Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

"Peaceful Spot for a Nature Walk, But Bring Bug Spray!

We recently visited the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia Beach, and while we didn’t spot too much wildlife during our trip, we still really enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty of the area. It’s a great place to go for a relaxing walk—especially if you have kids who like to run around and explore.

The trails are mostly flat and well-maintained, making them easy for little legs and stroller-friendly, which is a huge bonus for families. There’s a mix of sandy paths, wooden boardwalks, and open views of marshes, dunes, and the bay. It really is pretty, especially if you go close to sunset when the lighting is soft and golden. It feels tucked away and serene, even though it’s not too far from the more developed parts of Virginia Beach.

That said—the bugs are no joke. We were swarmed by mosquitoes and gnats almost the entire time, and that was even with bug spray. It’s definitely one of those places where long sleeves and pants, plus heavy-duty repellent, are a must if you plan to stay any length of time. The bugs were really the only downside of the experience, but it was enough that we had to cut our walk shorter than planned. If you're sensitive to bites or traveling with little ones, definitely plan ahead.

As for wildlife, we were hoping to spot birds or maybe even deer or turtles, but it was a quiet day—possibly due to the weather or the time of year. We did hear plenty of frogs and saw some dragonflies, but not the variety of wildlife we had imagined. That being said, it's a wildlife refuge, not a zoo, so sightings are never guaranteed. I’ve heard others say they’ve seen all kinds of birds and even wild horses from a distance on other visits, so it might just depend on your timing.

There are restrooms near the visitor center and a few benches along the trails, but it's a good idea to bring your own water, especially on warm days. Parking was easy and affordable, and the entry fee is minimal (or free if you have a national park pass).

Overall, it’s a calm, scenic spot to reconnect with nature, especially if you want something low-key to do with your family. Just be aware of the bugs, and don’t set your expectations too high when it comes to wildlife sightings. It’s perfect for a short walk, some quiet time, and letting the kids burn off a little energy outdoors. We’ll probably be back—just with even more bug spray next time!"

XxLisaJazminexX

"Wonderful wildlife refuge with trails, walkways along the coast allowing options to watch wildlife in its natural settings.

The trails are well maintained, the resource center is equipped with host of information, and the staff is helpful and friendly. A great facility for a family to enjoy a day with nature. A fantastic find in Virginia Beach area.

We visited in mid-March so we did not suffer any green fly attacks and had a very pleasant visit."

Credible Critic

"It was peaceful and beautiful. Go early in the morning. You may see some amazing birds and definitely some great scenery. And possibly make a new reptile friend or two"

K Wolff