84°
Sunny
0%
78
Virginia Beach County, VA · Atlantic Ocean
False Cape State Park
4001 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456
A 4,321-acre hike-in-only state park stretching 5.9 miles down the Atlantic shore to the North Carolina line, reached by foot, bike, boat, or seasonal tram through Back Bay NWR. No road access, no lifeguards, no designated swim area — one of the most remote beaches on the East Coast.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
80°F water · 84°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 84. South wind 12 to 15 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 73. South wind 13 to 16 mph.
Weather
- 84°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 80°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
78 /100
great
84 Swim
77 Sunbathe
85 Walk
69 Fish
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
84°F
Sunny
Wind
12 to 15 mph
S
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
90°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
80°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
7:32 PM
4.0 ft · in 15m
Wave Height
1.6 ft
11s · E swell
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:41 AM
Sunset
7:21 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:10 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 7:09 AM | High | 3.6 ft |
| 1:17 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 7:32 PM | High | 4.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:58 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 8:00 AM | High | 3.8 ft |
| 2:12 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 8:18 PM | High | 4.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:38 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 8:46 AM | High | 4.0 ft |
| 2:59 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 9:01 PM | High | 3.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:16 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 9:28 AM | High | 4.1 ft |
| 3:44 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 9:42 PM | High | 3.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:53 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 10:10 AM | High | 4.1 ft |
| 4:29 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 10:23 PM | High | 3.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:30 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 10:52 AM | High | 4.0 ft |
| 5:16 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 11:04 PM | High | 3.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:10 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 11:34 AM | High | 3.9 ft |
| 6:04 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 11:46 PM | High | 3.1 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8638999, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
90°
Sunny
0%
74
85°
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
30%
34
84°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
59%
21
86°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
50%
25
85°
Mostly Sunny
10%
81
85°
Sunny
4%
81
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 12 to 15 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 80°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Best Fishing Times Today
Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.
Major
10:30 PM - 12:30 AM
Minor
4:30 AM - 5:30 AM
Major
10:50 AM - 12:50 PM
Minor
6:10 PM - 7:10 PM
Beach Info
Parking
No direct parking. Access via the Back Bay NWR lot (Sandpiper Rd) then a ~5-mile hike or bike, or by boat to the bay-side landings. Tram tours require advance reservation via Reserve America.
Dogs
Pets allowed in False Cape, but cannot transit Back Bay NWR — practically, dogs can only reach the park by boat.
Entry Fee
No state-park parking fee (no road access). Back Bay NWR entry fee applies if hiking or biking through Apr 1 – Oct 31. Primitive camping via Reserve America.
Address
4001 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at False Cape State Park today?
False Cape State Park shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is False Cape State Park dog-friendly?
Pets allowed in False Cape, but cannot transit Back Bay NWR — practically, dogs can only reach the park by boat.
Is there an entry fee at False Cape State Park?
No state-park parking fee (no road access). Back Bay NWR entry fee applies if hiking or biking through Apr 1 – Oct 31. Primitive camping via Reserve America.
Are there lifeguards at False Cape State Park?
No lifeguards are stationed at False Cape State Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at False Cape State Park?
Amenities at False Cape State Park include restrooms, picnic area, camping.
When is the water warmest at False Cape State Park?
Atlantic water temperatures peak in August. Northern beaches (ME, NH, MA) run cool — typically 60-68°F at the summer peak. Mid-Atlantic (NJ, DE, MD, VA) hits 74-76°F. The Carolinas and Florida Atlantic warm into the 80s and stay swimmable from May through October.
Where is False Cape State Park located?
False Cape State Park is in Virginia Beach County, VA, at 4001 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS