# False Cape State Park Winter Coastal Hikes & Oceanfront Dunes > Place to go for families in the Virginia Beach–Chesapeake–Norfolk area (VA / NC). Times are Eastern Time. - When: Open on its own schedule - Where: False Cape State Park (North Entrance Contact Station), 4001 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 - Ages: Ages 4 and up (scenic coastal hiking, maritime forests, and undeveloped barrier island dunes) - Price: Free park admission; standard Back Bay NWR vehicle parking fee applies at trailhead ($5/vehicle) - Organizer: Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation - Official page: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/false-cape - Last checked: Thu, Nov 5 Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/virginia-beach/activities/false-cape-state-park-winter-coastal-hikes-and-oceanfront-dunes--listing-6fd3f54d3be6c4bea02e8b3a ## About False Cape State Park is one of the last remaining undeveloped coastal wilderness preserves on the Atlantic Coast, nestled between Back Bay and the open ocean just south of Virginia Beach. Because the park is accessible only by foot, bicycle, or seasonal transport through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, winter visitors are treated to an exceptionally peaceful, wild coastal landscape. Families who love adventure can hike or bike along the scenic gravel interior trails through maritime oak forests, interdunal wetlands, and untouched ocean beachfront where wild horses, white-tailed deer, and overwintering waterfowl roam freely. The Wash Woods Environmental Education Center offers interpretive displays highlighting the history of a 19th-century shipwreck community and maritime archaeology. For families with active kids and teens seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path winter outdoor trek, False Cape delivers unmatched solitude and rugged coastal beauty. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Main trails consist of packed gravel and firm sand roadways; rugged all-terrain jogging strollers or child-carrier backpacks are recommended due to the distance. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Basic composting toilets and water stations are available at Barbour Hill contact station and Wash Woods; carry ample water, snacks, and baby supplies. • Age Suitability: Best suited for active children ages 4 and up, tweens, and teens comfortable with sustained walking or biking (minimum 4-8 miles round trip from Back Bay lot). • Sensory Tips: Extremely quiet, remote wilderness environment filled only with the rhythmic crashing of Atlantic surf and coastal breezes; provide warm windproof layers for children. ## Similar picks in Virginia Beach - [Blue Goose Wildlife & History Tram Tour at False Cape State Park](https://grassyknees.com/virginia-beach/activities/blue-goose-wildlife-and-history-tram-tour-at-false-cape-state-park--listing-3066ef52394bcef0681756fa) — Sun, Nov 15 (+2 more dates) · 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM · False Cape State Park (meet at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge parking lot) · From $8 · checked Oct 30. A 4-hour guided tram tour through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park to spot fall wildlife and hear the area's history, with a 1-mile round-trip hike to… - [False Cape After Dark Night Hike](https://grassyknees.com/virginia-beach/activities/false-cape-after-dark-night-hike--listing-b0c9dd5ab5e218f733b4ff3f) — Sat, Nov 21 · 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM · False Cape State Park (meet at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge parking lot) · From $10 · checked Oct 30. A ranger-led night hike through maritime forest to the seashore at False Cape, listening for nocturnal creatures and stargazing along the way. Expect about 2 miles round trip… - [False Cape State Park Autumn Tram Tours & Maritime Forest Family Hike](https://grassyknees.com/virginia-beach/activities/false-cape-state-park-autumn-tram-tours-and-maritime-forest-family-hik--listing-adde66ad175113347db71431) — Fri, Nov 27 · 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM · False Cape State Park (Departs Back Bay Refuge Visitor Center) · Ages 3–99 · From $10 · checked Nov 5. Tucked between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, False Cape State Park is one of the last remaining undeveloped coastal wilderness areas along the Mid-Atlantic. Inaccessible by… - [Red Wing Park Winter Gardens & Waterfront Boardwalk Loop](https://grassyknees.com/virginia-beach/activities/red-wing-park-winter-gardens-and-waterfront-boardwalk-loop--listing-5795d4ebe5264ef02df6303b) — Open on its own schedule · Red Wing Park · All ages · Free · checked Nov 5. 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