Lesner Bridge Virginia Beach
A redeveloped bridge offering stunning bay views, wildlife, and recreational opportunities, including a unique deck for exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Lesner Bridge Virginia Beach
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A redeveloped bridge offering stunning bay views, wildlife, and recreational opportunities, including a unique deck for exploration.
"The new designed and built Lesner Bridge has lots of nice features now."
🌅 Catch the Sunrise
Arrive early for stunning sunrise views; it's worth the chill!
👟 Runner's Paradise
Great for bridge repeats and hill training. Be mindful of road traffic noise.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The New Deck
Under the bridge, Bayside
Walk up and over the bridge to access the Bayside, teeming with birds and marine life. A unique spot for nature observation.
Sunrise & Sunset Views
Top of the bridge
Spectacular panoramic views of the ocean and bay, perfect for early morning or late evening photography.
Canoe Sculpture
Bayside area
Discover the cool canoe sculpture, a unique art installation that adds character to the waterfront.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sunrise & Sunset Views
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Sunrise
Arrive early for stunning sunrise views; it's worth the chill!
👟 Runner's Paradise
Great for bridge repeats and hill training. Be mindful of road traffic noise.
🎣 Fishing & Crabbing
A fantastic spot for fishing, crabbing, or just relaxing by the water.
🧘♀️ Sunrise Yoga Spot
The new deck is an amazing spot for yoga or meditation with a view.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Sunrise
Arrive early for stunning sunrise views; it's worth the chill!
👟 Runner's Paradise
Great for bridge repeats and hill training. Be mindful of road traffic noise.
🎣 Fishing & Crabbing
A fantastic spot for fishing, crabbing, or just relaxing by the water.
🧘♀️ Sunrise Yoga Spot
The new deck is an amazing spot for yoga or meditation with a view.
🚗 Paid Parking Available
Parking is paid but accessible late into the night.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Lesner Bridge's recent redevelopment, highlighting the new deck for its unique access to the Bayside and wildlife viewing. The stunning sunrise and sunset views, along with its suitability for fishing, crabbing, and running, are frequently praised. Some note the noise from road traffic as a minor drawback.
"The new designed and built Lesner Bridge has lots of nice features now. It has all new paved a lot there's been clearing for better views. They have also installed a deck that you can walk up and over the Dan to get under and through the bridge to be onthe Bayside where it flows in to the Lynnhaven river. This place is rimming with birds and seafood fish etc. however it was 27° windchill the morning I went for the sunrise which it has amazing sun rise views There is paid parking and can use it late at night I have used it personally till at least 11 PM there is also a boatlift with Trailer/vehicle parking. The park and boatlift area can be entered from the west side in the eastbound lanes of shore Drive it is the last right before you go over the bridge heading that direction. When you turn there, the building on the location of the old Jimmy's sub shop there is a brewery/restaurant because let's face it we're tired and we're hungry when we come in from boating or being at the beach! It's fun at night too because they have it all lit up it's all redone and there's a wooden walk deck walkway"
Mark Tietjen
"Sorry, the pictures are views from the dark recesses of my Nike Half Tights! Love this bridge. Great view, excellent place to do some Hill/bridge repeats if you are a runner. Great place to walk, just loud because the road traffic is right on the other side. Other than that, I plan to come here more to get my repeats work in!"
J. Hill
"It doesn't matter if you want to come fish, tan, crab or just chill; maybe even put the boat in...the list goes on. Day or night just a great place to go!"
Jeremy Dunkin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lesner Bridge is located on Shore Drive in Virginia Beach. Access to the park and boatlift area is from the west side in the eastbound lanes of Shore Drive, just before you cross the bridge.
Public transportation options to Lesner Bridge are limited. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services for convenient access.
There is paid parking available at Lesner Bridge, which can be used late at night. The park and boatlift area have dedicated parking.
Yes, the newly designed bridge features a deck that allows you to walk up and over to access the Bayside area, which flows into the Lynnhaven River.
From the west, take Shore Drive eastbound and look for the entrance on your right just before crossing the bridge. There's a brewery/restaurant at the entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required to visit Lesner Bridge or the surrounding park areas. Access is generally free, though parking may have a fee.
The bridge and surrounding park areas are accessible day and night. Paid parking is available until at least 11 PM.
There is no entrance fee for Lesner Bridge itself. However, parking is paid.
Yes, the new design includes a deck that allows you to walk under and through the bridge to reach the Bayside.
While generally open, be aware of weather conditions, especially wind chill during colder months.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy fishing, crabbing, walking, running (for bridge repeats), birdwatching, photography, and simply relaxing by the water. The new deck offers unique access to the Bayside. +2
Absolutely! The Bayside area near the bridge is teeming with birds and marine life, making it a prime spot for birdwatching.
Yes, Lesner Bridge is a popular spot for fishing and crabbing, with ample space and access to the water.
Runners often use Lesner Bridge for 'bridge repeats' and hill training due to its incline. Be aware that road traffic is nearby.
The canoe sculpture is a cool art installation located in the Bayside area, adding a unique visual element to the waterfront.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. The new deck also provides unique angles for capturing the bridge and surrounding nature.
You can capture stunning landscapes, marine life, birds, the bridge architecture, and city skylines. The sunrise and sunset views are particularly popular.
Yes, the new deck offers excellent opportunities to photograph the Bayside, the bridge from below, and the flow of the river into the bay. +1
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing distant birds or marine life. A tripod is recommended for sunrise/sunset shots.
Yes, the bridge is lit up at night, offering a different aesthetic for photography. Paid parking is available until late.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While parking is paid, it's convenient and allows for late-night visits. Consider bringing binoculars for birdwatching and snacks, as dining options are nearby but might require a short walk or drive. The bridge itself can be a bit noisy due to traffic, but the Bayside area offers a more tranquil setting for family activities.
🏃♀️ Runners and Fitness Enthusiasts
While the road traffic can be loud, many runners find the benefits of the elevation gain outweigh this minor inconvenience. The scenic views, especially during sunrise and sunset, add an extra motivational element to workouts. The paid parking ensures accessibility for early morning or late evening training sessions.
🎣 Anglers and Crabbing Enthusiasts
Whether you're casting a line or setting crab pots, you'll find plenty of opportunities here. The convenience of paid parking, available late into the night, means you can enjoy your hobby at almost any hour. It's a classic Virginia Beach spot for a day of fishing or crabbing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Lesner Bridge Redevelopment
This project aimed to not only improve traffic flow but also create a destination. The addition of the deck, clearing for better views, and the installation of a canoe sculpture are testaments to this goal. The area now boasts ample bird and marine life, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. The integration of a brewery/restaurant near the entrance further enhances the visitor experience, offering a place to relax after boating or beach activities.
The bridge's new design also caters to active individuals. Runners find it an excellent location for 'bridge repeats' and hill training, appreciating the vertical challenge it offers. While the proximity to road traffic can be a factor, the overall improvements have been widely praised, turning the Lesner Bridge into a multifaceted attraction for locals and tourists alike.
Nature and Wildlife at Lesner Bridge
Early morning visits, especially during sunrise, are particularly rewarding for birdwatchers. The relatively calm waters and the presence of marine life attract a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, and other avian species. The cleared areas around the bridge also offer better visibility, allowing for more extensive wildlife spotting opportunities.
Beyond birds, the waters are known for their fish populations, making it a popular spot for anglers. The overall environment is a testament to the successful integration of infrastructure with natural preservation, offering a unique blend of urban accessibility and natural beauty.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit