• placement: superzone
  • path: destinations/pois/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-547045704327
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "points-of-interest/back-bay-national-wildlife-refuge/457195",
  "destination": "Virginia",
  "title": "virginia",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Virginia",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "country": "USA",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Shutterstock / Sherry V Smith

Raised walkway through marsh at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia Beach, Virginia. ; Shutterstock ID 511038628; Your name (First / Last): Trisha Ping; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Trisha Ping/65050/Online Editorial/Virginia

This 9250-acre wildlife and migratory-bird marshland habitat is most stunning during the December migration season. The refuge's visitor center is open from 8am to 4pm weekdays, 9am to 4pm weekends.

Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.

  • placement: superzone
  • path: destinations/pois/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-736817488166
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "points-of-interest/back-bay-national-wildlife-refuge/457195",
  "destination": "Virginia",
  "title": "virginia",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Virginia",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "country": "USA",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Must-see attractions

Explore all
  • placement: superzone
  • path: destinations/pois/superzone
  • containerId: gpt-ad-168025185275
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "points-of-interest/back-bay-national-wildlife-refuge/457195",
  "destination": "Virginia",
  "title": "virginia",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Virginia",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "country": "USA",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}