27 Things to Do in Sandbridge, VA [Updated for 2025]
Call us biased, but we love where we live.
Sandbridge Beach is one of the best-kept secrets along Virginia’s beloved coastline, nestled between the vibrant energy of Virginia Beach and the untouched charm of a manicured shoreline. And with a mix of charming beach cottages, upscale beachfront manors, vacation homes, condos, and camping venues, this peaceful beach community truly offers something for everyone.
What are the Best Activities in Sandbridge, Virginia?
Sandbridge Beach has something for everyone. It’s the quiet summer getaway the parents can enjoy; it’s the beach getaway the kids have been asking for; it’s the sandy, splashy, sunny trip you know your dog would beg you for if they were capable of speaking. And with one of the most affordable price tags for any beach vacation in the US, it’s the perfect vacation to keep the family — and the family’s wallet — happy.
Let’s get to it. Here are 27 of the best things to do in Sandbridge, Virginia.
1. Rent a Golf Cart with Beach Dad Carts
You had to know this would be the first suggestion. We’re a golf cart rental company writing a blog about local activities. As the best — most affordable — golf cart rental company in Sandbridge, we have an obligation to speak the truth.
Scroll right past this recommendation if you genuinely enjoy paying more than you should for a golf cart rental. But if you’re set on becoming the best-looking thing on a one-lane Sandbridge road, Beach Dad Carts can help you get there. We guarantee the lowest rental rates in Sandbridge, and we’ll deliver — and pick up — your cart from your driveway whenever you’d like.
Whether you’re heading to the beach, the Seaside Market, or anywhere else in Sandbridge, there’s a better way to get around.
Question: What’s better than a new, electric, six-seat golf cart large enough to take your family, food, and beach equipment anywhere in Sandbridge?
Answer: Absolutely nothing.
Rent your golf cart with Beach Dad Carts today!
2. Go Fishing at the Little Island Fishing Pier or the Back Bay
Sandbridge is one of the few vacation destinations around to feature saltwater and freshwater fishing spots within minutes of each other. Whether you’re looking to try your hand at a new activity or catch your limit, there are plenty of local spots to drop a line.
The closest fishing spot might only be a few hundred yards from where you’re standing. Surf fishing — dropping a line directly in the ocean — is a popular Sandbridge activity, particularly on windy days when choppy seas send all sorts of fish closer to the shore. Sandbridge features a particularly deep shoreline, perfect for catching red drum, speckled trout, and mahi-mahi.
You’ll need a license if you’re surf fishing, but the price is a small one: $10 for a 10-day permit. We recommend you grab your license at Margie & Ray’s, a local crabhouse and restaurant only minutes from the shoreline. Most local tackle shops, and Wal-Mart, can also provide these licenses.
True saltwater fishing enthusiasts often prefer the Little Island Fishing Pier, a 400-foot landing open year-round, no matter the weather. You’ll only pay a few dollars for one of the best fishing spots on the entire Virginia coastline. Common catches from the Little Island Fishing Pier include croaker, flounder, and the gorgeous striped bass. The pier even offers a free fish cleaning station — and charcoal grills if you can’t wait to taste the day's catch.
Even better, you don’t need to purchase a fishing license if you use the Little Island Fishing Pier! Your daily usage fee covers all costs.
If freshwater fishing is more your speed, you’ll find it in the Back Bay Watershed. Catch bluegill, catfish, and perch here — and try your luck fishing for largemouth bass! The Back Bay Watershed was once considered one of America’s premiere largemouth bass destinations, until a hurricane dumped saltwater into their otherwise freshwater environment. Recent conservation efforts have encouraged the return of the largemouth bass to the area alongside critical plant species, thrilling casual and seasoned anglers alike.
You’ll need a freshwater license to fish in the Back Bay. Choose between $8/day and $21/five-days rates and pick your permit up at a local fishing or convenience store before dropping a line.
3. Explore the Outdoors at Little Island Park
Those who visit the Little Island Fishing Pier are often surprised to learn that it’s part of an 122-acre park. Whether you’re looking for lighted tennis courts, beach volleyball, or 775 feet of untouched shoreline, Little Island Park is your deserving destination for Sandbridge’s unique brand of relaxation. Did we mention it’s within golf-cart-driving distance from your front door?
