7 Hidden Outdoor Gems in Virginia Beach That Locals Don't Share

First Landing State Park is no secret itself – it's Virginia's most visited state park. But here's what most tourists miss: while everyone crowds onto Cape Henry Trail, the real magic happens on the park's lesser-known paths.

My personal favorite is the Osmanthus Trail, a 1.5-mile loop that feels like you've stepped into a coastal fairyland. The trail winds through cypress swamps where knobby knees poke through tea-colored water, and the maritime forest creates a natural canopy that keeps temperatures bearable even in July. I've spent hours here with my compact binoculars spotting pileated woodpeckers and prothonotary warblers that look like flying gold coins against the green backdrop.

The White Hill Lake Trail is another hidden gem within the gem. Most folks don't venture this far into the park, but this 2.5-mile trail offers some of the most diverse ecosystems in one hike. One minute you're in a cypress swamp, the next you're walking through a coastal dune system.

What makes these trails family-friendly is that they're well-maintained but not overcrowded. You can actually hear the birds instead of other people's conversations. The terrain is mostly flat, making it manageable for kids, and there are enough interesting natural features to keep short attention spans engaged. I once watched a family turn the hike into a scavenger hunt, with the parents having kids look for specific plants and animal signs – genius move that I've recommended to friends with kids ever since.

When my correction officer buddies and I want to fish without fighting for elbow room, we head straight to Pleasure House Point Natural Area. This 118-acre natural area sits quietly on the Lynnhaven River, and despite being just minutes from the resort area, it feels worlds away from the tourist hustle.

What makes this spot special is the combination of easy access and natural beauty. The 1.5-mile trail system weaves through maritime forest, tidal marshes, and sandy beaches. But the real draw? The fishing. The protected waters of Lynnhaven Inlet create perfect conditions for speckled trout, red drum, and flounder.

I've spent countless mornings here with my travel fishing rod which packs down small enough to fit in my carry-on luggage. You don't need fancy gear – I've seen locals pull in dinner using nothing more than a basic rod and some live minnows.

For families, this place is gold. The trails are flat and easy for little legs, there's abundant wildlife for impromptu nature lessons (my nephew counted 7 different bird species in one hour), and the shallow protected waters are perfect for kids who want to wade and look for fiddler crabs. There's something deeply satisfying about teaching a kid to fish in waters where you can actually catch something.

The best part? This place is absolutely free. No entrance fees, no parking fees, nothing but you and nature. In a beach town where tourist attractions can quickly drain your wallet, Pleasure House Point offers a full day of outdoor enjoyment without spending a dime beyond your fishing license (which non-residents can purchase online for about $10 for a day).

Let me share a truth that took me three visits to discover: Virginia Beach locals rarely swim at the main resort beach. Instead, they head to the residential North End beaches, particularly the access points between 40th and 89th Streets.

What makes these beaches special? First, space. While tourists pack themselves like sardines at the Oceanfront, the North End beaches give you room to breathe. My favorite spot is around 64th Street – there's reliable street parking if you arrive before 10am, and even on summer weekends, you can usually find enough sand to spread out a proper beach setup.

Second, the vibe is completely different. No boardwalk, no vendors hawking overpriced snow cones, no speakers blasting competing music. Just the sound of waves and seagulls. For families, this means a more relaxed environment where you can actually hear your kids when they call you.

Third, these beaches tend to have gentler slopes and smaller waves, making them safer for younger swimmers. The residential nature of the area means lifeguards aren't dealing with the volume of rescues they handle at the main beach, so they can be more attentive to the swimmers in their zone.

I always pack my beach shelter when I visit these beaches because unlike the resort area, there aren't rental umbrellas. This portable shelter has saved my fair-skinned buddies from looking like lobsters after our fishing trips, and I've seen plenty of families using similar setups to create kid-friendly shade zones.

Be respectful though – these beaches border residential neighborhoods, so keep noise down, pack out all trash, and observe parking signs carefully. The locals will appreciate your consideration, and you'll get to enjoy beaches the way they were meant to be experienced – without fighting through crowds or overpaying for basic amenities.

If you've priced kayak rentals at the main tourist spots in Virginia Beach, you know they can quickly blow a family budget. That's why Crab Creek is my go-to recommendation for families who want to paddle without the premium price tag.

Tucked away off Shore Drive near the Lynnhaven Inlet, Crab Creek offers a free public boat launch that's perfect for kayaks and paddleboards. What makes this spot special is the protected water of Lynnhaven Bay – even on days when the ocean is rough, the bay remains relatively calm, making it perfect for beginners and families with kids.

I discovered this spot during my second trip to Virginia Beach when I was looking to save money on activities. I brought my inflatable kayak which packs down small enough to fit in my trunk alongside all my other gear. The launch has a small parking lot (free, but it fills up early on weekends) and a simple concrete ramp that makes getting in and out of the water straightforward.

Once on the water, you can paddle through marsh channels where great blue herons stalk the shallows, or head toward Lynnhaven Inlet where dolphins occasionally make appearances. One morning, I watched a family of four in two tandem kayaks having the time of their lives when a pod of dolphins surfaced just 20 feet from them – the kind of memory that beats any overpriced tourist attraction.

