Parks
Sure, the beach is a lot of fun. But sometimes it’s nice to run your toes in some grass instead of sand, and if you’ve got the urge to do just that, check out the following list of some nearby parks.Bayville Farms Park located at 4132 First Court Road is a 68-acre park established in 1978 through the cooperative efforts of the City of Virginia Beach, the National Park Service, and Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Recreation. Of special interest is the 20-hole disc golf course, the first such course in Virginia Beach. Also of interest is the park’s fishing pond, horseshoe pits, shuffleboard courts, and walking trail.Great Neck Park was established in 1990 and is a 70-acre district park located along the banks of the Lynnhaven Bay at 2513 Shorehaven Drive. The gazebo and Lynnhaven Bay overlook are popular sites for weddings. You may also enjoy exploring the pathways through the wooded areas of the park as well as the volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, family picnic tables and the five large group shelters.Red Wing Park is a 97-acre park that was developed in 1966 by the City as a family, general use park and is located at 1398 General Booth Blvd. The property was acquired by the County in 1879 and was formerly known as the “Old City Poor Farm.” Red Wing Park is home to many gardens, including the Reba S. McClananFragrance Garden,established through the joint efforts of Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation and the Council of Garden Clubs of Virginia Beach, and the Miyazaki Japanese Garden. Also of interest is the park’s dog park, one of city’s two such canine parks (the other being located at Woodstock Community Park located at 5709 Providence Road).Mt. Trashmore Park encompasses 165 acres and is comprised of two man-made mountains, two lakes, two playgrounds, a skate park and vert ramp, and multi-use paths. The main mountain, Mount Trashmore, now 60 feet in height and 800 feet long, was created by compacting layers of solid waste and clean soil. Recognized for its environmental feat, this former land fill features a water-wise garden that boasts xeriscaping, where you can enjoy a beautiful garden that requires minimal water. Located at 310 Edwin Drive.False Cape State Park is a mile-wide barrier spit between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Access is limited to hiking, bicycling, or boating, and while it may not be “traditional” grass like park setting, the 4300 acres provides 15.3 miles of trails and extensive environmental education opportunities in one of the last undisturbed coastal environments on the East Coast. From Interstate 64, exit on to Indian River Road East. Go 13 miles, then turn left onto Newbridge Road, then right onto Sandbridge Road. Next, turn right onto Sandpiper Road to Little Island City Park. Parking fees required Memorial Day to Labor Day. Day use only parking also is available at Back Bay Wildlife Refuge. This is about a 40 minute drive from Virginia Beach’s oceanfront to the Little Island city parking lot.