False Cape State Park Travel Guide

False Cape State Park is located on the southern end of the Virginia Beach coastline. This hidden gem is a great place to enjoy nature and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The park is only accessible by foot, bike, or boat, so you really feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. But once you make your way to the shoreline, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some dolphins swimming by!

There are plenty of things to do at False Cape State Park. Take a hike through the maritime forest, go kayaking or fishing in Back Bay, attend an environmental education program, or explore one of the many abandoned buildings dotting the landscape. You can also just relax on the beach and soak up the sun. False Cape is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, and peregrine falcons.

History

It was once inhabited by the Algonquian-speaking Native American tribes of the Chesapeake Bay region. English settlers began colonizing the area in the 1600s, and the land was eventually divided into plantations. After the American Civil War, many of the plantations were abandoned and the land reverted to forest. In 1975, the Virginia General Assembly officially established False Cape State Park.

Experience Overview

Average Weather

Spring
30 °
Summer
50 °
Fall
30 °
Winter
0 °

Adventure Type

Backpacking, Campground, Hike, Primitive Camping, Tent Camping, Trail

Activities

Biking, Bird watching, Boating, Fishing, Paddling, Stargazing, Swimming, Walking, Wildlife watching, Point of Interest, Observation Point

Natural Features

Beach

Views

Sunrise, Sunset, Water

Terrain

Beach, Flat, Forest, Grassy, Marsh, Sandy

Traffic

Light, Average, Seasonal

Access Difficulty

Easy, Moderate, Difficult

Elevation

0 ft

Location

Cost & Fees

  • Per Car
  • Per Person $2
  • Per Night $25
  • Parking $5

Contact

Always consult the official website for the most current information.

Must-Know Facts

Amenities

Rules & Regulations

Hours

Dawn to Dusk

Reservations

Required for overnight stays

Best Time to go

March, April, May, June, September, October

Peak Season

April, May, June, July, August, September, October

Off Season

January, February, March, November, December

What's near False Cape State Park?

Accommodations

Camping, Tent Camping

Necessities

Gas, Groceries, Hospital, Pharmacy, Dining

Attractions

Aquarium, National park, Restaurants, Shopping, Visitor Center

Transportation

Bike, Boat, Walk

Video Tour