Kids all grown and flown? The empty nest can be a bit melancholy, but it definitely has its bright side. After all, now you can finally take that romantic second honeymoon - just the two of you, far from the hustle-bustle. Or, if you prefer, you can opt for a fun group getaway with other couples you know - a golden opportunity to reconnect with old friends you haven't seen in years.
Either way, you can relax, rewind, and refresh... without dealing with hectic family schedules or long lines at kiddie attractions.
Where should you go? Sandbridge Beach, of course. With its slower pace and secluded setting, it offers the laid-back vibe you crave. Yet it still provides plenty of fun activities, fine dining, and outdoor R&R.
What's more, as an empty nester, you can visit Sandbridge whenever you want, not just during school vacations. Come after Labor Day, for instance, or before Memorial Day, and you'll enjoy cooler temps, off-season rates, plus unparalleled peace and privacy.
Own a pooch? Many Sandbridge Beach rentals do allow dogs, so you can bring your best friend along, too.
Fall Shows Another Side of Coastal Life
In September, Sandbridge Beach takes on a fresh new feel. The weather's milder, the air is crisper, and the salt spray has a bit more tang.
By October, the typical highs are in the 60s and 70s - ideal for strolling along the shore at sunset, snuggling on the porch with your sweetie, watching a glorious sunrise, or taking a brisk morning jog.
With fewer tourists about, you'll almost feel as if you have the beach to yourself. You'll love the wide-open vistas, the leisurely pace, the sense of serene tranquility.
Many rental homes offer fire pits and/or electric fireplaces. So, in the evenings, you and your friends can gather 'round a crackling fire to share stories, laughter, and memories as you savor the coastal breeze and the soothing scent of saltwater. It's an unforgettable experience.
Early Spring Is Magical, Too
Sandbridge glows with living color throughout March and April, as redbud trees, dogwoods, and azaleas start blooming in area gardens. By early May, rhododendron and laurel bushes blossom along wooded paths, while fragrant magnolias flower on local lawns.
School's still in session, and temperatures haven't started to soar, so you can still enjoy that wonderful off-season experience - uncrowded, unhurried, with mercifully mild weather.
Relieve Stress and Recharge Your Batteries with Outdoor Recreation
No matter when you visit, you'll find plenty to see and do around Sandbridge Beach, VA.
Like to golf? You're in luck. Several local pro-designed courses offer plenty of technical challenges... plus breathtaking scenery with stunning 360° views.
Just 3.9 miles north of Sandbridge, for example, you'll find beautiful Hell's Point Golf Club, rated one of the nation's best designed courses, open to the public at reasonable daily rates.
Prefer hiking? And/or birding? Come to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, just south of Sandbridge Beach at the end of Sandpiper Road. Here you'll discover over 9,250 acres of unspoiled coastal landscape - ranging from forests to wetlands to white-sand beach dotted with grass-covered dunes.
You'll also find plenty of wildfowl, especially if you visit in fall and winter. The Refuge provides resting-and-feeding habitat for thousands of migratory birds during their annual flights along the Atlantic Flyway. Depending on time of year, you can expect to spot tundra swans, geese (Canada and snow), plus a vast array of ducks... along with endangered native species such as loggerhead turtles and piping plovers.
Open daily dawn to dusk, the Refuge offers more than eight miles of scenic nature trails, ideal for both hiking and biking. Don't forget to bring your camera!
Love fishing? You'll be in seventh heaven. The waters off Sandbridge Beach literally teem with prized sportfish. Obtain a Virginia fishing license - available at local shops for a modest fee - and start surf-casting for drum, gray trout, mahi mahi, and more. Or, try fishing the Back Bay Watershed for freshwater favorites like crappie, catfish, and largemouth bass.
Prefer to forego a license? Come to Little Island Pier at Little Island District Park. Here, for a small daily charge - just $10 for non-residents - you can cast your line for croaker, flounder, striped bass, and more, then clean your catch at the pier's free cleaning station. No license required.
Simply want to relax? Go ahead... you deserve it. Soak up the sun on the beach. Take a leisurely seaside stroll. Wade in the warm, balmy waves. Gather seashells and driftwood for crafting. Picnic with your loved one at Little Island Park. Or simply sit on your covered porch, reading a good book, chatting with friends, or watching the waves lap the shore.
Dine Out in Peace for a Change
Remember when "eating out" meant lugging along child seats and diaper bags?
You've earned a break, and it's waiting for you here at Sandbridge Beach. Dine with your friends - or just with your honey - at a fabled local eatery like Sandbridge Island Restaurant or Baja / South Sandbridge. Savor scrumptious fresh-caught seafood and other tasty delicacies. Enjoy gorgeous views and live entertainment. All without having to mop up spills, calm fussing babies, or separate quarreling kids. Sheer paradise!
Take Advantage of All the Amenities at Your Sandbridge Beach Rental
At the end of a long, pleasant day, unwind at your rental home or condo. Soak in the hot tub. Play some pool or foosball. Relax on the porch or patio. Watch the moon rise and gaze at the stars. Or simply nestle into a comfy couch to view your favorite show on the giant flat-screen TV. (Amenities vary from rental to rental, so check before booking.)
In Short, Have the Time of Your Life at Sandbridge Beach, VA, Virginia's "hidden gem" is a haven for empty nesters. Visit soon and see for yourself!
