Description
This 500-acre preserve along the Chesapeake Bay may be entered on foot. A trail passes through a cordgrass marsh, where a medley of wetland waders can be seen. In wooded patches along the trail, woodland birds, like the eastern towhee, are abundant. The trail ends at a 2.5-mile long sandy beach. During spring, the beach’s dunes are home to the largest colony of least terns on the Atlantic Coast. Black skimmer, American oystercatcher and other shorebirds also frequent the beach. During winter, northern gannets or tundra swans can be spotted as they fly over offshore waters.
Notes:
- The tip of the Preserve (known as Factory Point) is closed April 1 – Sept 15 to protect migratory birds (mostly least terns, oystercatchers and black skimmers) during their nesting season. Signs are posted.
- The whole beach is closed to dogs May 15 – Sept 15.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Grandview Nature Preserve:
- Mourning Dove
- Chimney Swift
- Lesser Yellowlegs
- Laughing Gull
- Ring-billed Gull
- Least Tern
- Common Loon
- Great Egret
- Great Crested Flycatcher
- Eastern Kingbird
257 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 8 May 2026 | 16 | Chris Pierce |
| 30 Apr 2026 | 29 | Phill and Lis Henry |
| 28 Apr 2026 | 26 | Daniel Hannon |
| 27 Apr 2026 | 34 | Matt Gerhart |
| 27 Apr 2026 | 42 | Meagan Thomas |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
Other Site Amenities: Hiking Trails, Beach
Maps & Directions
Physical Address: State Park Drive, Hampton, VA 23664
From US-258/ E Mercury Blvd in Hampton, turn left onto Fox Hill Rd and continue 2.9 miles. Continue straight onto Silver Isles Blvd. Turn left onto Beach Rd and travel 2.7 miles. Turn left onto State Park Dr. Park along the road and walk to the entrance at the end of the road.
From I-64, take exit 265C toward Armistead Ave/ Langley Air Force Base. Turn left onto Rip Rap Rd. Go 0.5 miles then use the right lane to turn left onto N King St. Turn right to merge onto US-258 N/ E Mercury Blvd. Use the left lanes to turn left onto Fox Hill Rd and continue 2.9 miles. Continue straight onto Silver Isles Blvd. Turn left onto Beach Rd and travel 2.7 miles. Turn left onto State Park Dr. Park along the road and walk to the entrance at the end of the road.
Site Information
Managed By:
- City of Hampton
Access Requirements:
Contact Information:
- Visit Website
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.