The gem of the park is the brand new playground, ideal for children ages 5-12. You’ll also find park benches, public restrooms, basketball courts, and a kayak/canoe launch area for any aspiring Back Bay explorers.
4. Find the Perfect Gift Sandpiper Beach Shop
Whoever said “leave only footprints, take only memories” clearly never visited Sandpiper Beach Shop. Welcome to Sandbridge’s largest collection of the beach souvenirs you never knew you needed: shirts, bracelets, magnets, and locally-made goods all provide the opportunity to take a small slice of Sandbridge home with you.
The best thing about Sandpiper Beach Shop is the location. Seconds from Sandbridge Seaside Market and only a few steps from the beach, it’s the perfect place to step out of the sun long enough to grab your Sandbridge-branded vacation items. It’s also a great place to stock up on must-have items before a day at the beach — including beach chairs, towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, and live bait if you’ve bought along the rods.
5. Uncover Boutique Treasures at Sea Lections
Sea Lections is perhaps Sandbridge’s go-to boutique gift destination. Half tourist shop, half local treasure trove, the hidden retail spot features all the coastal-inspired gifts and unique finds that capture the spirit of Sandbridge - whether you’re looking for wall art, kitchen utensils, or casual beach items.
You’ll find Sea Lections in the Sandbridge Shoppes lot, another go-to destination for Sandbridge souvenirs. We’re a particular fan of Sea Lections’ mug assortment, which highlights the beach community’s seaside charm. Sea Lections is also known for their glass ornament collection, with jellyfish, dolphins, sea turtles, and other maritime animals captured in figurine form and ready for purchase. You’ll also find a range of beach-styled clothing, including hats, shirts, and sweatshirts.
6. Fall in Love with Sandbridge Beach
The southernmost tip of Virginia Beach’s Atlantic shores — known locally as Sandbridge Beach — features more than four miles of coastline and all the sand dunes, sea grass, and all the open space your family vacation needs.
Sandbridge Beach is located just a few minutes from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront district — and just a few seconds from many of the beautiful Sandbridge homes that dot the coastline. Build a sand castle, take your surfboard for a spin, or take a walk and look for migrating dolphin and porpoise populations. You can also find sea turtles, osprey, pelicans, and the occasional whale just off the coast.
Whether you’re looking for a beachfront wedding or a quiet weekend with the waves, Sandbridge Beach is the shorefront destination you deserve.
7. Simply Steamed
Simply Steamed is the local go-to destination for a wide array of seafood. From early spring through mid-October, Simply Steamed serves crab legs, shrimp tacos, and their signature lobster rolls. If you’re left without dinner plans during an evening in Sandbridge Beach, try their Steam Pot — a pot stuffed with steamed vegetables and seafood. Call ahead to order; the popular entree routinely sells out during peak tourist season!
This family-owned establishment is located just one block back from the beach. They even feature outdoor seating, for those Sandbridge evenings when the weather’s simply too perfect to stay indoors.
8. Sandbridge Island Restaurant
The perfect eatery for daytime beachgoers, Sandbridge Island Restaurant has satisfied locals and tourists since they first opened their doors in 2006. Their simple lunch and dinner menu features favorites like pizza, prime rib, wings, and fish tacos — the perfect recipe for a fun-filled day on the sand. Their unique, relaxed atmosphere has won several Best of the Beach awards, including Best Kept Secret and Best Deck & Outdoor Dining.
Sandbridge Island Restaurant is also known locally for their wide variety of themed events. Check their website or social media pages for the next trivia night, music bingo, or food and drink specials.
9. Bingo at Station 17
If you’re skimming this article until you reach the recommendation you’ll only get from the locals, stop scrolling. Station 17, home to the Sandbridge Volunteer Rescue Squad, hosts a variety of fun events throughout the summer. From mid-June through mid-August, they host weekly, Wednesday night bingo at the fire station. This wildly popular event can sell out, so get there before seats — and bingo cards — are taken! It’s a fun evening the entire family can enjoy, with cash prizes, refreshments for purchase, and hours of Bingo fun.
