Top Fall Activities in Sandbridge

Sandbridge is a charming destination year-round, often thought of as a summer hotspot when the sun is shining and tourism is bustling. However, fall in Sandbridge is an equally amazing time to visit!

With fewer crowds, beautiful weather, and a variety of fun fall activities, it offers everything you could ask for.

Let’s explore some of the top fall activities in Sandbridge for your next vacation.

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Fall Fishing

Fall is a great time to cast a line and try your luck at fishing. The summer crowds are gone, and the waters are more peaceful this time of year!

Many fisherfolk in Sandbridge opt for fishing right from the beach or pier—you don’t need fancy equipment to throw your line out here. If you do want a more enhanced experience though, you could set out on a fishing charter! Local companies like AquaMan Sport Fishing Charters or Rebel Sport Fishing would be happy to take you out for the day and let you fish to your heart’s content. Their captains can even help show you the ropes if you’re newer to the sport!

Haunted Houses

Ready for a spook? We sure hope you are! These haunted horrors are no joke.

Prepare yourself for a fright as Busch Gardens brings back their “Howl-O-Scream” Event for a 25th year this fall. You can sign up for one of their many haunted adventures on select nights from September 6th through November 3rd. With five haunted houses, six “terror-tories” and four sinister shows, there’s no shortage of spooky entertainment here.

Oyster Roast

Virginia is for oyster lovers! Really, it is—it’s the Oyster Capitol of the East Coast! Oysters are harvested from October-March in Virginia, and they’re some of the freshest, best-tasting specimens around.

People here love oysters so much that they celebrate the beginning of oyster season with gatherings—whether they’re small backyard parties or larger events. Learn more about Virginia’s oyster history, find information on oyster tours, and see the best places to have an oyster using this helpful guide!

Head Out For A Fall Hike

Crisp autumn air, stunning fall foliage, and beautiful views: a hike sounds like a perfect way to spend a fall day in Sandbridge!

More than 8 miles of trails span the stretch of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. They vary in length and difficulty, so there’s a trail for everybody! As you hike along, keep an eye our for rare birds—the refuge was started to protect migrating bird species.

Here are some of our favorite hikes at Back Bay:

Dunes & Seaside Trail

This is a great trail if you’re bringing little ones along! It’s an easy 1.7 mile loop with plenty of views of—you guessed it, dunes and the sea. The trail is quite popular during the summer but slows down a bit as fall begins. September-November are prime autumn months to spend time here on the trail!

West Dike Trail

Back Bay has some longer hikes, too. Check out the West Dike Trail, a 6.9 mile hike, for a bit more of a challenge. All together, it should take you about two hours to complete this trail. The views of the water at sunset make it well worth it!

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Bay Trail

This is another short, easy trail that's perfect for the whole family! At only .7 miles, even your smallest kiddos can handle this hike. Plus, it's well-marked and easily accessible, meaning anyone can take part in this hike. It's stroller and wheelchair friendly, with beautiful ocean views and plenty of wildlife around. Enjoy a quiet off-season hike here!

Pumpkin Patch

A classic fall activity! Remember the good old days of heading out to the pumpkin patch to select your very own jack-o-lantern pumpkin? Now you can relive them with your own family.

There are several pumpkin patches you can visit within a short driving distance of your Sandbridge vacation rental. One of our favorites is Hunt Club Farm. This family-friendly farm is a wonderful place to visit year-round, but its pumpkin patch in the fall is truly a can’t-miss activity!

During the week, there's a petting farm, farm-tour hayrides and pony rides available. On the weekends, extra activities include carnival rides, food and novelty vendors showing up as well as live music. You and your kids will make memories to last a lifetime at this local staple!

International Sandsculpting Championship

September 27th – October 6th, 2024 

You’ve seen sandcastles on the beach…but not quite like this before! This sand sculpting competition is truly a sight to see. The International Sandsculpting Championship is part of Virginia Beach’s Annual Neptune Festival, back for its 50th year in 2024.

Professionals from all over the world gather here to turn grains of sand into works of art in just 3 days. Spend the weekend walking along the beach admiring the sculptures. We’re always amazed at the impressive art that’s created at this festival!

The Sandsculpting Championship is the signature event of the Neptune Festival, but there’s a lot more going on during the festival weekend, too. Check out other events happening that weekend, like Boardwalk Weekend, Dock Dogs, Neptune’s Surfing Classic, and much more!

Book Your Fall Trip to Sandbridge with Sandbridge Life!

Featured Vacation Rental: Sea Beauty

Now we can’t wait for fall to get here! Since you have so many fall activities for your itinierary, your next step is booking your trip.

Sandbridge Life has all of your accommodation needs covered. Whether you need a pet-friendly rental, a rental with a hot tub, or want to stay in a bayfront or oceanfront home, we have a wide range of options available!

Browse our available Sandbridge Beach Rentals and book your fall vacation with Sandbridge Life!