Lake Lawson / Lake Smith Natural Area
Lake Lawson / Lake Smith Natural Area is a park in Bayside, Virginia Beach, best for freshwater fishing, kayaking, birding, short shaded walks.
A 42-acre wooded preserve in Bayside with an outsized 12,000 feet of shoreline on two connected freshwater lakes — which is why anglers and birders treat it as one of the city's best small parks. Just over 1.5 miles of soft trails thread the woods between fishing decks on the water, and paddlers get real infrastructure: a boat ramp, an ADA-accessible kayak launch, and a summer kayak 'vending machine' that rents boats by the hour. A quiet counterweight to the beaches, ten minutes from both First Landing and Chic's Beach.
Amenities
- 1.5+ miles of soft trails
- 12,000 feet of freshwater shoreline
- Fishing decks
- Boat ramp and ADA kayak launch
- Seasonal hourly kayak rental kiosk
Know Before You Go
- Best for: freshwater fishing, kayaking, birding, short shaded walks
- Parking: Free lot at the Shell Road entrance, including trailer parking at the ramp.
- Accessibility: ADA-accessible kayak launch and drive-up fishing decks; trails themselves are soft and unpaved.
- Dogs: allowed — Dogs must be on a leash at all times, per city park rules.
- Location: 5381 Shell Rd, Bayside, Virginia Beach, VA
Last verified 2026-07-10.
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While You're in the Area
1608 CrafthouseHidden Gem
Chef-driven farm-to-table gastropub in Bayside with local craft taps, small-batch bourbon, and a dog-friendly patio known for housemade pork rinds.
- Dog Friendly
- Outdoor Seating
- Hidden Gem
Aberdeen Barn Steak House
Bayside steakhouse since 1966 serving in-house aged USDA Angus beef, seafood, and Sunday brunch.
American Brew
Bayside's coffee-and-whiskey cafe on East Stratford Road, serving 100-plus drink options, acai bowls, and a signature Brewrito wrap since 2016.
Ballyhoos
A Shore Drive-area happy-hour bar with an outdoor 'Park' for cornhole and ping pong, plus live music and multiple TVs.
- Family Friendly
- Outdoor Seating
- Live Music
- Happy Hour
Bay Local Eatery — Shore Drive
Daytime seafood-and-brunch spot on Shore Drive making everything in-house from locally sourced ingredients, with dog-welcoming outdoor tables.
- Dog Friendly
- Outdoor Seating
- Family Friendly
- Brunch
Bayside Bar & GrillHidden Gem
Shore Drive hole-in-the-wall running happy-hour drink pricing every day, with a rotating weekly food calendar and weekend DJ nights.
Upcoming Events Nearby
Lynnhaven River NOW Oyster Roast
May 1, 2027 · annual (first Saturday in May)
Lynnhaven River NOW's signature fundraiser turns the waterfront lawn at the Brock Environmental Center into an all-you-can-eat oyster roast, marking the nonprofit's multi-decade push to bring the Lynnhaven's namesake oyster back from near-collapse. Roasted and raw oysters pulled from the restoration reefs anchor the spread, backed by barbecue, local beer and spirits, live music, and a shucking contest, with proceeds funding the group's oyster-reef and water-quality restoration work. It's a rare chance to eat Lynnhaven oysters within sight of the reefs that grew them, at a bayfront green building a few minutes off Shore Drive.
Last Night on the Town
December 31, 2026 – January 1, 2027 · annual
Town Center's alcohol-free New Year's Eve tradition takes over Fountain Plaza with a family DJ and light-up dance floor in the lower plaza, live headlining acts on the main stage, and a Virginia Beach ball drop at midnight. The Central Business District Association produces the free general-admission event with IMGoing, alongside a paid 21-and-over VIP experience hosted by Cantina Laredo. It's the inland counterpart to the Oceanfront's summer festival season — Town Center's high-rises and restaurant patios standing in for the boardwalk crowd.
Autumn in the Air
November 7, 2026 · annual
A newer addition to the city's Parks & Recreation calendar, this single-day fall festival takes over Mount Trashmore Park with folk, americana, and rock bands on an outdoor stage, food and drink for purchase, and activities scattered across the lakefront lawn. Now in its third year, it's grown into the city's answer to a proper autumn street festival without the Oceanfront crowds -- bring a lawn chair or blanket, since tents and large coolers aren't allowed in the event area. Free admission and parking make it an easy afternoon add for anyone already in Kempsville.