Little Island Park

Little Island Park is one of Virginia Beach's best-kept family secrets, tucked away in the quiet Sandbridge neighborhood far from the crowded Oceanfront strip. Operated by Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation, this waterfront gem gives families direct access to a pristine stretch of Sandbridge Beach along with a playground, fishing pier, and boat ramp — all completely free.

The park is set right where the Atlantic Ocean meets Back Bay, creating a uniquely scenic setting. Kids can move between the playground equipment and the beach seamlessly, making it an ideal spot for families with children of mixed ages. While older kids cast lines off the fishing pier, toddlers can splash in the shallows and build sandcastles in the softer sand you'll find here compared to the commercial beach areas.

Sandbridge Beach itself is much less developed than the main Virginia Beach strip. No hotels line the shore here — just a row of vacation rental homes and one small shopping center. That means the beach feels spacious even on summer weekdays, with room to spread out and let kids run without navigating a crowd.

The fishing pier is a particular draw for families. Anglers catch flounder, croaker, spot, and bluefish depending on the season, and even non-fishers enjoy watching the activity and the constant parade of pelicans. Crabbing is also popular — all you need is a piece of chicken and a net from a dollar store.

For families who kayak or paddleboard, the boat ramp provides access to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, one of the most unspoiled coastal environments in the mid-Atlantic. The protected waters behind the barrier island are calmer than the ocean and excellent for wildlife spotting with kids.

Restrooms are available on site. The park's hours are seasonal, generally opening at 6:30am. Parking is free but fills fast on summer weekends, so arriving before 9am is strongly recommended. Pack food and drinks — there are no concessions in the park.