june-2010

JOHN MILLER
Surf, Sand
& Serenity
GRANDVIEW NATURE PRESERVE
LOCATION: On the Chesapeake
Bay in Hampton
OVERVIEW: This secluded,
natural beach features 475
acres of salt marsh and tidal
creeks, along with a two-anda-half
mile stretch of sand
that is all but deserted. You’ll
have to park on the street at
the entrance and walk about a
quarter of a mile to reach the
shoreline, but having a piece
of Chesapeake Bay beach all
to yourself is well worth the
extra effort.
BEST FOR: Nature lovers;
birdwatchers; active explorers
NOTEWORTHY FACT: Hike two
miles from the park entrance
and you’ll find the ruins of
the Back River Lighthouse,
which was built in 1829 and
destroyed by a hurricane in
the 1950s.
FOR A DAY OF RELAXATION, HEAD TO THESE LOW-KEY
BEACHES ON THE VIRGINIA PENINSULA.
BY JESSICA CARLSON
TRAVEL REPORT: VIRGINIA’S HISTORIC PENINSULA
STAY FOR LUNCH: This remote
beach is far from any
restaurants or cafés. Pack a
picnic and take pleasure in
the solitude.
DON’T MISS: Shell hunting
along the shore. This long
strip of sand boasts a wide
variety of bay treasures.
INSIDER’S TIP: Extending out
into the Chesapeake Bay, the
beach at Grandview has a
constant breeze, making it an
ideal spot for kite flying.
BEYOND THE BEACH: Head
inland on one of the park’s
narrow hiking trails, zigzagging
through tall reeds, dune
grass and salt marsh.
FIND IT: State Park Drive,
Hampton; 757-850-5134;
hampton.gov/parks
JUNE 2010 GO MAGAZINE
043