Little Island Park is a 122-acre beach park located in the Sandbridge area of Virginia Beach, just north of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. It’s a family-friendly destination offering a mix of oceanfront and bay-side activities, great for beach days, fishing, picnics, and nature exploration.
Beach & Park Features
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400-foot fishing pier.
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775 feet of surf beach to the north and 2,000 feet of swimming and fishing beach to the south of the pier.
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Calm waters on the Back Bay side—perfect for crabbing or kayaking.
Facilities and Amenities
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Lifeguards on duty daily (9:30 AM–6 PM) during summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day).
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Pier fishing (no license required for pier use).
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Four picnic shelters with charcoal grills, plus open picnic areas.
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Playground with slides, swings, and soft surfacing for children.
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Sports courts: tennis/pickleball (lighted), basketball, and volleyball (both sand and court).
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Canoe/kayak launch area with easy access to Back Bay.
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Seasonal rentals: kayaks, paddleboards, fishing gear.
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Clean restrooms, outdoor showers, and vending machines.
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Free loan of beach wheelchairs and sports gear with photo ID.
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AED units on-site for emergencies.
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Ample parking with a seasonal fee (typically $3–$5 per day); parking is free in the off-season and after hours.
Things to Do
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Swimming in designated lifeguard-protected areas.
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Surfing in the northern beach area.
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Pier fishing or crabbing along the bay.
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Kayaking and canoeing through calm bay waters.
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Picnicking under shaded shelters or open-air areas.
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Playing tennis, volleyball, or basketball.
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Wildlife watching — especially bird migration in the spring and fall.