And if you’re visiting in early September, make sure to stop by Station 17’s Annual Pig Pickin’. The event, held at Little Island Park, is the station’s primary fundraiser and features music, local artists, and all the BBQ and fried chicken you can eat for one low price.
10. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a pristine coastal sanctuary spanning over 9,200 acres along the southern edge of Sandbridge Beach. Established in 1938, the refuge protects a diverse mix of barrier islands, freshwater marshes, dunes, woodlands, and open waters—making it a haven for migratory birds and native wildlife year-round. Visitors can explore scenic hiking and biking trails, photograph wildlife, or simply enjoy the unspoiled natural beauty of one of Virginia’s most peaceful and biodiverse coastal habitats.
Hop aboard the open-air Blue Goose Tram, your ticket to an unforgettable adventure through one of Sandbridge’s wild gems. This four‑hour guided journey — typically departing at 9 AM and returning around 1 PM — winds through the 9,000+‑acre Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. You'll travel past freshwater marshes, dunes, and maritime forests, keeping your eyes peeled for otters, deer, foxes, turtles, and an incredible variety of birds like egrets, herons, and swans .
Tram guides — often volunteers or park staff — share lively insights about the history, ecology, and wildlife you encounter as you bump along on the Blue Goose. Along the way, you’ll stop at False Cape’s Visitor Center and have a couple of hours to explore on foot: hike to the expansive Back Bay shoreline, stroll across the beach to the Atlantic, or take the one‑mile round‑trip hike to the haunting Wash Woods Cemetery, remnant of a ghostly settlement. It’s a rare chance to combine wildlife spotting, historical intrigue, and scenic exploration—all in one laid‑back experience.
The tram costs $8 per person, with an additional $5 vehicle fee (waived for holders of Federal Duck Stamps or America the Beautiful passes). Seating is limited and reservations are recommended via False Cape State Park (call 757‑426‑7128) or Back Bay NWR (call 757‑301‑7329 ext. 3106). Operated from April 1 to October 31, schedule varies seasonally—Fridays through Sundays in spring/fall, and including Wednesdays in summer.
11. False Cape State Park
False Cape State Park sprawls across approximately 4,321 acres of untouched coastline between Back Bay and the Atlantic, separated from Sandbridge by its raw, undeveloped charm. With over 15 miles of hiking and biking trails through maritime forests, dunes, and marshes, it’s a playground for adventurers, camping enthusiasts, nature-lovers, and anyone craving the peaceful whisper of the coast.
Once inside the park, you can choose your adventure based on skill and mood: the 1.4‑mile Marsh Ridge Trail offers gentle marshland strolls perfect for spotting wildflowers; the 6.5‑mile False Cape (Interior/Sand Ridge) Trail squeezes in deep woods scenery and a bit of a challenge; the Maritime & Sundew Trail Loop, a 1.6‑mile loop, treats you to varied plant life and scenic overlooks.
12. Lotus Garden Park
You undoubtedly spotted Lotus Garden Park on your drive into Sandbridge. Consider this your invitation to revisit the petite park on your own terms. Lotus Garden Park offers serene access to Ashville Bridge Creek, Muddy Creek, and North Bay. This petite park is famed for its striking stand of Native American lotus in mid–summer—towering above lily-pad leaves and carpeting the pond with vibrant yellow blooms. It may only feature a handful of gravel parking spots (about six), but the payoff is huge: a peaceful, scenic pond with picnic tables and shaded benches—perfect for a 30‑minute nature break.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love launching canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards here to glide quietly among the lotus and marsh wildlife. Birders often report sightings of diving ducks, shorebirds, and even the occasional dolphin cruising nearby . Locals and visitors alike stop "on the way to Sandbridge" just to catch the lotus in full bloom—though the blooms open and close with the sun, peaking midday during summer months. For a quick and enchanting escape into coastal nature—or a stunning photo op—this hidden gem is well worth the pull-off.
