The best cycling routes around Virginia Beach

Imagine a perfectly flat, paved path stretching alongside the vast Atlantic Ocean, offering continuous views of the sandy beach and crashing waves. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk cycling route provides just that, with a dedicated bike lane that keeps you separate from foot traffic, making for a smooth and enjoyable ride. You'll glide past beach resorts, public art, and the lively atmosphere of the oceanfront, especially vibrant during sunrise or sunset.

This easy 5.4-mile (8.7 km) touring bicycle route has a mere 29 feet (9 metres) of elevation gain and can be completed in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for family friendly cycling or beginners. To avoid the busiest times, aim for early mornings or the quieter off-season. Bike rentals are conveniently located along the route, so you don't need to worry about bringing your own.

What makes the Virginia Beach Boardwalk truly special is its accessibility and integration with the wider Virginia Beach cycling trails routes. For those looking for a longer adventure, the northern end connects to the Cape Henry Trail, while the southern end links to the General Booth Blvd. Trail, allowing for extended loops. It's a lively hub with plenty of dining and entertainment options, ensuring there's always something to see and do.

If you're seeking a diverse and relatively flat touring cycling experience, the Cape Henry Trail delivers. This 11.8-mile (19.0 km) route, with only 33 feet (10 metres) of elevation gain, guides you through maritime forests, past bald cypress swamps, and alongside salt marshes, offering glimpses of Lake Susan Constant and potential wildlife sightings. Expect a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, with some sections becoming sandy or bumpy due to roots, making it an easy ride that takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes.

Located within First Landing State Park, the trail is a popular choice, especially for family-friendly cycling. Parking is available at the Trail Center, which also offers amenities like restrooms and picnic tables. Given its popularity, arriving earlier in the day is advisable, particularly during peak seasons, to secure a spot and enjoy a quieter ride.

The Cape Henry Trail is the longest trail in First Landing State Park, an area recognized for both its natural and historical significance. It's an excellent way to explore the park's varied ecosystems and connect with nature. The trail also links into the wider Virginia Beach bike path system, providing options for extending your ride if you're looking for more mileage.

The East and West Dike Trail Loop offers a fantastic touring cycling experience through the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, where you'll find yourself immersed in coastal habitats. This 23.1-mile (37.2 km) route is almost entirely flat, with just 32 feet (10 metres) of elevation gain, but its gravel surface means you'll want a bike with wider tires. Expect serene views of freshwater impoundments and sand dunes, with plenty of opportunities to spot diverse wildlife, including over 300 bird species.

Planning your ride on the East and West Dike Trail Loop requires checking seasonal access, as the full loop is typically closed from November 1 to March 31 for wildlife protection. Between April 1 and October 31, either the East or West Dike Trail is open, but not both at once. The first mile of the Dike Trail system and the refuge beach are open year-round, so always confirm current conditions before you go.

This moderate route, which takes about 2 hours and 6 minutes to complete, is highly regarded for its tranquil, natural environment and exceptional wildlife observation opportunities. The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area established in 1938, serving as a vital haven for migratory birds and other animals like white-tailed deer and foxes. It's a perfect choice if you're looking for a longer, peaceful ride away from city bustle.

The Cape Henry Trail offers a delightful touring cycling experience, winding through a fascinating mix of environments. You'll pedal from a beach neighborhood into the lush, deep forests of First Landing State Park, where you can spot bald cypress swamps and salt marshes. The path transitions from paved sections to wide, hardpacked dirt, with Spanish moss adding to the picturesque scenery, making it a great choice for a relaxed ride.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is open to both cyclists and hikers. While it's generally an easy ride, some sections can be sandy or muddy after rain, so wider tires (700x35mm minimum) are recommended for comfort. The trail connects to the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, though you'll navigate some city streets to get there, including Atlantic Avenue.

This 5.3-mile (8.6 km) route, with a mere 25 feet (8 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 29 minutes to complete and is rated easy, perfect for families. It's the longest trail in First Landing State Park and follows a former railroad corridor, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical context. The diverse ecosystems also make it a prime location for birdwatching, with osprey and egrets often sighted.