When you think of sand dunes, you likely picture New Mexico’s White Sand Dunes National Park, or perhaps the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in Colorado. You may not have realized that Virginia also has a collection of sand dunes, and it’s just as spectacular. To view this wild, rugged, and somewhat unexpected landscape, head to Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve in Cape Charles. And prepare to be amazed by the untouched beauty of this special place!

Virginia's most visited beaches are popular for a reason: they're easy to access, offer amenities such as restaurants and boardwalks, and often have the buzz of crowds.
Len Richardson / Google
Yet there's something special about the quieter, off-the-beaten-path beaches, and today's feature destination certainly qualifies.
Patrick Kerr / Google
Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve is comprised of 298 acres along the Chesapeake Bay in Northampton County.
Patrick Kerr / Google
The dunes are among the tallest natural points on Virginia's Eastern Shore!

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It's a stunning gem of a beach on Virginia's Eastern Shore, made all the more spectacular by the presence of 50-foot sand dunes for which the area is named.
Len Richardson / Google
The preserve, which is maintained by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, is open to the public, yet it's absolutely vital to respect both nature and wildlife here.
Stephen Linenfelser / Google
As you can imagine, the beach, dunes, and maritime forest make up an important habitat for countless plants and wildlife, including tiger beetles and migratory songbirds.
Visitors will find a small public parking lot as well as three hiking trails for safely exploring the area.
Bill Dyas / Google
If you do plan to visit, be sure to leave only footprints in the sand!
Bill Dyas / Google

Did you know about this unexpected wonder hiding in Virginia? Have you visited Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area in Cape Charles? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! For related content, check out our natural wonders road trip through Virginia.

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Savage Neck Dunes State Natural Area Preserve Parking Lot, 2186 Savage Neck Rd Drive, Cape Charles, VA 23310, USA