08/14/2026
Highlights of False Cape State Park... just beyond our resort and after you travel through Back Bay Wildlife Refuse you will find...
FALSE CAPE, Va. (Jackie Sutherlin, Only In Your State) — How far are you willing to go for the chance to experience the best hidden beach in Virginia? 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.
It’s easy to see why Virginia Beach gets the glory. The Oceanfront and its iconic Boardwalk make for one of the best family-friendly beach vacations in the state! While there’s no denying the Oceanfront is an easy slam dunk, there is something to be said for taking the path less traveled.
Even the road less traveled can get crowded, when you're referring to the 4x4 beaches between Corolla, NC and the state line of VA. The beaches known for wild horses are wildly popular among humans as well. But there's solitude just north of the fence between North Carolina and Virginia.
Convenience plays a large role in how certain attractions gain popularity. The Oceanfront has everything most families could ever want for a beach vacation: 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 there, 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 most isolated beaches in Virginia: the beach at False Cape State Park. Sitting pretty between Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the 4x4 beaches of North Carolina, 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
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 D**e and the West D**e. East D**e is currently open, but only one 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.
Our summers are hot and humid, so be sure to bring plenty of fluids for the hike or bike ride. The insects are rather horrendous, especially during the summer monsoon season. Bring spray or preferably natural repellents. A hat, sunglasses and sunblock are highly recommended to keep the hot sun from burning your skin and zapping your energy.
The reward? A beach completely to yourself! Nothing but peaceful, relaxing solitude as far as the eye can see.
