Located along the Virginia Beach shoreline, First Landing State Park stands as a testament to both history and natural beauty. As Virginia’s most-visited state park, this 2,888-acre area offers an escape from urban life while preserving a site of national significance. With its diverse ecosystems, miles of trails, and beautiful Chesapeake Bay frontage, First Landing invites visitors to explore the unique connection between historical importance and natural wonder that has made it a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike.
Historic Significance
First Landing State Park marks the precise location where English colonists first set foot on Virginia soil in 1607 before continuing on to establish Jamestown. This pivotal moment in American history is just one chapter in the park’s past. The area’s waterways have witnessed the passage of Native American canoes, colonial vessels, 20th-century schooners, and modern cargo ships. During the War of 1812, the park’s cypress swamps provided fresh water for various seafarers, including merchant mariners and pirates, with legends suggesting that Blackbeard himself once hid in the park’s Narrows area.
The park’s modern development occurred during the Great Depression when an all-African-American unit of the Civilian Conservation Corps worked from 1933 to 1940 to create many of the facilities still enjoyed today. This historical significance has earned First Landing a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. The park’s name was changed from Seashore State Park to First Landing in 1997 to better reflect its heritage, and in 2007, the park hosted a reenactment of the original landing, continuing to honor its role as the gateway to American colonization.
Natural Environment
First Landing State Park boasts remarkable ecological diversity that earned it recognition as a National Natural Landmark in 1965. This designation specifically notes the park as the northernmost location on the East Coast where subtropical and temperate plants thrive together, creating a unique botanical boundary. Visitors can explore rare bald cypress swamps with their distinctive “knees” protruding from the water, ancient maritime forests with towering trees, and serene lagoons teeming with wildlife—all within the same park boundaries.
The park’s 1.5 miles of sandy Chesapeake Bay beachfront provide not only recreational opportunities but also showcase important coastal habitats. The shoreline features dune systems that protect the inland areas from storm surge while supporting specialized plant communities adapted to harsh coastal conditions. These diverse ecosystems harbor rare plants and wildlife species, making the park a haven for naturalists and casual observers alike. The unique combination of wetland, forest, and coastal environments within such proximity creates a natural laboratory that demonstrates the delicate balance between land and sea in this transitional zone.
Recreational Opportunities
Adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts will find abundant recreational options throughout First Landing’s extensive grounds. The park features an impressive network of ten trails totaling approximately 20 miles, accommodating both hikers and cyclists. The Cape Henry and Live Oak trails specifically welcome bicyclists, while fitness enthusiasts can take advantage of dedicated fitness trails. For those preferring guided experiences, park interpreters conduct seasonal trail walks, and self-guided trail guidebooks are available at the Trail Center, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace while learning about the park’s natural and historical features.
Water activities abound along the park’s shoreline and waterways. Visitors can swim in the Chesapeake Bay (at their own risk, as there are no lifeguards), or try their hand at fishing and crabbing with a valid Virginia saltwater fishing license. Boaters can launch from the Narrows boat ramp at the 64th Street extension, with facilities including parking for cars and boat trailers. Throughout the year, the park offers a variety of educational programs covering topics like crabbing, junior rangers, beach walks, and nature hikes. School groups and organizations can request customized programming related to their educational goals, while special events and seasonal activities provide entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Visitor Accommodations
First Landing offers diverse overnight accommodations to suit various preferences and needs. The park features 20 cabins, including six wood-frame structures with hardwood floors (cabins 1-6) and 14 cinderblock cabins with cedar siding and tile/carpet floors (cabins 7-20). Though near the Chesapeake Bay, none have water views. All cabins include fully-equipped kitchens, living areas with rustic furniture, climate control, bathrooms with showers, screened porches, and outdoor decks with grills and fire rings. Visitors should note that significant cabin renovations are scheduled from November 2024 through October 2026, so checking the latest availability is essential before planning a stay.
For those seeking a more unique experience, four recreational yurts situated along the Chesapeake Bay dunes offer a cross between tent and cabin accommodations, complete with wooden decks, picnic tables, and fire rings. Campers can choose from 183 sites with varying amenities, including 108 with electric/water hookups that accommodate different vehicle sizes. The remaining 75 standard sites cater to tent campers, with a dedicated group campground section (sites 44-65) requiring a three-site minimum purchase. Park facilities include a visitor center with historical and educational exhibits, a Trail Center with a gift shop, the Cape Snack Bar and Gifts store (open seasonally), laundry facilities, picnic areas with rentable shelters, and multiple bathhouses with accessible features throughout the property.
