Start your day with a leisurely stroll amidst lush forests, freshwater lakes, and salt marshes at First-Landing State Park, Virginia's most visited state park. This park is ideal for nature lovers who want to explore coastal ecosystems and learn about the area's history through the park's educational programs.
Drive to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, where you can experience the tranquility of undeveloped beaches framed by sand dunes and maritime forests. Walk along one of the trails, spot migratory birds, waterfowl, and threatened and endangered species.
Take a break for lunch at Bay Local Eatery, a farm-to-table restaurant that uses locally sourced ingredients to provide delicious American cuisine. Try their signature dish, the Avocado Toast BLT, or the Crab Cake Benedict, which comes with a side of grits and a tangy hollandaise sauce.
Head to False Cape State Park, a 4,300-acre park that offers hiking and biking trails, kayaking, and fishing. The park is a mile-wide barrier spit between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, which provides a unique opportunity to see diverse flora and fauna.
End your day at Pleasure House Point Natural Area, a paradise for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, and off-road cycling. Enjoy stunning views of the Lynnhaven River and delight in the diverse shorelines, tidal marshes, and maritime forests.
If you have more time, you can add in a whale watching tour or dolphin-watching eco-cruises, take part in water sports activities or spend more time exploring the parks. If you have less time, skip Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge or False Cape State Park to have a more relaxed pace.