Our 10 Favorite Cycling Destinations: Virginia Beach

Our 10 favorite cycling destinations: Virginia Beach

Photo courtesy of Virginia Beach CVB

Cycling alongside the Virginia Beach Boardwalk.

Special rides in and around Virginia Beach include First Landing State Park, a 2,888-acre park fronting the Chesapeake Bay, and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park at the south end of the beach featuring large sand dunes and water marshes. False Cape State Park, accessed through Back Bay, has everything from wild horses to American bald eagles. Virginia Beach also has four miles of bike lanes that have been added to Shore Drive and the north end of Atlantic Avenue, paralleling the Chesapeake Bay.

Bike shops include Cherie’s Bike and Blade Rentals along the Boardwalk (info available at VisitVirginiaBeach.com), Surf & Adventure, Conte’s Bike & Fitness and Back Bay Getaways. Eat at Citrus Breakfast & Lunch near First Landing State Park, which was spotlighted on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive Ins and Dives,” Hot Tuna and Chick’s Oyster Bar on Lynnhaven Inlet. Baja Restaurant is a local favorite in Sandbridge as is Sandbridge Seaside Market with baked goods, seafood and hand-cut steaks. Cyclists can stay overnight at Virginia Beach Resort Hotel & Conference Center, Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront, or rent a cabin at First Landing State Park. Another option in the Sandbridge area is The Sanctuary—formerly a dedicated timeshare property, but now available for rent.