Things to do in Virginia, United States: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas

October 15, 2021 Ying Subia

Virginia can make American history come alive. Visit Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, tour Civil War battlefields, explore the living history museum at Williamsburg… the possibilities are endless (if the kids object, break up the historical sightseeing with a visit to Busch Gardens). Arlington, site of Arlington National Cemetery, is just across the Potomac River from all the major sites in D.C. In addition to beaches and historical attractions, Virginia has plenty to offer outdoor enthusiasts. Active families will love the Blue Ridge Highlands, where hiking, canoeing and tubing are just a few of the activities offered. Couples might enjoy a romantic mountain cabin in Virginia after a day of hiking in Shenandoah National Park.
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1. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

Chincoteague Island, VA 23336 +1 757-336-6122 [email protected] http://www.piping-plover.org/chincoteague-national-wildlife-refuge
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,050 reviews

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

Uncrowded wildlife refuge managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Reviewed By LouPerti81662

Rode our bikes through the park enjoy the loop through the wildlife area once the lighthouse got some nice pictures of the lighthouse Road bikes back towards the beach and really enjoyed the cleanliness of the beach area. Highly recommend

2. Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area

Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Located on the Glenwood/Pedlar Ranger District, this scenic area features three prominent mountains: Mount Pleasant; Pompey Mountain; and Cole Mountain.

3. Beaver Dam Creek Walking Trail

Beaver Dam Road, Hillsville, VA 24343
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Beaver Dam Creek Walking Trail

4. Neabsco Creek Boardwalk

15125 Blackburn Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22191-3821 http://www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/park/neabsco/Pages/default.aspx
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Neabsco Creek Boardwalk

Reviewed By ITRT

Prince William County’s newest walking trail is the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk, a 10-foot wide elevated walkway. It is bordered on both sides by handrails. We visited here recently and truly enjoyed walking across the wetlands. Here you will see tall grasses and marsh fields, wildlife, birds, and fish. We saw a rather heavy beaver relaxing in the marshy area and saw him scoot away to his nearby home. While most of the people we saw, some with walking aids, were walkers there were a few bicyclists enjoying the area. The walkway is part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail established by Congress in 1983. The boardwalk is near Julie A. Metz Wetlands Preserve, Rippon Lodge and Leesylvania Park. A parking lot on Blackburn Road is a short walk away from the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk.

5. First Landing State Park

2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451-1415 +1 757-412-2300 [email protected] http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/first-landing.shtml
Excellent
65%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
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Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,070 reviews

First Landing State Park

Nature enthusiasts will love this park with 2,700-acres of hiking trails, cypress swamps and nesting grounds for a variety of birds.

Reviewed By Davidgetsaround

Tucked away on the North side of Virginia Beach is a hidden treasure, a beach and campground, nature preserve and set of hiking trails. First Landing is popular, for those who know where to find it. I find myself going there all throughout the year as a way to enjoy a bit of nature in an otherwise urban life.

6. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

4005 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456-4347 +1 757-301-7329 [email protected] http://www.fws.gov/refuge/back_bay/
Excellent
69%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
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4.5 based on 354 reviews

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

This Virginia Beach wildlife refuge offers visitors hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking/canoeing and nature photography in a completely natural environment. The Refuge grounds are open sunrise to sunset daily. The Visitor Center hours of operation are the following: Memorial Day - Labor Day: Tuesday-Friday 8am-4pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am-4pm Labor Day - Memorial Day: Tuesday-Friday 8am-4pm, Saturday 9am-4pm

Reviewed By clp_1234 - Exton, United States

Well worth the ride to south Virginia beach; walking trails, so much 'nature' it was humbling. Bay side, ocean side, on the water, in the sand dunes, land (and wildlife) in between too. Also had a heated bathroom!

7. Hughlett Point Natural Area

Reedville, VA 22482-3114 http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural_heritage/natural_area_preserves/hughlett.shtml
Excellent
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31%
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4.5 based on 32 reviews

Hughlett Point Natural Area

Natural reserve that consists of 213 acres of pine forests and a beach on Chesapeake Bay.

Reviewed By DLW-VA

After a nice quiet walk through the woods (a little muddy after it rains), and over boardwalk covered marshes you make your way to the water's edge. Had a very peaceful, relaxing day walking the beach and exploring the beautiful serene surroundings. The only drawback is there is no restroom, so make note of that before visiting.

8. Mackay Island Wildlife Refuge

Excellent
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50%
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4.5 based on 8 reviews

Mackay Island Wildlife Refuge

A favorite spot to spot snow geese during winter.

9. Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge

5003 Hallett Cir, Cape Charles, VA 23310-1128 +1 757-331-2760 [email protected] http://easternshore.fws.gov/
Excellent
65%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
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4.5 based on 107 reviews

Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge

Reviewed By HarveyB481

Great exhibits and trails at the southern tip of the Delmarva Peninsula! If you are in the area for an extended stay there are guided tours of Fishermans Island! There is also a 6 mile bike that connects with the Kiptopeake State Park!

10. Virginia Safari Park

229 Safari Lane, Natural Bridge, VA 24578 +1 540-291-3205 [email protected] http://www.virginiasafaripark.com
Excellent
78%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,580 reviews

Virginia Safari Park

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR ANOTHER GREAT SEASON!! OUR 2018 SEASON HAS COME TO A CLOSE! PLEASE COME VISIT US IN MARCH 2019!! Drive along our 3 mile - 180 Acre natural park, viewing(and feeding) herds of free-roaming animals from your car, such as Antelope, Deer, Elk and Llamas! Walk through the 10-acre Safari Village and see Tigers, Cheetahs, Kangaroos, Primates, Reptiles, a wide variety of birds and much more! Don't forget to feed the giraffe and visit the petting barn! We're located in the Shenandoah Valley, a short day trip from Roanoke, Lynchburg, Staunton, Charlottesville, Richmond, Maryland and DC.

Reviewed By havekiddoswill - Avon, United States

We visited early on a Sunday morning in July in the middle of a heat wave. Our four kids love animals and I figured that the Virginia Safari Park would offer a unique opportunity for them to see bigger animals at a closer distance than what they've experienced in a zoo. Wow, this outing exceeded our expectations and should be added to any animal loving family's bucket list. If you want to keep your car slobber free, you should book the tracker ride. Due to time constraints we drove our car and had Bison slobber all over the inside of our leather and windows. That actually only added to the kid's excitement and enthusiasm about the experience. Go early in the day when the animals are hungry and before it gets crowded and hot. Some of our favorite animals were the baby Rhea (from South America), the Rocky Mountain Elk, the Bongo, Giraffes (feed them the lettuce as it's such a cool experience), the Blackbuck, the Bison, Water Buffalo, Yak and White Rhinos.

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