Everyone Always Goes to Oceanfront Beach in Virginia: Go Here Instead

With its 38 miles of coastline, it’s easy to see why Virginia Beach gets the glory. Oceanfront and its iconic Boardwalk make for one of the best family-friendly beach vacations in the state! While there’s no denying Oceanfront is an easy slam dunk, there is something to be said for taking the path less traveled. If you’re willing to put in a little effort, False Cape State Park has one of the best hidden beaches in Virginia—but you’ll have to work for it.

Why Oceanfront Beach Gets So Crowded

Convenience plays a large role in how certain attractions gain popularity. Oceanfront has everything you could ever want for a beach vacation: oceanfront hotels where you can go from bed to beach in minutes, endless restaurants serving up the best seafood in town, and plenty of tours that range from fishing charters to parasailing. You can do it all here, and that convenience, especially the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, is why it’s so popular. Of course, the one downside to its fame is the crowds, which can be rather intimidating during peak seasons. 

The Beach You Should Visit Instead

If you’re willing to put in a little work, you can find yourself on one of the less crowded beaches in Virginia: the beach at False Cape State Park. Sitting pretty between Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the Atlantic Ocean, False Cape State Park boasts 6 miles of unspoiled shoreline to enjoy. The catch, though, is that you can only get to False Cape State Park by bike, boat, or on foot. There are no cars allowed.

What To Expect When You Visit False Cape State Park

Getting to this secret beach will be a mission of its own. Since there is no public vehicle access to False Cape State Park, you’ll need to hike, bike, or boat in. Most people park at the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and take the four-mile hike in. There are two trails that connect Back Bay to False Cape: the East Dike and the West Dike. Only one of those trails is open at a time, so be sure to pay attention to the signs. Both trails are primarily flat, gravel trails that are easy for both hikers and bikers, though shade is minimal. 

While the park’s six miles of quiet beaches are certainly a fabulous way to spend the day, the 4,321-acre state park offers 15 miles of hiking trails that weave throughout the park’s beaches, dunes, wooded swamps and maritime forests. The area itself was once home to the Wash Woods community, a group of shipwreck survivors from the 17th or 18th centuries. The 4-hour Blue Goose Tram offers tours that do a deep dive into this abandoned community. Be sure to swing by the visitor center to enjoy some ice cream, grab a souvenir, and learn more about the park. 

Camping at False Cape State Park is allowed year-round, and there are several primitive campsites peppered around the park. Reservations must be made in advance by calling 1-800-933-PARK, and be sure to read the camping rules before arriving. You’ll have to carry everything in and out, but the chance to watch the sunrise over the beach is worth it. 

Tips for Visiting This Hidden Gem

False Cape State Park is open from sunrise through sunset daily, and the visitor center is open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Those entering the park via the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge must be out of the refuge by dusk. Since animals are prohibited within the refuge, they will not be able to join you at False Cape State Park, so leave the dogs at home for this outing. 

This is one of the best hidden beaches in Virginia for anyone willing to work for it. It’s not going to compare to the convenience you’ll find around Virginia Beach, but the opportunity to enjoy one of the less-crowded beaches in Virginia might be worth it! Visit the False Cape State Park website to learn more and start planning your next adventure today.