base for all of your adventures. Our vacation rentals offer a wide range of amenities, including pet-friendly homes and properties directly on the beach. If this sounds like your type of getaway, book your vacation with us, today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
What kind of wildlife can I see?
You can see hundreds of species of animals and insects at the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge! Some of these include:
- Birds: Bald eagles, osprey, great blue herons, snowy egrets, tundra swans, snow geese, and numerous songbirds
- Mammals: White-tailed deer, river otters, racoons, bobcats, and red foxes
- Reptiles & Amphibians: Loggerhead sea turtles in summer, cottonmouth snakes, frogs, and turtles
- Insects: Monarch butterflies and dragonflies
Is the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge open all year?
Yes, the refuge is open all year, although some trails are closed.
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