Our First Landing State Park guide covers practical planning for First Landing State Park Virginia — best time to visit, getting there, and what to do on the ground.
As the Roam States editorial team, we've explored countless natural wonders across the US, but few offer the unique blend of history, diverse ecosystems, and recreational opportunities found at First Landing State Park Virginia. This historic park, where English colonists first landed in 1607, is a true gem on the Chesapeake Bay, inviting visitors to step back in time while immersing themselves in stunning coastal landscapes. From ancient cypress swamps to sprawling maritime forests and serene bayfront beaches, this park is a testament to Virginia's rich natural and cultural heritage.
Our team understands that planning a trip requires reliable, up-to-date information. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide, ensuring you have all the facts about hours, fees, parking, and reservations for your 2026 visit. We’re here to help you navigate this incredible destination, offering confident and specific advice that goes beyond generic travel fluff.
Why Visit First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park stands out as a premier destination for a multitude of reasons, making it an easy answer to the question, "is First Landing State Park worth visiting?" Its historical significance alone is a powerful draw; this is the very spot where English colonists first set foot in North America in 1607, a pivotal moment in the nation's founding. The park's Chesapeake Bay Center, opening new exhibits in Spring 2026, will allow guests to delve deeper into this rich history.
Beyond its historical roots, the park is a natural oasis within urban Virginia Beach, boasting an incredible diversity of ecosystems. Here, you'll discover bald cypress swamps, tranquil lagoons, and lush maritime forests, home to rare plants and wildlife. It serves as a crucial habitat, marking the northernmost limit for many semi-tropical species and the southernmost limit for many temperate-zone species. For those wondering if First Landing State Park is worth visiting, the opportunity to explore such varied landscapes, from 1.5 miles of sandy Chesapeake Bay beach frontage to 20 miles of trails, offers an unparalleled outdoor experience. Our team consistently recommends it for its unique blend of education, recreation, and natural beauty.
Who It's Best For
First Landing State Park truly offers something for everyone, making it an ideal destination for a wide range of travelers. Families will find ample space for children to explore, with easy hiking trails, calm bay waters for swimming, and educational programs that bring history and nature to life. The park's self-guided and guided programs cover topics like crabbing, junior rangers, and nature hikes, ensuring engaging activities for all ages.
Outdoor enthusiasts will revel in the extensive network of trails perfect for hiking and biking, along with opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay. Birdwatchers and wildlife photographers will appreciate the diverse habitats that attract a variety of species, including migratory birds, bottlenose dolphins, and even humpback whales in winter. History buffs will be captivated by the park's role as the 1607 landing site of English colonists and the new exhibits at the visitor center in 2026. Even those simply seeking a peaceful escape will find solace on the serene bay beach or amidst the quiet beauty of the cypress swamps. It's an accessible park with universally accessible trails like a portion of the Cape Henry Trail, making it welcoming for visitors with varying mobility needs.
Getting There & Parking
Understanding how to get to First Landing State Park is straightforward, as it's conveniently located in northern Virginia Beach. From I-64, take Northampton Blvd.-U.S. 13 North (Exit 282). Continue through eight traffic lights, then turn right at the Shore Drive/U.S. 60 exit, which is the last exit before the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Follow Shore Drive for about four and a half miles to reach the park entrance. The park's address is 2500 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451-1415.
There are a couple of key entrances to be aware of when considering how to get to First Landing State Park. The main entrance off Shore Drive provides access to parking, the bay beach, restrooms, the information center, and campgrounds. For the Trail Center, picnic area, and additional trails, you'll turn right off U.S. Rt. 60 at the stoplight. A secondary entrance on the south side of the park, off Route 60 / Atlantic Avenue (64th Street entrance), offers access to the Narrows boat launch, another beach area, and more hiking and biking trails.
Parking at First Landing State Park is generally available, but our team advises that weekends, particularly between April and October, are high visitation days, and you should expect delays. Once parking capacity is reached, guests will be turned away, so arriving early is always a good strategy. As of 2026, the standard parking fee for passenger vehicles is $7 on weekdays and $10 on weekends. These fees apply unless you have a valid day or overnight parking pass, which grants free parking. For those planning to launch a boat, there is an additional $5 boat launch fee, though this is waived for overnight park visitors.
