Make a Foray into False Cape State Park for a Truly Unique Photo Op

False Cape State Park is a really unique place! Sometimes, unusual stuff, in addition to, sadly, the usual marine debris and trash, washes up on its beaches. The most unusual things have been crates of bananas, containers of balsa wood, and this giant buoy.  

Volunteers put in many hours to paint the buoy

Sometimes items fall of cargo ships or get entangled and cut off shipping equipment.  It can take a fierce storm for some of these big items to make it to shore. When this buoy washed up a few years ago, the park staff placed near the dunes as a trail marker. However, during our 75th anniversary in 2006, I had an idea to make it into something truly unique!

With the help of artist-volunteers, Christine and Frank Morgan, Michelle and Ed Cobb, Bruce and Margaret Julian, and John Gillikin, this giant piece of marine debris is now a work of art and a great place for a photo op at False Cape State Park.  Playing off the iconic buoy in Key West, we designed this buoy to be a tribute to the "Southernmost Virginia State Park." 

The buoy will be placed at False Cape Landing near the trail through the dunes at False Cape State Park's Atlantic Ocean shoreline. The backdrop of the dunes, dune grasses, and Atlantic Ocean will make for a great photo opportunity.  Be sure to ask at the Visitor Center for a trail map and how to get to the buoy.

The open-air tram is a great way to access the park (Reservations are required)

Accessing the park requires some forethought--signing up for a tram tour, signing up for a park program like kayaking, astronomy or guided hikes, or packing a trail bag and hiking/biking into the interior. Click here for a schedule of events. Don't forget snacks and plenty of water!

False Cape State Park is located at the southern end of the Sandbridge area of Virginia Beach.

The park is not accessible by vehicle. Visitors can park either at Little Island City Park (fees apply) or Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (fees apply) and hike or bike into the park.  isitors can also kayak through Back Bay and access the park. Please remember that dogs are not allowed at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge so if you want to bring your dog to False Cape State Park, your only choice is to kayak in. Daily tram tours and park programs are by reservation only. 

The buoy will be placed at False Cape Landing

Be sure to post your picture with the buoy. Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter  and Instagram to keep on all the photos, activities, news and events with Virginia State Parks. You can even subscribe to our E-news for even more stories!