Every year, Virginia Beach attracts numerous tourists with its expansive beaches and innumerable opportunities for active recreation on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. This place, which combines history and modernity, is ideal for both a quiet family vacation and for lovers of extreme sports and unusual entertainment. Most of the year, especially in summer, the weather here is pleasant and comfortable, which is also particularly valuable. This region also attracts nature and wildlife lovers and offers a variety of natural landscapes, from the coast to swamps and forests. It is this aspect of the region that is the subject of this article. Read on to learn about the best places to enjoy nature and see why Virginia Beach is a great destination for your next vacation!
Outdoor Culture and Wildlife Watching in Southeastern Virginia
Wildlife watching is of interest to modern tourists because it helps relieve stress, provides new experiences, and gives a sense of freedom and solitude. Southeastern Virginia offers you this opportunity. The region places great emphasis on responsible outdoor recreation, encouraging visitors to follow local rules, respect seasonal regulations, and minimize their impact on sensitive ecosystems. For example, the use of thermal binoculars for hunting is increasingly mentioned in discussions about legal outdoor recreation practices.
The region offers tourists the unique opportunity to observe not only marine life, but also birds and land animals. For example, those who want to see marine animals often choose kayak or boat tours, while those who are more interested in land species prefer to visit nature reserves and parks.
We recommend booking tours in advance, especially during busy seasons, and bringing binoculars to get the most out of the experience. Also, remember that it is important to keep your distance in nature reserves and never feed the animals.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge: Why It Is a Must-Visit
This nature reserve is, without exaggeration, a must-see in Virginia Beach. Thanks to its unique coastal ecosystem, it offers excellent opportunities for observing wildlife and is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Birdwatching is a particularly popular activity here, as this reserve is a major migration and wintering site for many species of waterfowl birds, birds of prey, and migratory birds. In addition, you can see mammals, such as raccoons, opossums, white-tailed deer, and others, as well as reptiles and amphibians, especially in summer.
When visiting this reserve, it is important to follow the rules so as not to harm the ecosystem or disturb the animals. First of all, visitors are prohibited from swimming, surfing, and sunbathing on the beach. In addition, flying kites or using drones is strictly prohibited. Also, if you are planning a vacation with your pets, you will need to check which trails are allowed, as there are some restrictions.
Visiting False Cape State Park As a Great Experience
Visiting this park will allow you to fully enjoy nature and take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. This place is a must-visit if you love true wilderness and are ready for solitude and adventure.
Visiting False Cape State Park will be a real escape from civilization, as it is one of the least-visited parks in Virginia. There are no fancy amenities or entertainment, but instead, there are 5.9 miles of pristine Atlantic coastline and plenty of wildlife to observe in its natural habitat. Here, you can encounter coyotes, foxes, white-tailed deer, sea turtles, and various species of birds, such as herons, cormorants, swans, Bald Eagles, and others.
The park offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and camping. It is the latter that attracts lovers of true tranquility, as the park offers the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in nature with “wild” camping. This unspoiled stretch of coastline will be a breath of fresh air and a reset button in your routine life.
Final Thoughts
Virginia Beach is undoubtedly the perfect destination for those who want to enjoy the ocean and beaches, but don’t overlook the other, natural side of this place. Nature reserves and parks are an important part of the tourist experience, offering priceless emotions, allowing you to reset your mind, and reconnect with nature.
Virginia Beach offers tourists access to the natural areas of southeastern Virginia, allowing them to enjoy the wilderness and its inhabitants up close, and thus discover a whole new side to this popular beach resort. Hiking trails, boat tours, and wildlife watching – all of these make for an unforgettable and fulfilling vacation. When planning your holiday in Virginia Beach by the ocean, be sure to set aside time for the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park, which will help you gain a deeper understanding of the natural heritage of this unique region.
Events
