First Landing State Park: The Complete Guide

This historically-significant park is a must when visiting Virginia Beach

There is something for just about everyone in Virginia's First Landing State Park. The site offers stunning views of ocean sunrises, more than a mile of beach along the famous Chesapeake Bay, and opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in nature on miles of hiking trails. But the park is also a historic landmark, as it was here that the first English settlers arrived in the New World back in 1607.

Located just outside of Virginia Beach, First Landing is one of the largest and most popular state parks in Virginia. Visitors come from all over the region to hike, swim, kayak, and camp in this beautiful and tranquil setting on the bay.

If you're planning your first visit to First Landing State Park, we have you covered. Our complete guide to this amazing destination will help you make the most out of your time there.

Things to Do

The historical significance of First Landing State Park is one of the reasons it draws so many visitors. But it is also popular with outdoor enthusiasts and active travelers who come to explore its beaches and forests. Here are some of the most popular things to do while in the park.

Hit the Trail

First Landing has over 19 miles of mixed-use nature trails to explore, with nine distinct routes to choose from. The trails found within the park are mostly flat and easy to follow, making them a popular option for hikers and trail runners. The Cape Henry trail is also open to bikes, so watch out for riders when walking that route. Bike rentals are available at the park's Bay Store.

Guided treks take place on a regular basis, with rangers and local volunteers leading groups into the forest, across tall dunes, and along the shore. Check in at the Trail Center to pick up a map and see if there are any scheduled tours during your visit.

Go to the Beach

The park's four boardwalks provide access to its 1.5-mile-long beach, which sits along Chesapeake Bay. Soft sand and calm waters make this a great place for families to enjoy some time in and on the water. Swimming is permitted here, and the beach is rarely crowded, even during the summer months. But be sure to bring insect repellant, as the lush, natural vegetation draws more bugs than the urban shoreline found in Virginia Beach.

Kayaking and Boating

The storied waters of Chesapeake Bay are popular with kayakers and boaters, in part because it is much calmer there than on the Atlantic Ocean. A boat ramp and put-in for personal watercraft can be found in an area of the park known as the Narrows, which also has ample parking available. On weekends during the warmer months, visitors can even rent kayaks there.

Fishing

Saltwater fishing is another popular activity along the shores of First Landing State Park, both from the beach and on a boat. Chesapeake Bay is home to a number of game fish species, including striped bass, flounder, spadefish, and cobia. A valid Virginia saltwater fishing license is required.

Best Hikes and Trails

There are nine hiking trails, totaling 19 miles in length, to choose from First Landing State Park. The routes are well-marked, easy to follow, and aren't especially strenuous. That makes them a good option for travelers looking to stretch their legs without taking on an arduous hike.

The First Landing Trail Center—located near the park's south entrance—is the perfect place to start your walk. Inside, visitors will find a large display that provides an overview of all of the trails to help them plan their route. Paper maps can also be obtained there, along with parking, restrooms, and a vending machine with drinks,

Some of the best trails inside First Landing State Park include:

Cape Henry Trail

At six miles in length, the Cape Henry Trail is the longest in the park, covering its length from north to south. It is also the only route where bikes are permitted, so always keep an eye out for cyclists. The trail is mostly made up of loose sand, with occasional pavement and wooden boardwalks, and is generally very easy to hike.

Long Creek Trail

Approximately five miles in length, this trail follows along the shores of Chesapeake Bay and the park's salt marshes before passing by lovely White Hill Lake and its surrounding wetlands. It also runs north to south and includes an extended boardwalk section that crosses above the marsh. The route is a popular one with birders, as a number of unique species can be found along its length.

Osmanthus Trail

If you're looking for a little solitude, head to this three-mile loop trail. It wanders into the park's lowland sections and gets much less traffic than some of the other hiking trails. The route meanders past a tidal beach along Broad Bay and crosses through forest and marshlands at various stages along its length. Be warned, though, some areas of this route may be underwater during high tide.

Bald Cypress Trail

Probably the most popular hiking route in the park, Bald Cypress Trail is just 1.5 miles long but takes visitors into the heart of the cypress swamps. Boardwalks and bridges make it one of the more accessible routes in First Landing, although there are a few elevation changes over sand dunes along the way. Overall, the trail is an easy one, however, providing excellent immersion in the park's natural environment.