Top Things to Do
When planning your visit, you'll find an abundance of things to do at First Landing State Park, catering to every interest. Our team highlights the diverse activities that make this park a standout destination. With 1.5 miles of pristine Chesapeake Bay beach frontage, swimming, sunbathing, and simply relaxing by the water are popular choices, though we remind visitors that swimming is at their own risk as there are no lifeguards. Fishing and crabbing are also popular along the bay, requiring a valid Virginia saltwater fishing license.
First Landing State Park Hiking Trails & Biking
The park boasts an impressive network of 20 miles of trails, offering some of the best First Landing State Park hiking trails for all skill levels. From easy, wide paths to more challenging terrain, you can explore diverse ecosystems. The Cape Henry Trail is the longest and most heavily used, spanning 6.1 miles and accommodating both hikers and bikers. Other popular First Landing State Park hiking trails include the Bald Cypress Trail (1.8 miles), which features stunning swamp overlooks, and the Long Creek Trail (4.0 miles). The Trail Center serves as a main hub for accessing many of these trails and provides maps and information. Biking is permitted on the Cape Henry and Live Oak trails. We recommend checking the park's trail guide (available as a PDF online) for detailed maps and difficulty ratings before you set out.
Paddling and Boating
Exploring the park's waterways by kayak or canoe offers a unique perspective on its natural beauty. The Narrows area, accessible via the 64th Street entrance, provides a boat launch into Broad Bay, connecting to Linkhorn Bay. While the park office offers boat rentals seasonally from May through September, with canoes and kayaks available, you can also book guided kayak tours through local outfitters like Chesapean Outdoors, which offers small-group tours through the tranquil waters of First Landing State Park. These tours often pass majestic oaks, Spanish moss, and offer opportunities to spot diverse wildlife, including herons, egrets, ospreys, and even dolphins or bald eagles. The boat launch fee is $5, but it's free for overnight guests.
Visitor Center and Educational Programs
The park's Visitor Center is a must-visit, especially with new exhibits opening in Spring 2026 that will explore the history of First Landing State Park. The office/visitor center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Here, you can learn about the park's natural and cultural resources, including its role as the 1607 landing site. The Bay Lab, located inside the visitor center, offers interactive exhibits for all ages to learn about the Chesapeake Bay's ecosystem and resident wildlife, including diamondback terrapins. The Trail Center, open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., also houses exhibits and a gift shop. The park regularly hosts various interpretive programs, from beach walks to nature hikes, providing excellent educational opportunities.
Best Time to Visit
Our team at Roam States has found that the best time to visit First Landing State Park largely depends on your priorities, but generally, the shoulder seasons offer the most pleasant experience. Fall (September to November) is often considered the "sweet spot". During these months, temperatures are mild, ranging from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F, with crisp evenings. Crowds thin out significantly after Labor Day, leading to easier parking at the beach and boat launch. The changing foliage also adds a beautiful dimension to the maritime forests and cypress swamps.
Spring (March to May) is another excellent time, with the park opening for camping in early March. Early spring brings pleasant temperatures, though late spring can see high heat indexes and an increase in biting flies and mosquitoes. The new exhibits at the Visitor Center are also scheduled to open in Spring 2026, adding another draw. Summer (June to August) is peak season, bringing hot weather, large beach crowds, and potential parking waits. While ideal for swimming and enjoying the bay, be prepared for higher temperatures and more visitors. Winter (December to February) is not recommended for camping as the campgrounds are closed, but the park remains open for day use, offering a quieter experience for hiking and wildlife viewing, with opportunities to spot humpback whales and harbor porpoises on calm days.
Where to Stay Nearby
While First Landing State Park offers excellent on-site lodging options, many visitors also seek accommodations in the surrounding Virginia Beach area. When considering First Landing State Park lodging, the park itself provides cabins, yurts, and extensive campgrounds. However, it's important to note that as of 2026, all cabins at First Landing State Park are undergoing renovations and will not be available until October 31, 2026. These renovations are extensive, and dates are subject to change, so always check the park's official website for the most up-to-date availability.
