First Landing State Park

🏖️ Where American History Began — Virginia’s most popular state park marks where English colonists first landed in 1607, now featuring 1.5 miles of Chesapeake Bay beach and 20 miles of wetland trails.

On April 26, 1607, three small ships carrying 104 English colonists made landfall on what is now First Landing State Park. Before pushing up the James River to establish Jamestown, these early settlers spent their first hours in Virginia on this very shore. Today, that same stretch of beach draws over a million visitors annually, making First Landing the most visited state park in Virginia—and one of the most historically significant outdoor spaces on the East Coast.

But history is only part of why people come here. The park’s 2,888 acres contain an ecological wonderland: cypress swamps where trees rise from tea-colored water, maritime forests where Spanish moss drips from ancient oaks, and salt marshes teeming with wildlife. Twenty miles of trails wind through these varied landscapes, many built by an African-American Civilian Conservation Corps company in the 1930s. And at the edge of it all, 1.5 miles of sandy beach meet the calm waters of Chesapeake Bay—perfect for families who want history and recreation in equal measure.

Quick Facts

• 📍 Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia (Chesapeake Bay)
• 📐 Size: 2,888 acres (1.5 mi beach)
• ⛰️ Highlight: 1607 English landing site, Virginia’s most visited state park
• 🚗 From Norfolk: 20 minutes via Shore Drive
• 🎫 Admission: $7-$10/vehicle

Best Season to Visit

Virginia Beach’s temperate climate makes First Landing a year-round destination, but each season offers a distinctly different experience. Summer brings swimming weather and peak crowds at the beach. Spring and fall are ideal for hiking when temperatures are mild and the trails aren’t muddy. Winter offers solitude on the beach and the best birdwatching in the marshes.

Entrance Fees & Passes

Top Trails

The trail system at First Landing is unlike any other in Virginia. Instead of mountain vistas, you’ll find yourself walking elevated boardwalks through cypress swamps, crossing sand dunes covered in sea oats, and winding beneath canopies of live oak draped with Spanish moss. The trails were largely built by CCC Company 2386, one of the segregated African-American companies whose work helped shape America’s parks during the Great Depression.

The Bald Cypress Trail is the park’s signature hike—a 1.6-mile loop that crosses wetlands on wooden bridges and offers close-up views of the park’s most distinctive trees. For a longer adventure, the Cape Henry Trail stretches 6 miles through the full diversity of the park’s ecosystems and is open to mountain bikes.

The Beach & Water Activities

First Landing’s 1.5 miles of beach on the Chesapeake Bay is a different experience from the ocean beaches just a few miles away in Virginia Beach. The bay waters are calmer, warmer, and shallower—perfect for families with young children. There are no lifeguards, but the gentle conditions make swimming relatively safe for confident swimmers.

Kayaking is perhaps the best way to explore the park’s aquatic side. The Narrows—a channel on the south side of the park—provides easy access to the bay and sheltered paddling through marsh ecosystems. Guided kayak tours are available seasonally, or you can rent kayaks and explore on your own.

Camping & Cabins

Camping at First Landing puts you within walking distance of the beach while surrounded by maritime forest. The campground fills quickly in summer—this is one of the most sought-after camping reservations in Virginia—but the shoulder seasons offer nearly the same experience with far more availability.

For those seeking more comfort, the park offers 20 cabins and 2 yurts. The cabins sleep up to 6 and come with full kitchens, climate control, and screened porches. They’re scattered through the woods rather than clustered together, providing genuine privacy.

Reserve at Reserve America. Summer weekends book 6+ months in advance!

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Wildlife & Nature

The intersection of maritime forest, freshwater wetlands, and salt marsh creates extraordinary biodiversity. Great blue herons stalk the shallows, osprey nest in dead cypress snags, and brown pelicans cruise the bay. In the marshes, fiddler crabs emerge by the thousands at low tide, and diamondback terrapins swim the brackish waters.

Safety Information

Getting There

Address: 2500 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

• From Norfolk (20 min): Shore Drive (US-60) east
• From Virginia Beach Oceanfront (15 min): Shore Drive west
• From Richmond (1.5 hours): I-64 E to Shore Drive

GPS Coordinates: 36.9218° N, 76.0475° W

Nearby Attractions

• Virginia Beach Oceanfront (15 min) — Boardwalk, restaurants, Atlantic beaches
• Cape Henry Lighthouse (5 min) — 1792 lighthouse, adjacent military base tours
• Virginia Aquarium (10 min) — Marine life, hands-on exhibits
• Colonial Williamsburg (1 hour) — Living history, restaurants

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there lifeguard service at the beach?

No, swimming is at your own risk. The Chesapeake Bay waters are generally calm and shallow, making them relatively safe for experienced swimmers, but families should supervise children closely.

Can I bike in First Landing?

Yes! Two trails—Cape Henry Trail (6 mi) and Live Oak Trail—are open to mountain bikes. Bike rentals are available at The Bay camp store.

Why is it called First Landing?

English colonists aboard the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery first came ashore here on April 26, 1607, before continuing up the James River to establish Jamestown.

Is First Landing good for camping with kids?

Excellent! The calm bay beach, easy trails, and proximity to Virginia Beach amenities make it one of the best family camping destinations in the mid-Atlantic.

Plan Your Visit

Written by

State Parks Team

Editorial Team

The State Parks Team is a group of outdoor enthusiasts, researchers, and travel writers dedicated to showcasing America's state parks. Drawing on collective experience visiting parks in all 50 states, the team creates detailed guides, curated park lists, and practical tips to help visitors make the most of their state park adventures. Our mission: making America's state parks accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

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