Description
North Haven Beach faces the Chesapeake Bay and the tidal lagoon of Whites Creek. Behind it are extensive tidal marshes, woodlands, and fields. Just to the north of the parking lot, during low tide, mud and sand flats are exposed providing a resting and feeding area for gulls and terns (including least and sandwich), as well as many other species of shorebirds. Migration can produce excellent viewing opportunities for loons, thousands of which have been seen in a single day, as well as tundra swans, herons and other waterbirds. In winter, diving ducks can be seen just offshore, and snow bunting or purple sandpiper may appear on the beach. Bald eagles may be present any day of the year at this site.
Notes:
- Please be mindful of the property lines and ‘No Trespassing’ signs while exploring North Haven Beach; adjacent properties are privately owned.
Wildlife Sightings
151 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at North Haven Beach:
- Canada Goose
- Northern Pintail
- Surf Scoter
- Black Scoter
- Bufflehead
- Sanderling
- American Herring Gull
- Great Black-backed Gull
- Forster's Tern
- Common Loon
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Mar 2026 | 15 | Lucy Ellis |
| 14 Feb 2026 | 8 | Maryanna Fisher |
| 6 Feb 2026 | 10 | Bill Corbin |
| 6 Feb 2026 | 10 | Anonymous eBirder |
| 9 Jan 2026 | 21 | Jack Sonne |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
- Birdability Report Available
Accessibility Considerations
This location has a Birdability Site Review available
Learn more about Birdability’s efforts to map accessible outdoor spaces
Maps & Directions
Parking Area Coordinates: 37.435327, -76.253452
From Intersection of SR-14 and SR-198 in Mathews, follow SR-198 turn right on SR-643 (Haven Beach Rd). Follow signs to Haven Beach at the end of SR-643.
Site Information
Managed By:
- VA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation
Access Requirements:
- Free, Daily
Contact Information:
- (804) 445-9117, rowilson@dcr.virginia.gov
- Visit Website
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.