Whether you're paddling in the water or strolling the pond’s edge, Lotus Garden Park is a tranquil, underrated highlight that helps you connect with Sandbridge’s natural beauty—even before you hit the beach in your cart!
13. Camp at Outdoor Resorts RV Resort
Outdoor Resorts RV Resort—also known as Surfside at Sandbridge—sits on 3665 Sandpiper Road in Sandbridge and spans a gated, luxury RV community with 249 sites right along the Back Bay and just steps from the Atlantic Beach. The resort’s amenities read like a vacation checklist: two swimming pools, basketball and tennis courts, a fully equipped clubhouse with fitness center and sauna, pet-walk areas, boat ramp, dock, and laundry/bathhouse facilities. Many bayside or canal-front sites are level with concrete pads and full hookups (50/30/20‑amp), offering ideal convenience for RVers of all rig sizes.
Expect nightly rates around $120, plus early 10 AM checkout, so plan accordingly.
14. Virginia Beach Watersports
Virginia Beach Watersports is Sandbridge's go‑to outfitter for high‑energy water fun, offering everything from jet ski rentals and pontoon boats to kayaks and paddleboards. Their jet skis, including Yamaha EX Sport models, draw rave reviews for safety, performance, and scenic thrill rides across the Back Bay. Kayak and paddleboard enthusiasts will appreciate the calm, scenic waters — perfect for solo and tandem paddles — with rentals and guided tours around Back Bay and nearby inlets.
15. Sandbridge Seaside Market
Sandbridge Seaside Market, a beloved family-owned grocery and deli, is the ultimate one-stop shop for beachgoers and locals alike. This cozy market carries everything you need for a perfect Sandbridge stay — from freshly caught seafood and premium steaks to gourmet cheeses, produce, and daily homemade meals like subs, BBQ chicken, and their famous “big-as-your-head” donuts. Open bright and early at 5:30 AM until 9 PM, it’s the perfect spot to grab a breakfast treat before hitting the beach — or a late snack on your way back.
With a reputation for warm service and coastal charm, the Market earns rave reviews for its friendly staff and delicious offerings. Yelp reviewers gush that “the fresh doughnuts were amazing! Go early cause they will sell out” and make note of the store’s great selection and inviting atmosphere. Reviews highlight its full-service grocery features—beer and wine, steamed shrimp, hand-cut rib-eye, and freshly-made donuts. Whether you're prepping for a surf-and-turf dinner, craving an afternoon pick-me-up, or just need some essentials for your cart ride, Sandbridge Seaside Market has you covered in style.
16. Sandbridge Sugar Shack
Sandbridge Sugar Shack is the go-to destination for ice cream lovers in Sandbridge, offering a tasty lineup of Hershey’s ice cream, frozen yogurt, waffle cones, coffee, popcorn, and even bike rentals for a seaside adventure. Priced affordably — $3 for one scoop, $5.50 for two scoops, and $4 for a small waffle cone — it’s easy to grab a refreshing treat without breaking the bank.
Regulars praise the amiable staff, fresh waffle cones, and classic ice cream shop vibe, making it both a local favorite and a must-stop for families. Open seasonally through the evening (typically until around 9 PM on weekends), it’s the perfect capstone to a day spent cruising the sand in your golf cart.
17. Baja Coffee Co.
Baja Coffee Company is the laid-back coffee shop sibling of the iconic Baja Restaurant, serving locally roasted Fair‑Trade Peruvian coffee alongside freshly baked pastries and light breakfast fare. Open Tuesday through Sunday from early morning until around lunchtime (typically 7 AM–2 PM on weekdays and 8 AM–2 PM on weekends), it’s the ideal stop for an early start before hitting the beach . The menu includes espresso drinks like lattes and mochas (a double-shot mocha is about $5), cold-brew on tap, hot cocoa, chai, and healthy juices, rounding out the options for both caffeine seekers and lighter appetites.
