Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Let the resort city disappear behind dunes and moving water.Established in 1938 to provide habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge protects beachfront, freshwater marsh, dunes, shrub-scrub, and upland forest. Trails, viewing areas, freshwater and surf fishing, and non-motorized boating allow wildlife-dependent recreation. The image shows the refuge's exact Atlantic beach, but this is not a conventional beach day: swimming, surfing, sunbathing, kites, drones, and access to the North Mile or dunes are prohibited.Access, safety, and seasonal truth: Grounds open one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset; the fixed Builder schedule is a dated conservative snapshot. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Visitor Center runs Thursday–Sunday 10:00–15:00; after Labor Day it is normally Thursday–Friday with only select weekends. A $5 vehicle fee is currently in effect April 1–October 31. Only one dike trail is open April–October, both dikes close November–March to reduce wildlife disturbance, and pets are never allowed except service dogs. Bring water, sun and insect protection, obey all closures, and check the refuge's current update banner for mowing, portage, staffing, or storm changes. More

Let the resort city disappear behind dunes and moving water.Established in 1938 to provide habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge protects beachfront, freshwater marsh, dunes, shrub-scrub, and upland forest. Trails, viewing areas, freshwater and surf fishing, and non-motorized boating allow wildlife-dependent recreation. The image shows the refuge's exact Atlantic beach, but this is not a conventional beach day: swimming, surfing, sunbathing, kites, drones, and access to the North Mile or dunes are prohibited.Access, safety, and seasonal truth: Grounds open one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset; the fixed Builder schedule is a dated conservative snapshot. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Visitor Center runs Thursday–Sunday 10:00–15:00; after Labor Day it is normally Thursday–Friday with only select weekends. A $5 vehicle fee is currently in effect April 1–October 31. Only one dike trail is open April–October, both dikes close November–March to reduce wildlife disturbance, and pets are never allowed except service dogs. Bring water, sun and insect protection, obey all closures, and check the refuge's current update banner for mowing, portage, staffing, or storm changes. More