False Cape Natural Area Preserve

False Cape Natural Area Preserve is a protected area between the Atlantic Ocean and Back Bay in Virginia Beach, combining maritime forests, wetlands, and coastal habitats across its expansive grounds. The terrain includes diverse landscapes that support rare plant and animal species found at the edge of their natural ranges.

The area received its name in the 1800s because the shoreline shape caused ships to wreck, and survivors from these incidents established the Wash Woods settlement. The land was eventually protected as a natural preserve to maintain its coastal ecosystems.

The preserve serves as a research site for scientists studying over two dozen rare plant and animal species at their northern geographic distribution limit.

Access requires hiking or biking roughly 5 miles through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge to the preserve entrance. A seasonal tram service operates during certain times to help visitors reach the area without the full walk.

The preserve contains one of the last completely undeveloped Atlantic shorelines in the Mid-Atlantic region stretching roughly 9 kilometers. This untouched coastline offers a rare view of how the coast looked before development changed the landscape.

Inception: 2002

GPS coordinates: 36.61630,-75.89540

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:22