18. Surf and Adventure Company
The Surf & Adventure Company (also known as Ocean Rentals) has been the local go-to since 1974, offering everything from surf lessons and surf camps to beach gear rentals, kayaks, paddleboards, bikes, and bodyboards. Their two-hour surf lessons and multi-day camps take place at the quieter Little Island Park in southern Sandbridge, where soft-top boards and experienced instructors help beginners catch their first wave in a safe, uncrowded setting.
Visitors can also join guided kayak and SUP tours launching from their private dock into Back Bay, often spotting wildlife like bald eagles, dolphin pods, and ospreys along the way.
More Things to Do Near Sandbridge Beach, VA
The Virginia Beach community has even more to offer if you’re willing to drive a few minutes from the shore.
19. Blue Pete's Restaurant
Blue Pete’s Restaurant, a beloved “locals’ secret” nestled in historic Pungo just a short 10-minute drive from Sandbridge, offers relaxed waterfront dining with sweeping creek and marsh views that perfectly complement its fresh seafood–centric menu. Family-owned by the Cleanthes since 2011, the eatery is celebrated for its laid-back vibe, friendly service, and standout dishes such as crab cakes, she-crab soup, and mahi‑mahi—all prepared with care and drawing raves from diners.
Guests enjoy the casual yet charming atmosphere, with a deck that expands seating without sacrificing that homey feel—from brunch to dinner, Blue Pete’s keeps the experience warm, welcoming, and undeniably fresh.
20. Virginia Beach Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Just a 20-minute drive from Sandbridge, the Virginia Beach Aquarium & Marine Science Center brims with over 800,000 gallons of both fresh and saltwater habitats showcasing more than 700 species and 12,000 animals, including sharks, sea turtles, Komodo dragons, and interactive jellyfish displays. The recently renovated South Building features immersive, family-friendly experiences like touch pools, a veterinary care observation area, and engaging hands-on exhibits—on top of the aquarium's Adventure Park rope courses and zip lines that offer thrilling treetop views.
Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM (last entry at 3:30 PM), the center is a year-round favorite for all ages—and it’s designed for comfort with indoor exhibits, outdoor aviaries, and a marsh nature trail. Whether your Beach Dad Cart crew is curious toddlers, teens, or nature-loving adults, this attraction delivers both entertainment and education in a beautifully curated setting—and don’t forget to book tickets online to skip the line!
21. Hell’s Point Golf Club
Hell’s Point Golf Club is an 18-hole, par‑72 public course stretching from 5,003 to 6,766 yards, beautifully designed by renowned architect Rees Jones in 1982, later honored by Golf Digest as one of the best new courses and ranked among "America’s 100 Best Designed Courses" by the American Society of Golf Course Architects. Nestled amid Back Bay wetlands and maritime forest, the course features sculpted bunkers (61 in total), water hazards, and undulating fairways that challenge players of all skill levels.
Amenities include a fully stocked pro shop, driving and putting greens, chipping areas, and a shaded patio perfect for unwinding with a post-round drink. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or looking to squeeze in a scenic round during your Sandbridge getaway, Hell’s Point delivers a memorable and rewarding experience.
22. Military Aviation Museum
Just a short drive from Sandbridge into Pungo, the Military Aviation Museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of flying WWI and WWII era aircraft, with over 50 warbirds on its sprawling 130‑acre campus — making it a must-see for history buffs and aviation enthusiasts. Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, the museum offers free guided tours at 10:30 AM, 12 PM, 1:30 PM, and 3 PM, plus the chance to witness vintage planes in action during their annual “Summer of Flight” demonstrations every Saturday afternoon from May through September. Visitors can even book a ride in an open‑cockpit WWII biplane like the Stearman or Waco for an unforgettable experience over Virginia Beach. Plan on spending 3–4 hours or more exploring hangars, vintage German and American warbirds, and the meticulously restored German Luftwaffe hangar relocated from Cottbus.
23. Hunt Club Farm
Hunt Club Farm, nestled at 2388 London Bridge Road just a short drive from Sandbridge, is a sprawling 50-acre family‑owned farm attraction offering a blend of fun and education for all ages. The heart of the farm is its charming petting farm, where you can rub noses with goats, mini‑highland cows, pigs, donkeys, llamas, sheep, and more, then meander through the delightful BirdWalk Aviary home to over 500 parakeets. Adventure seekers can climb into the TreeWalk Adventure, a treetop playground of netted bridges and whimsical treehouses that offer a fun view of the farm from above.
