First-Timer’s Guide to Sandbridge, Virginia

From the expansive coastline dotted with pastel buildings to the lush maritime forests and cordgrass marshes, a vacation to Sandbridge, Virginia, offers a world of opportunity to get out and explore during your visit. Whether you spend your days at the beach enjoying the sunshine and wild Atlantic waves, getting up close with nature at the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, or immersing yourself in the local community with our unique shops and delicious restaurants, this stretch of Virginia shore will quickly become your favorite coastal destination. If you’ve never experienced a Mid-Atlantic beach vacation, or if you’re looking for new things to try on your next visit, this first-timer’s guide to Sandbridge, Virginia, has you covered. From local recommendations to basic FAQs like the weather and where to stay, you’ll find it all here. Check out all the details below and start dreaming up your perfect Sandbridge vacation today!

Where is Sandbridge?

Sometimes referred to as the “Outer Banks of Virginia,” Sandbridge, VA, is a 5-mile stretch of unspoiled shoreline situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Back Bay of the Currituck Sound. Fifteen miles south of the ever-popular Virginia Beach Boardwalk, it offers visitors a refuge from the hustle and bustle of more touristy areas while still delivering everything you need for an ideal, family-friendly getaway. From the beaches to the local attractions, it’s a destination that sees people return year after year. If you’re looking for a cozy hideaway for your next vacation, Sandbridge, Virginia, is the place to go.

What’s the Weather Like in Sandbridge, Virginia?

As a coastal town, Sandbridge experiences a relatively temperate year-round climate where the heat is never too unbearable, and the winters are manageable. During the most popular travel months of June through September, you can expect to see highs in the mid-80s (°F), and winter temps typically don’t dip past the low 20s. As with any beach town, showers can be expected to pop up spontaneously, but on average, rainfall isn’t likely to ruin your vacation. This moderate climate not only makes Sandbridge a perfect destination for beach lovers during summer but also appeals to those who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and birdwatching in the cooler months, so no matter what time of year you visit, you’re sure to have a wonderful trip.

Things to Do in Sandbridge, Virginia, Other Than the Beach

Thanks to its prime location, when it comes to finding things to do in Sandbridge, whether you want outdoor adventure, wild recreation, or casual exploration, it’s all right at your fingertips. Hikers and bikers will love the miles of trails at the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park, while those looking to explore in a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard will find the calm waters of Lotus Garden Park perfect for a picturesque adventure.

Itching to cast a line? Sandbridge is an angler’s paradise with fishing charters, local piers, and opportunities for surf fishing, as well! At Sandbridge Life Vacation Rentals, we have a curated list of local businesses that can help you plan the perfect outdoor activities for your stay, no matter what you want to do.

If you’re traveling with little ones, taking time to add some educational activities to your itinerary is a must, and there’s no better place than the Virginia Aquarium. A short drive from Sandbridge, you’ll enjoy a day filled with hands-on exhibits, virtual reality experiences, nature walks, and more! There’s even an Adventure Park where your family can bond over ropes courses and zipline rides. After learning all about the local marine life, end the day with a walk down the Virginia Beach Boardwalk for an extra layer of fun!

For days of leisure, your Sandbridge vacation delivers with exceptional area golf courses, local shops, farmers’ markets, and annual events that will fill your trip with the spirit of our local community. Check out our extensive lists of recommended activities and attractions as you prepare for your vacation, and contact us for any additional information on things to do in Sandbridge!

Best Restaurants in Sandbridge

One of the best parts of any vacation is getting to experience the restaurant scene. For this first-timer’s guide to Sandbridge, we’re giving you the inside scoop on the local’s favorite places to eat. From breakfast to dinner, these are the must-try restaurants in Sandbridge.

• Breakfast at The Bee & The Biscuit – Serving delicious farm-to-table breakfast all day long, The Bee & The Biscuit is your go-to for everything from homemade colossal cinnamon roll pans to Bay Crab Benedict featuring melt-in-your-mouth lump crab meat, decadent hollandaise sauce, and fresh grilled asparagus. With brunch specialties, mimosa flights, crafted coffee drinks, and more, it’s the best way to start any day of a Sandbridge vacation.  
• Lunch at Back Bay Gourmet – One part boutique and one part restaurant, Back Bay Gourmet is a family-owned institution in the Sandbridge area. Whether you’re enjoying the Fried Green Tomato BLT with their homemade chips or getting your seafood fix with a crab cake sandwich, you’re sure to love every bite. Need snacks for the beach? Their Take Me Home selection makes packing your cooler easy and delicious! Or, if you’d rather cook a meal in your Sandbridge Life vacation rental, their Gourmet to Go section offers chef-prepared meals you can cook right in your kitchen.
• Dinner at Blue Seafood and Spirits – Chef-owned and operated, Blue Seafood and Spirits is the perfect place for a romantic dinner during your Sandbridge vacation. Operating on their “Buy Fresh, Buy Local” philosophy, they are known for serving exquisite dishes, award-winning soup, and luscious chocolate bread pudding. With only 60 seats and a no-reservation policy, make sure to arrive early if you plan on visiting this popular restaurant. We promise it’s worth it.
• Best Sweet Treat – Tucked inside a quaint Italian restaurant, you’ll find glass cases filled with homemade tiramisu, creamy gelato, assorted macarons, perfectly layered mille-feuilles, and more, all ready to satisfy even the strongest of sweet tooths. Visit Rigoletto Italian Bakery and Café and indulge in the sweetest treats in the Sandbridge area.

Where to Stay in Sandbridge, Virginia

One of the most important decisions for any vacation, after where to go, is where should you stay. That’s where Sandbridge Life comes in! Our team of local experts is available to help you find your dream home away from home so you can fully relax and enjoy your vacation. Plus, when you book directly with us, you’ll avoid the hidden fees and extra taxes tacked on by places like Airbnb and VRBO. From oceanfront homes to pet-friendly condos and everything in between, we have a property that’s just right for your family. Armed with this first-timer’s guide to Sandbridge, we invite you to browse our available Sandbridge Beach rentals and book your getaway directly with us today!