A Guide to Vacationing in Sandbridge Beach

Located just 30 minutes south of the bustling resort area of Virginia Beach, Sandbridge is the perfect beach destination in Virginia for travelers interested in a low-key, relaxing getaway. This beautiful, secluded area spans five miles along the Virginia coast, encompassing dunes and sea oats.

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The surrounding marshes and back bays provide a great place for an outdoor adventure, with plenty of opportunity for fishing, kayaking, and even hiking. Sandbridge Beach is an easy day trip for travelers based in Virginia Beach, though there are enough things to do in Sandbridge to keep visitors occupied for much longer. Whether you're dropping by or hunkering down for a week, these are the top points of interest in Sandbridge Beach, Virginia.

Explore the Coastal Habitat

The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is an 8,000-acre freshwater refuge encompassing dunes, maritime forests, freshwater ponds, and an ocean beach. Hike or bike through a network of marsh trails to experience the secluded habitats and local wildlife firsthand. Back Bay Tram Tours are offered between April 1 and October 31, providing another unique option for seeing the refuge.

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Go Sea Kayaking

Another relaxing, yet adventurous way to explore the coastal wildlife is by sea kayak. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine creatures as you paddle the calm swells of the Atlantic. Surf and Adventure Co. offer guided tours launching out of Sandbridge.

Learn to Surf

The relaxed, secluded nature of Sandbridge — along with tame waves — makes the area a great destination for beginning and first-time surfers. Schedule a private lesson, or join a group, to get your sea legs. When you're ready to tackle the beach breaks on your own, there are a number of places to rent equipment, too.

Have a Night Out

Even though Sandbridge is a relatively quiet town, great food, drinks, and live music can still be found. The Baja Restaurant in South Sandbridge is a great place to spend an evening. Dinner is served from Tuesday through Sunday, and live entertainment is offered seasonally. Stop by the Baja Coffee Co., their cafe in the same location, earlier in the morning before a day at the beach for a cup of coffee and a savory muffin with smoked ham and rosemary.