The Pleasure House Point Natural Area is a 24-acre nature preserve located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The preserve is situated at the confluence of the Lynnhaven River and Broad Bay on the southern tip of the Pleasure House Point peninsula. The site includes a 1,200-foot (370 m) stretch of shoreline along the Lynnhaven River, as well as upland forest and tidal marsh habitats.
The preserve is made up of a variety of habitats, including tidal marshes, forested wetlands, and open water. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. There are also a number of trails and boardwalks that allow visitors to explore the area. It is also a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
History
The Pleasure House Point Natural Area was acquired by the city of Virginia Beach in 2002 from the Virginia Outdoors Foundation. The site had formerly been part of the Pleasure House Point Plantation, a large tobacco plantation that was established in the early 17th century. The plantation was named for the pleasure house, or hunting lodge, that was built on the property in the early 1700s. The plantation was owned by several different families over the years, and was eventually divided into smaller parcels in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Pleasure House Point Natural Area was established in order to protect the site’s natural habitats and to provide public access to the Lynnhaven River. The site is open to the public for passive recreation, including fishing, bird watching, and picnicking. There are also several miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through the preserve.