If you don't have your own equipment, there's a local outfitter about a mile away that offers rentals at nearly half the price of the oceanfront vendors. They'll even help you secure the kayaks to your car if you want to transport them to Crab Creek yourself.

The surrounding area offers plenty of places to picnic after your paddle, making it easy to stretch this into a full-day activity without spending much beyond the rental fee (if you don't have your own equipment).

Most visitors to First Landing State Park (formerly Seashore State Park) never discover its hidden beach. They stick to the main beach access points, missing out on one of the most serene stretches of sand in Virginia Beach.

To find this hidden gem, you'll need to hike the Cape Henry Trail for about 1.5 miles from the 64th Street entrance. The trail eventually opens up to a stretch of Chesapeake Bay beachfront that feels worlds away from the commercial beaches. The extra effort to reach this spot means it rarely gets crowded, even during peak summer weekends.

What makes this beach special is the unique perspective it offers. Looking across the bay toward the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, you get spectacular views that most tourists never see. The water here is typically calmer than the Atlantic side, making it great for families with smaller children who might be intimidated by bigger waves.

I stumbled upon this spot during my third visit to Virginia Beach when I was exploring the park's trail system. I had my waterproof phone case with me, which let me capture some incredible photos without worrying about sand or splashes damaging my phone. The sunset views here are particularly stunning – the bridge silhouetted against the orange sky makes for frame-worthy vacation photos.

The beach itself has a more natural feel than the groomed tourist beaches. You'll find driftwood, interesting shells, and occasionally see dolphins feeding offshore. There are no facilities here – no bathrooms, no concessions, no lifeguards – which is precisely why it remains uncrowded and pristine.

For families with older kids who can handle the hike, this makes for an adventure that combines exercise, nature appreciation, and beach relaxation in one activity. Pack a lightweight picnic, plenty of water, and spend a day exploring a side of Virginia Beach that most visitors never experience.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is on most tourist maps, but few visitors venture beyond the main trails. The real secret? The inland waterways that can only be accessed by small boats or kayaks, offering an entirely different perspective of Virginia Beach's natural beauty.

The refuge contains over 9,000 acres of beach, dunes, woodlands, and marshes, but the water trails through the marshes are where the magic happens. You can rent kayaks at the nearby False Cape State Park (reserve well in advance during summer), or bring your own and launch from the designated areas.

Paddling these peaceful waters offers wildlife viewing opportunities that you simply can't get from land. On my last trip, I counted 22 different bird species in a single morning, including a pair of bald eagles that have nested in the area for years. The shallow, clear waters also let you spot turtles, fish, and sometimes even river otters if you're patient and quiet.

What makes this especially great for families is the sense of adventure without extreme physical demands. The waters are protected and generally calm, making them suitable for even novice paddlers. Kids who might complain about a long hike will often paddle for hours, motivated by the excitement of what wildlife might appear around the next bend.

I always bring my dry bag to keep my camera equipment and phone safe while paddling. It's been a lifesaver during unexpected rain showers and the occasional splash from an overenthusiastic paddle stroke.

If you're lucky enough to visit during late spring or early fall (the best times to avoid both crowds and mosquitoes), you might have entire sections of waterway completely to yourself. It's the kind of peaceful, immersive nature experience that stays with you long after your vacation ends.

Everyone knows Rudee Inlet as the marina where fishing charters and dolphin tours depart, but few tourists discover the hidden observation area that locals favor for sunset watching. Located at the southern end of the inlet where it meets the Atlantic Ocean, this spot offers some of the most spectacular sunset views in Virginia Beach without the crowds of the main boardwalk.

To find it, head to the small parking area near the jetty at the end of 4th Street. A short walk takes you to a rocky area where you can sit and watch fishing boats returning to harbor silhouetted against the setting sun. The inlet's channel markers and nearby Rudee Bridge create perfect photo opportunities as they're backlit by the golden hour light.

What makes this spot special for families is the combination of natural beauty and maritime activity. Kids are fascinated by the steady parade of boats, from small private vessels to large charter operations. It's like watching a real-life harbor scene unfold, with the bonus of a spectacular sunset as backdrop.

I discovered this spot during my first solo trip to Virginia Beach, when I was looking for places to practice my photography skills. My camera tripod has been essential for capturing those low-light sunset shots without blur. Even if you're just using a smartphone, this spot offers endless photo opportunities as the light changes minute by minute.

The area is generally quiet and contemplative, with locals often bringing folding chairs and thermoses of coffee or hot chocolate depending on the season. There's a sense of community among the regular sunset watchers, and I've had some of my most interesting conversations with locals while waiting for that perfect golden light.

For families on a budget, this free activity delivers memories that rival any paid attraction. I've seen parents using the setting to teach kids about navigation (the channel markers), marine life (dolphins frequently pass by), and photography basics. It's the kind of multi-generational activity that everyone can enjoy regardless of age or interest level.