Top rated Nature preserves in Virginia Beach, United States to elevate your visit (Updated March, 2024)

Currituck National Wildlife Refuge

Nature preserve

Protected habitat for shorebirds & sea turtles across 4,570 acres of wetlands, beaches & forests.

4.90 (820 reviews) (~42.87 km from centre)

Grandview Nature Preserve

Nature preserve

Birding & wildlife viewing on trails leading through marshes & woodlands to a long, scenic beach.

4.80 (845 reviews) (~36.84 km from centre)

Currituck Banks Reserve

Nature preserve

Nature preserve on an estuary, popular for hiking & viewing of wildlife, including wild horses.

4.80 (714 reviews) (~52.63 km from centre)

False Cape State Park

Park

Pristine maritime forest & coastline not accessible by private car, with biking trails & kayaking.

4.80 (409 reviews) (~25.75 km from centre)

Savage Neck Dunes State Natural Area Preserve Parking Lot

Nature preserve

👍👍 This place is a hidden treasure! We drove up on a Sunday to visit a bunch of parks on the Eastern Shore and this was by far our favorite! The whole time we were there we only saw two other groups, so it was the perfect place to explore during the pandemic. We also liked the diversity with the grassl...

4.80 (232 reviews) (~52.86 km from centre)

Nags Head Woods Preserve

Nature preserve

👍👍 Incredible! Amazing location considering this is 5 minutes from the beach. Within 2 minutes my girl saw baby turtles, frogs, butterflies, birds, and a nutria. This number of different trees is really unique. I was also impressed by so much elevation change for an ocean forest. Place is a gem!!

4.80 (172 reviews) (~99.98 km from centre)

Northwest River Natural Area Preserve

Nature preserve

This 2,774-acre nature preserve features forests & swamps, plus rare plants & animals.

4.80 (75 reviews) (~36.96 km from centre)

York River State Park

State park

Fresh & saltwater meet at this marshy estuarine park, which hosts fishing, boating & hiking.

4.70 (1.3K reviews) (~89.66 km from centre)

Eastern Shore Of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center

Nature preserve

This marsh & maritime forest preserve is an important stopover for migrating birds & butterflies.

4.70 (926 reviews) (~31.57 km from centre)

Brownsville Preserve

Nature preserve

👍 Easy walk through marshland. Great place for birding, but try to go in the early evening. Boardwalk not accessible for mobilty limited. Dress for ticks and do a thorough check when you finish.

4.70 (50 reviews) (~69.74 km from centre)

Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve

Nature preserve

😐 There's a limited 8 car parking lot at the trailhead, so if it's full come back later. Don't park on the road. It's a short walk through the woods before you find sandy trails near the dunes and the narrow beaches. The dunes are...meh. Nothing exciting. The beaches are interesting with driftwoo...

4.70 (44 reviews) (~52.68 km from centre)

Lake Smith Lake Lawson Natural Area

Nature preserve

42-acre parkland on the lake, offering shady hiking trails, a playground, docks & fishing spots.

4.60 (703 reviews) (~17.29 km from centre)

Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve Dedicated Nature Preserve

Nature preserve

👍 We enjoyed this trail 👣. It was very refreshing 😌 ☺️!

4.60 (478 reviews) (~88.82 km from centre)

Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve

Nature preserve

👍👍 Great wildlife preserve. No dogs or bikes. Active volunteer program. Guided kayak tours, kayak rentals, bird watching tours, water quality group. Nice hiking trails.

4.60 (430 reviews) (~37.44 km from centre)