Virginia
Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

You’ll Love This Secluded Virginia Beach With Miles And Miles Of White Sand

Assateague Island National Seashore is a must-visit destination featuring wild horses, white sandy beaches, and scenic nature trails.

Published Aug 25, 2018

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

A trip to Assateague Island belongs on every Virginian's bucket list. If you've yet to experience this magical oasis complete with wild horses and miles of white sandy beaches, now's the time. Here's more on this natural preserve that offers a beautiful insight into the natural landscape of Virginia.

Welcome to Assateague Island National Seashore, a treasure trove of coastline, marshlands, and majestic animals who call this landscape home. This barrier island is located east of Chincoteague Island and is shared between Virginia and Maryland.

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Jane M/TripAdvisor

While this is by no means your everyday beach, it offers some of the most picturesque bay shorelines imaginable.

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The entire 38-mile island is protected by the National Parks Service. Visit the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, which is located at the southern end of the island, for maps and details about the island.

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During the summer months, this relatively secluded beach fills with beachcombers, swimmers, and fishermen all eager to explore what may very well be the most beautiful beach in Virginia. If you plan on visiting, keep in mind that the parking lot can fill up quickly in the afternoons!

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The most unique feature of this white sandy beach is most certainly the wild ponies that roam here. Evidence suggest that these beautiful creatures are descendants of survivors from a Spanish ship which wrecked near Assateague hundreds of years ago.

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Visitors are often invited to explore the island via a network of nature trails. Some, like the Wildlife Loop, measure over 3 miles while others, such as the Lighthouse Trail, are a mere quarter of a mile.

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One thing's for sure: once you experience the rugged coastal charm of Assateague Island, you'll return every summer.

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Doug Kerr/flickr

Have you made a trip to Assateague Island this summer? If so, be sure to share your favorite things to do there with us! For more important information about the island, including directions and recreational activities, be sure to visit the National Park Service website here.

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

There’s A Gorge In Virginia That Looks Just Like The New River Gorge, But Hardly Anyone Knows It Exists

Breaks Interstate Park in Virginia, known as the Grand Canyon of the South, offers stunning geological formations and abundant wildlife.

Updated Aug 11, 2024

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

The New River Gorge is one of the most iconic wonders on the East Coast, located in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. Yet you don’t have to cross state lines to experience a natural wonder in Virginia that’s equally striking. In our opinion, Breaks Interstate Park in Dickenson County, looks a lot like the New River Gorge, and if you’ve never visited, it’s high time you planned a trip. So, come with us to see one of the most unique gorges in Virginia that will literally blow your mind.

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Millions of years ago, upon the formation of the Appalachian Mountains, a wave of earth and rock was created. Today, at the westernmost point of these ancient formations, you'll find Breaks Interstate Park.

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Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

Nothing short of a natural wonder and a geological phenomenon, this region of Virginia is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. The 1,000-foot gorge, nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the South, is the result of the Russell Fork River.

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Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

The giant sandstone cliffs, known as the Towers, ascend above the canyon, creating a stunning visual effect. Even photos, as beautiful as they are, can't quite do justice to the view!

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Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

If it's your first time visiting the Breaks, be sure to check out Breaks Overlook, an iconic view of the landscape. It's especially stunning when the fog rolls in.

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Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

Overlooks Trail is another gorgeous view of the park. Just look at those stunning colors!

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Breaks Park

And while Breaks Interstate Park is famous for its canyon, the abundance of wildlife here is equally as mesmerizing.

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Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

During certain times of the year, visitors are invited to see Virginia's Elk Restoration Zone.

Have you ever visited Breaks Interstate Park? What was your experience at this look-a-like gorge in Virginia? Feel free to share your adventures with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you! For more unique destinations to visit, be sure to check out our list of natural wonders in Virginia.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/virginia/natural-wonder-va/

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

A Bit Of An Unexpected Natural Wonder, Few People Know There Are Sand Dunes Hiding In Virginia

Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve in Virginia offers a stunning and unexpected landscape with tall sand dunes and diverse wildlife.

Updated Aug 9, 2024

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

When you think of sand dunes, you likely picture New Mexico's White Sand Dunes National Park, or perhaps the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in Colorado. You may not have realized that Virginia also has a collection of sand dunes, and it's just as spectacular. To view this wild, rugged, and somewhat unexpected landscape, head to Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve in Cape Charles. Prepare to be amazed by the untouched beauty of some of the coolest natural wonders in Virginia!

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Virginia's most visited beaches are popular for a reason: they're easy to access, offer amenities such as restaurants and boardwalks, and often have the buzz of crowds.

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Yet there's something special about the quieter, off-the-beaten-path beaches, and today's feature destination certainly qualifies.

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Patrick Kerr / Google

Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve is comprised of 298 acres along the Chesapeake Bay in Northampton County.

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Patrick Kerr / Google

The dunes are among the tallest natural points on Virginia's Eastern Shore!

It's a stunning gem of a beach on Virginia's Eastern Shore, made all the more spectacular by the presence of 50-foot sand dunes for which the area is named.

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The preserve, which is maintained by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, is open to the public, yet it's absolutely vital to respect both nature and wildlife here.

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As you can imagine, the beach, dunes, and maritime forest make up an important habitat for countless plants and wildlife, including tiger beetles and migratory songbirds.

Visitors will find a small public parking lot as well as three hiking trails for safely exploring the area.

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If you do plan to visit, be sure to leave only footprints in the sand!

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Bill Dyas / Google

Did you know about this unexpected wonder hiding in Virginia? Have you visited Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area in Cape Charles? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you! For related content, check out our natural wonders road trip through Virginia. And be sure to take a look at our road trip essentials!

Love all things Virginia? Check out this amazing footage of Shenandoah National Park:

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