Pleasure House Point Natural Area
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Located just west of the Lesner Bridge and south of the Chesapeake Bay, Pleasure House Point Natural Area is 118 acres of water, tidal marsh, sandy shores and maritime forest.
COVID-19 Update:  For the latest information, please refer to our FAQ.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​This high-profile property was once being considered for a large waterfront development, but with the help of The Trust for Public Land, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the surrounding community, the City has preserved one of the largest undeveloped parcels of land on the Lynnhaven River for generations to come.

 Plan Your Visit
​​​​Pleasure House Point Natural Area is open to the public from dawn to dusk. 

Parking​

Parallel p​arking is available on Marlin Bay Drive. You can enter the natural area from several​​ soft trail access points.​​ 

Vehicles & Bikes

Due to the sensitive ecosystem of Pleasure House Point​​​, bikes and motorized vehicles are not permitted in the natural area. ​

Pets

Dogs are welcome, but must remain on a leash at all times.  ​​​​

 Recreation & Water Trails

​Boating

Non-motorized watercraft are permitted in the waterways of Pleasure House Point. Kayaks/canoes can be launched from the beach or from the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp & Beach Facility​; please do not launch from raised berms​. Motorized boats are not permitted in any of the canals on the property, but are allowed in the larger surrounding creeks. 

*Note: Ample parking is available along Marlin Bay Drive. From Marlin Bay Drive you will need to transport your canoe/kayak approximately 1/4 mile on sandy trail to the beach area. Kayak launch at nearby Lynnhaven Boat Ramp gives access to Lynnhaven River & Crab Creek as well. Launching from there is suggested.

​Pleasure House Point Natural Area is part of several water trails, including:

Fishing

Fishing from land and water is permitted with a Virginia Saltwater Fishing License. Please do not walk through maritime forest or beach grasses to access fishing areas. Virginia Marine Resources Commission regulations apply​​. 

Hiking

Enjoy the designated trails, but please do not walk through maritime forest or beach grasses. Dogs are welcome, but must remain on a leash. ​Bikes are not permitted.​

 Plants & Wildlife

​​​​The tidal wetlands of the property provide habitat for the iconic Chesapeake Bay blue crab, diamond back terrapin, and the Lynnhaven oyster, and act as nurseries for mollusks, crabs, and fish. They also provide food and habitat to many bird, reptile and amphibian species. Please respect the wildlife during your visit; take care not to disturb nests or eggs and do not approach or feed the wildlife

Resources

 Photos

 Hours of Operation

​​2020 ​Park Operating Hours

​Dates  ​Hours
​January 1 - February 5 ​7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 
​February 6 - March 7 ​7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. 
​March 8 - April 5 (Daylight Savings Time) ​7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
​April 6 - May 6 ​7:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
​May 7 - August 5 ​7:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. 
​August 6 - September 2 ​7:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
​September 3 - September 16 ​7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
​September 17 - October 7 ​7:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
​October 8 - October 30 ​7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
​November 1 - November 30 (Daylight Savings Time begins November 1) ​7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 
​December 1 - December 31 ​7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

  • Park operating hours indicate the times when facility parking lot gates, restrooms, offices, and other park amenities are opened and closed daily. All times are subject to change without notice or as posted and are dependent on scheduled special events and rentals at the facility.
  • All unstaffed community and neighborhood parks are available for use from sunrise to sunset daily. All day-use parks are posted as no trespassing after dark.
  • Parks and park facilities with lighted amenities will stay open until 11:00 p.m. between April 1 and November 30 to support city-sponsored leagues and programs as well as scheduled events and rentals.​​

​​
Contact Information