First Landing State Park

On April 26, 1607, three ships—the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery—made landfall on these shores after four months crossing the Atlantic. The 104 colonists aboard would eventually establish Jamestown, but their first steps on American soil happened here, at what is now First Landing State Park. More than 400 years later, it remains Virginia’s most visited state park.

But First Landing isn’t just about history. Stretching across 2,888 acres, the park offers a remarkable diversity of landscapes within a single property: 1.5 miles of Chesapeake Bay beach, mysterious bald cypress swamps draped in Spanish moss, coastal maritime forests, and over 19 miles of trails weaving through it all. This is nature on the edge of a major city—wild habitats minutes from Virginia Beach’s boardwalk.

The park’s most striking feature may be its cypress swamps—a northern outpost of a typically Southern ecosystem. Walking the boardwalks of the Bald Cypress Trail feels like stepping into Louisiana, with gnarled ancient trees rising from black water, their “knees” protruding like sentinels. It’s a landscape unlike anywhere else in Virginia, and it’s right here at the beach.

Park Fast Facts

Originally named Seashore State Park when it opened in 1936, the park was renamed First Landing State Park in 1997 to honor the English colonists’ first landfall. Today it welcomes over 1 million visitors annually, making it Virginia’s most popular state park.

Entry Fees

The 1607 Landing

In April 1607, Captain Christopher Newport led three ships across the Atlantic carrying 104 colonists bound for a new world. After the long voyage, they made their first landfall here, at what they called “Cape Henry.” The colonists explored the area for several days before sailing up the James River to establish the permanent settlement at Jamestown.

Today, a stone cross near the Cape Henry Lighthouse (on adjacent federal land) marks the approximate landing site. Within the park, interpretive exhibits tell the story of those first English footsteps on American soil—and the Native Americans who had called this land home for thousands of years before.

Trails

First Landing offers over 19 miles of trails across 9 distinct routes. The diverse terrain ranges from beach dunes to maritime forest to cypress swamp—often all within a single hike. The 6-mile Cape Henry Trail is open to both hikers and bicyclists; other trails are pedestrian-only.

Bald Cypress Swamps

First Landing’s most distinctive feature is its bald cypress swamps—the northernmost natural stand of bald cypress on the East Coast. These ancient trees, with their distinctive “knees” and Spanish moss drapery, create an otherworldly atmosphere more reminiscent of Louisiana than Virginia.

Note: This is the northernmost natural stand of bald cypress on the East Coast. The swamps exist here due to unique microclimate conditions created by the Chesapeake Bay.

Beach

First Landing’s 1.5 miles of beach front the Chesapeake Bay, not the Atlantic Ocean—which means calmer water, gentler waves, and a more relaxed atmosphere than the nearby ocean beaches. It’s ideal for families with small children and swimmers who prefer less surf.

Camping

First Landing offers extensive camping options, from RV sites with full hookups to rustic yurts. The campground sits among maritime forest, providing shade and privacy.

Season: Camping and yurts available first Friday in March through first Monday in December. Cabins currently closed for renovation until October 2026.

Wildlife

The park’s diverse habitats—beach, dune, swamp, forest—support an impressive variety of wildlife. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding, with over 300 species recorded.

Best Times to Visit

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by

State Parks Team

Editorial Team

The America's State Parks Editorial Team has collectively explored 800+ state parks across all 50 states. Our park profiles are carefully researched using official state park data, verified visitor information, and first-hand observations from our writers and contributors. Each article is fact-checked against official sources and updated regularly to ensure accuracy. Our mission is to help every American discover the natural wonders in their own backyard.

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