Assateague Island is a National Wildlife Refuge
Assateague Island is a barrier island located along the northeast coast of Virginia and Maryland. It is separated by Chincoteague Bay and is home to more than 14,000 acres of natural habitat. This wildlife refuge is a great place to take photographs and learn about wildlife and the natural habitats of migratory birds. Visitors to the Refuge can also enjoy various outdoor recreational activities, including kayaking and bird watching.
Assateague Island is part of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island National Seashore. The Maryland State Park manages the island and the National Park System, while the United States Fish and Wildlife Service manages the northern portion of the island. The island spans 75 square miles and is surrounded by marshes and bays. The island is located in hardiness zone 8a, which means that the climate is warm enough for plant growth, even though it is in a temperate area.
Jamestown Beach
Located in Jamestown, Virginia, Jamestown Beach is ADA accessible and family-friendly. Visitors can enjoy swimming and fishing or watch wildlife from the observation pier. There are picnic areas, restrooms, and kayak rentals for outdoor recreation. The beach is also dog-friendly. The beach is open from 8 am to sunset every day. A parking fee of $5 is charged on weekdays and weekends, and a 2.95% credit card processing fee is added to the total cost.
For families, Jamestown Beach is the perfect destination. It has 1,325 linear feet of sand and plenty of shade trees near the water's edge. Visitors can also enjoy a chilly dip in the James River or try their hand at charcoal grilling. Those who do not wish to use the beach's grills can bring their own. Several restaurants and bars are nearby. The city has a ferry that can take non-residents to and from the beach.
Buckroe Beach
Buckroe Beach may be a great place to visit if you plan a vacation in Virginia. This neighborhood is located just north of Fort Monroe and is nestled along the Chesapeake Bay. Residents of Buckroe Beach enjoy the nearby beach, and there is a wealth of history and culture to explore. However, before making your vacation plans, look at the neighborhood.
Visitors can enjoy the waterfront boardwalk and the park's recreational activities, including kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing. The boardwalk is a short distance from the park's parking lot. The beach is also home to a waterfront pavilion, which hosts outdoor concerts and free family movies. There are also picnic shelters, six beach volleyball courts, and a dog park. These amenities are available from May 15 to September 15 and are open from 10 am to 6 pm.
Lake Anna State Park
Located a few miles south of downtown Richmond, Lake Anna State Park is the perfect getaway for a family outing. This 3,100-acre reservoir is famous for excellent fishing and is known for its abundance of great channel catfish. Boat ramps are located near the lake, and you can rent kayaks or canoes to explore the water. Waterskiing is another popular activity at Lake Chesdin. While staying at Lake Anna, you'll probably want to book your accommodations in nearby Petersburg.
Lake Anna State Park has an extensive beach area with a sandy shoreline. While the grassy area behind the beach can get crowded, it's free to swim in the lake. The first two sections of the lake are shallow and allow for floaties, so if you're not sure which section to go for, just stick to the shallow areas. Camping guests also receive a free pool pass. In addition to the beach, Lake Anna State Park has hiking trails. The Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation also maintains a park map.
