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
150 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at North Haven Beach:
- Canada Goose
- Surf Scoter
- Bufflehead
- Hooded Merganser
- Black-bellied Plover
- Sanderling
- American Herring Gull
- Pied-billed Grebe
- Common Loon
- American Crow
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Feb 2026 | 10 | Bill Corbin |
| 6 Feb 2026 | 10 | Anonymous eBirder |
| 9 Jan 2026 | 21 | Jack Sonne |
| 3 Jan 2026 | 15 | Mike Grose |
| 3 Jan 2026 | 15 | Anonymous eBirder |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
- Birdability Report Available
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
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.