Open daily April–December from 10 AM–5 PM (hours extend June–October), with weekend hours earlier in the year, Hunt Club Farm welcomes families year-round except major holidays. Admission is $15 per person (free for ages 2 and under), which includes access to the petting farm, aviary, and TreeWalk; ponies rides are available for $10 each (age/weight limits apply). Seasonal events — like the Harvest Fair (Sept–Oct), Haunted Hunt Club Farm, Easter Egg Hunt, and summer camps — add extra charm and are worth timing your visit around.
24. Virginia Beach Farmers Market
Just a short drive from Sandbridge, the Virginia Beach Farmers Market on 3640 Dam Neck Road is a year-round open-air oasis that’s been serving the community for over 30 years. Open daily with merchant hours generally 10 AM–5 PM Monday–Saturday and noon–5 PM Sunday, the market features a delightful mix of fresh local produce, seafood, a butcher, dairy, bakery, organic groceries, florist, candy, and wild bird supplies.
25. Ocean Breeze Waterpark
Ocean Breeze Waterpark is Virginia Beach’s only full-scale water park, just two miles south of the Oceanfront — making it a perfect day trip from Sandbridge.
Featuring heart-pounding slides and relaxing waterways, the park delivers something for everyone: brave souls can test their mettle on Hurricane, an enclosed funnel slide that spirals you through darkness before a thrilling splash-down. For multi-rider excitement, hop into a raft on Operation Splashdown, where winding channels, drops, and vortex loops send you spinning from start to finish. If you prefer a swift, tubular rush, the Paradise Pipeline twists you along before dumping you into a watery paradise. When it's time to slow down, drift along the gentle Adventure River or catch waves in the Runaway Bay Wave Pool, ideal for families looking to relax together.
The youngest splashers get their moment of glory in the colorful Little Amazon and the playful Hook’s Lagoon water playground — perfect for pint-sized pirates and adventurers.
Open seasonally — typically from mid-May to early September — Ocean Breeze welcomes visitors daily, roughly 10 AM to 6–9 PM depending on the day, with free parking, inner tubes, and sunscreen included in admission. General admission runs about $36.99–$47, with kids aged 3–9 discounted and under-3 free, and season passes offering perks like free parking, food discounts, and early entry. With towering slides and splash zones for every age, this island-themed waterpark is a fun, family-friendly beat-the-heat escape near Sandbridge — just cruise down, park your cart, and dive into watery thrills.
26. New Realm Brewing
New Realm Brewing Co. in Virginia Beach, is a vibrant and spacious brewpub just a short drive from Sandbridge, set on a sprawling two-acre property that includes a 44,000 ft² outdoor beer garden and a cozy indoor taproom. They brew a wide array of craft beers — from hazy IPAs and crisp pilsners to Belgian-style ales — and pair them with a full menu of bar favorites like Wagyu burgers, Beyond Burgers, fresh fish, and spicy wings. With live music, trivia nights, movies, cornhole, fire pits, and even dog-friendly seating, it’s become a go-to destination for families, friends, and beer enthusiasts alike.
27. Apex Entertainment
Apex Entertainment in Virginia Beach is an action-packed indoor entertainment destination sprawling across nearly 85,000 ft² in Town Center at 4621 Columbus St—it's the perfect rainy day or family-fun stop just a short drive from Sandbridge. With attractions ranging from 24-lane premium bowling and electric go-kart racing to VR-enhanced laser tag, axe throwing, bumper cars, sports simulators, ropes courses, and a massive arcade with over 95 games, it's designed to keep players of all ages entertained for hours. The immersive Dark Ride — one of only four on the East Coast — adds cinematic, motion‑based excitement to the mix.
Apex is also highly event‑friendly: it offers flexible 3,000 ft² meeting and event spaces that can host gatherings from 10 up to 200+ guests, making it ideal for everything from family birthdays and school field trips to corporate team-building outings.
