Day trip from Williamsburg

Our family is planning a day trip to the beach from Williamsburg. Our favorite beaches are usually state parks (less crowded, wildlife, easy parking). We%26#39;re looking at First Landing SP or Back Bay NWR. Do these both have nice beaches?

OK for day trip?

Should we go Friday morning or Saturday morning (mid-June)?

Any suggestions much appreciated!

Day trip from Williamsburg

The beach at FLSP is on the Chesapeake Bay, so you won%26#39;t have the big waves that you%26#39;d get at the ocean. There are no lifeguards there, but there are lifeguards at Little Island Park near Back Bay. Either day would be fine for either beach since they don%26#39;t attract the crowds like the resort beach does. Back Bay will require more drive-time, if that%26#39;s a concern. Whatever you decide, have fun and don%26#39;t forget your sunscreen!

Day trip from Williamsburg

Thanks Wendymath! (Yep, we%26#39;re pasty-white northerners :)

I often enjoy First Landing SP, it%26#39;s one of my favorite places to walk....very nice trails. If you go there, one of the beach areas is accessed at the 64th St entrance off Atlantic Ave in the north end of Va Beach. Just follow the road (slowly hikers %26amp; bikers crossing road) to the end...you will pass a parking area before you get to the end but go to the end and there is limited parking right near the beach and additional parking 100%26#39; further at the boat ramp/restroom area. The beach is a small sandy area at Linkhorn Bay so it%26#39;s not the Atlantic, it%26#39;s calm but interesting with some boat traffic. The adjacent trails are very nice, you can take a short walk or 12 mile round trip hike. The main trail, Cape Henry, is for bikes also. Take a look at the park map …virginia.gov/state_parks/…1stland2.pdf and you can see the entrance at the right off Atlantic Ave (it doesn%26#39;t mark the street as 64th but it is), the beach is referred to as The Narrows. There is another entrance to the park off Shore Drive and park campsites are on the opposite side of Shore Dr where there is a nice large beach off the Chesapeake Bay. You may use that area also, just follow signs to the camping area, park in the lot and enjoy the beach. To see a map this this section go to …virginia.gov/state_parks/…1stland.pdf

Happy trails