The Complete Visitor's Guide to Sandbridge, Virginia Beach
Sandbridge isn't the Virginia Beach most people picture. It's ten miles south of the Boardwalk, quieter, and bounded by one of the most intact coastal ecosystems on the East Coast. Once people find it, they stop going anywhere else.
Most Virginia Beach vacationers end up on Atlantic Avenue, which is fine — it's a classic beach strip and there's nothing wrong with it. But Sandbridge sits apart from all of that, and for guests who want the water without the commercial noise, it's a different kind of trip entirely.
Where Sandbridge Is — and Why It's Different
Sandbridge is a barrier island accessible via Sandbridge Road from Princess Anne Road. The drive in is part of the experience — as soon as the development thins out and the wildlife preserve starts on both sides of the road, something shifts. You're arriving somewhere intentional.
On the ocean side: the Atlantic, with wide, generally uncrowded beaches. On the bay side: Back Bay Wildlife Refuge, 9,000+ acres of barrier island, marsh, and migratory bird habitat. The combination is unusual. Most developed beach destinations don't have that kind of protected land next door.
"Once people find Sandbridge, they stop going anywhere else. The quiet is part of what they come back for."
Getting There
From the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, it's about 25 minutes south depending on traffic. There's no direct highway — you'll come in via Princess Anne Road to Sandbridge Road. The approach is part of why it feels removed: there's no exit ramp from a highway that dumps you into a parking lot. You arrive gradually.
Tip: Traffic on Sandbridge Road on Friday afternoons in peak season can be slow. If you're checking in on a summer Friday, aim to arrive before 2pm or after 6pm.
The Beach Itself
Sandbridge beach is wider than most Virginia Beach beaches, and noticeably less crowded even in July. There are no lifeguards on most sections, so water awareness matters — but the tradeoff is a beach that feels private even when it isn't.
What to Do
Most guests spend the majority of their time at the beach, which makes sense. But Sandbridge and the surrounding area offer more than that:
- Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available — launching from Back Bay is one of the best ways to spend a morning
- Hiking and biking trails in the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge — flat, accessible, and mostly shaded
- Fishing from the beach or from the pier at nearby Little Island Park
- Sea turtle nesting observation (May through August) — a genuinely remarkable experience if you're lucky with timing
- Shopping and restaurants in nearby Pungo or Chesapeake — local, not touristy
Where to Eat
Sandbridge has more dining options than most people expect — you can easily go a full week without leaving the neighborhood.
Baja Sandbridge is the go-to for casual dinners and sunset drinks, with a rooftop deck and live music in summer. Right next door, Baja Coffee Co. handles mornings — coffee, pastries, and a waterfront spot on the back bay.
Margie & Ray's Crab House is the local seafood staple — voted best She Crab Soup in the area, with daily specials and a laid-back atmosphere. They also do breakfast, with $3 mimosas and Bloody Marys.
Jose Tequilas is the neighborhood Mexican spot, family-owned and known for their margaritas and fajitas. Sandbridge Island Restaurant is the reliable all-rounder — broad menu, great pizza, and easy takeout when you don't feel like cooking. And Simply Steamed is a local seafood takeout spot — no tables, no fuss, just fresh seafood to bring back to the house.
If you want to venture further, the full dining guide is included in your property guidebook.
When to Visit
Peak season is Memorial Day through Labor Day, and it's worth it if you're bringing kids who need camp and activities within walking distance. But shoulder season — May, September, early October — offers the same beach with fewer people, lower rates, and weather that's often better for outdoor activities. September in particular is frequently stunning.
If you're visiting for the wildlife: spring migration (April–May) and fall migration (September–October) are the best times for birding and sea turtle observation.