For those seeking First Landing State Park lodging within the park, yurts are an excellent alternative. These unique accommodations are available from the first Friday in March through the first Monday in December. They offer a comfortable "glamping" experience, situated in the dunes along the Chesapeake Bay, each with a large wooden deck, picnic tables, and a fire ring. Yurts require reservations, with weekend stays needing both Friday and Saturday nights, though one-night stays are allowed Sunday through Thursday. Guests should bring their own linens or sleeping bags, as yurts do not have electricity, water, or lighting inside, but water is available at the nearby bathhouse.
Camping is another popular choice for First Landing State Park lodging, with over 200 campsites available from the first Friday in March until the first Monday in December. These sites vary, offering options with and without electric/water hookups, and can accommodate tents, pop-ups, and RVs up to 50 feet long. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire-grill, and bathhouses with hot showers are conveniently located throughout the campground. Reservations for campsites are highly recommended and can be made up to 11 months in advance. Pets are welcome in the campground for an additional fee per night.
If you prefer off-site accommodations, Virginia Beach offers a wide array of hotels near First Landing State Park. Many excellent options are located along Shore Drive and the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, providing easy access to both the park and other local attractions like the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Some highly-rated hotels close to the park include the Delta Hotels by Marriott Virginia Beach Bayfront Suites, Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and Travelodge by Wyndham Virginia Beach Bay Beach. Upscale options like the Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel and Hilton Vacation Club Oceanaire Virginia Beach are also nearby. For a more unique stay, several charming beach cottages and vacation rentals are available within a block of the Chesapeake Bay Beach, offering a home-away-from-home experience. Prices for hotels near First Landing State Park in 2026 can range from $193 to $725 per night, depending on the season, location, and amenities.
Sample 2-Day Itinerary
Our team has crafted a sample 2-day itinerary to help you make the most of your visit to First Landing State Park, blending outdoor adventure, historical exploration, and relaxation.
Day 1: History, Trails, and Bayfront Bliss
- **Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Historical Immersion & Trail Exploration.** Start your day at the park's Visitor Center (open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily), especially with its new exhibits opening in Spring 2026 that delve into the 1607 landing of English colonists. After gaining historical context, head to the Trail Center (open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily) to pick up a map of the First Landing State Park hiking trails. We recommend tackling a portion of the Bald Cypress Trail (1.8 miles), known for its unique cypress swamp overlooks, or the Cape Henry Trail, if you're looking for a longer, multi-use path.
- **Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM): Picnic by the Bay.** Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the park's designated picnic areas near the main entrance. Alternatively, grab a quick bite at the Cape Snack Bar and Gifts, which offers hot food, snacks, and camping supplies.
- **Afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:00 PM): Beach Time & Water Activities.** Spend your afternoon unwinding on the 1.5 miles of sandy Chesapeake Bay beach. The calm waters are perfect for swimming (at your own risk, no lifeguards) or simply relaxing and searching for shark's teeth. If you're feeling adventurous, rent a kayak from the park office (seasonal, May-September) or embark on a guided kayak tour to explore the tranquil bay waters, potentially spotting local wildlife.
- **Evening (5:00 PM onwards): Sunset & Campfire.** Head back to your campsite or yurt for an evening of relaxation. Prepare a campfire dinner (if camping) and enjoy the serene sunset over the Chesapeake Bay.
Day 2: Deeper Exploration & Local Flavors
- **Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Challenging Hike or Bike.** Dedicate the morning to a more extensive exploration of the First Landing State Park hiking trails. Consider hiking a longer section of the Long Creek Trail (4.0 miles) or biking the Cape Henry Trail. These trails offer deeper immersion into the maritime forest and provide excellent birdwatching opportunities.
- **Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM): Explore Virginia Beach.** Venture outside the park for lunch. Virginia Beach offers numerous dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. You can find many restaurants nearby in Virginia Beach, as there are none within the park.
- **Afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:00 PM): Virginia Beach Attractions.** Explore some of the other fantastic things to do in Virginia Beach. Consider a stroll along the iconic Virginia Beach Boardwalk, visit the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, or explore the vibrant ViBe Creative District. For a dose of history, the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse is also nearby.
- **Evening (5:00 PM onwards): Dinner & Reflection.** Enjoy a final dinner in Virginia Beach. Reflect on the blend of history, nature, and coastal charm that makes First Landing State Park and its surroundings such a memorable destination.
Last updated: 2026-07-08 by the Roam States team.