Campgrounds

Camping is a popular activity in First Landing State Park, which features a single campground with 200 individual campsites. The camping area is located in the heart of the dunes found along the shores of Chesapeake Bay, with some sites just minutes from the beach. Others are located close to a busy state road, which makes them a bit nosier, especially during the day. Most are spread out nicely from one another, providing plenty of space and privacy.

Most of the campsites are primitive in nature, meaning they don't have running water or electricity. A few can accommodate RVs up to 50 feet in length and do include water and power. Reservations can be made online at a cost of $24-$32/night, plus tax and reservation fees.

First Landing State Park also has 20 rustic cabins available for rent. These comfortable and cozy accommodations have air conditioning and heat, a fireplace, a private deck, a screened porch, and a grill. They also have a well-equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, stove, coffeemaker, and plenty of dishes and utensils. The cabins each have two bedrooms and can comfortably sleep six people.

The First Land cabins can be reserved online for $94-$39/night. The price varies depending on the season and whether or not you are a resident of Virginia.

Lodging

First Landing State Park is located just north of Virginia Beach, literally minutes from the city. That means visitors will find an array of resorts, hotels, motels, cabins, and other short-term rental options nearby. Most of the major nationwide hotel chains have accommodations in the city, including Hyatt, Embassy, Comfort Suites, and Hilton. There are even plenty of options to choose from along the Atlantic shore.

Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or family, there are dozens of hotel options to choose from just minutes from the park. The most expensive accommodations will be found along the beach, but you'll find other places to stay that meet every budget.

How to Get There

First Landing State Park is located on the northern edge of Virginia Beach, with entrances off Shore Drive. If you're visiting the city, the park is accessible within 10-20 minutes, depending on where you're staying. It is even possible to access the Cape Henry Trail on foot from the Virginia Beach boardwalk along the Atlantic Ocean.

Visitors coming from out of town will take I-64 into Virginia Beach to Exit 282 onto Northampton Blvd./US Highway 13. The route passes through eight traffic lights before arriving at Shore Drive. Turn right onto that street and drive another 4.5 miles to the entrance. When approaching First Landing, turn left off Shore Drive at the traffic light to access the Chesapeake Bay Center, the park's main office, and campgrounds. Turn right at that same traffic light to reach the Trail Center, picnic area, and hiking trails.

The Norfolk International Airport is located in Norfolk, VA, which is a city that sits adjacent to Virginia Beach. It offers daily flights from New York, Washington DC, Charlotte, Chicago, and a number of other major hubs. The next closest airport is Richmond International, which offers similar services but is approximately 100 miles from Virginia Beach.

Accessibility

The state of Virginia has gone to great lengths to ensure that its parks are as open and accessible to as many visitors as possible. This is clearly demonstrated at First Landing State Park, where there are a number of wheelchair-accessible features, including bathrooms throughout the park and showers near the campground. There is also a universally accessible playground and paved sidewalks in the picnic area, and paved ramps leading to the amphitheater and gazebo.

Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the park's trails, with the exception of motorized wheelchairs. The First Landing Trail Center is fully accessible, as is the entire five-mile length of the Cape Henry Trail. Other hiking routes are partially wheelchair accessible, but unpaved sections can be challenging, and some lowland areas are prone to flooding.

The First Landing beach is accessible via a boardwalk that crosses over the dunes. The access point is found behind the park's visitor center. Wheelchairs specially designed for use on the beach can be reserved for your visit. Call 757-412-2300 for more details.

Tips for Your Visit

• The day-use areas inside First Landing State Park is open from 7:00 a.m. to dusk every day of the year, while the overnight camping areas are accessible 24 hours a day. Parking fees are $7 most days but go up to $10 on weekends from April through October.

• The park can get very crowded during the busy summer travel months, especially on weekends. Park officials will close the parking lots when they get full, turning away visitors. Be sure to get there early, or plan on parking off the premises and walking into the park.

• Snacks, drinks, and gifts can be purchased at the Cape Snack Bar, along with firewood, ice, and other camping supplies. The shop's hours vary by season, and it is closed entirely in January and February.

• First Landing State Park can get very warm and humid during the summer months, so bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. Spring and fall are still warm but are much more manageable. Still, it helps to watch the forecast and be prepared for any conditions.

• If you plan to spend time on the beach, bring insect repellant. The foliage that borders the sand is a natural breeding ground for bugs, which can find their way out to the shoreline.

• The park offers a variety of self-guided and guided nature/historical tours. Check in at the visitor center to see if park rangers or local naturalists are leading any tours on the day of your visit.