Virginia’s most‑visited state park is a surprising oasis in the heart of Virginia Beach. With 20 miles of trails, 1.5 miles of Chesapeake Bay beachfront, and rare habitats from bald cypress swamps to maritime forests, First Landing State Park is full of adventure.

The stories of yesterday linger here, rich and enduring. This is where English colonists arrived in 1607, where Blackbeard is said to have hidden, and where waterways once carried canoes, schooners, pirates, and Civil War patrols. Built in part by an all African‑American CCC crew in the 1930s, the park is now both a National Natural Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places.

From sandy shorelines to winding trails, First Landing invites adventurers of all ages to slow down, savor the fresh air, and discover something new around every turn.

1. Enjoy the beach

First Landing State Park has 1.5 miles of sandy Chesapeake Bay beach frontage that is perfect for setting up a spot in the sun for the day. Bring your beach gear and enjoy the sounds of the water, feel the cool bay breeze and maybe even find a shark’s tooth.

You can swim at your own risk in Chesapeake Bay as there are no lifeguards. There are no designated swimming areas at the Narrows or at the boat launch.

In addition to splashing in the water, fishing and crabbing are popular at the park. A valid Virginia saltwater fishing license is required. Annual parking-launching passports are available by calling 1-800-933-PARK.

You can launch motorboats and other small watercraft from the Narrows boat ramp, found at the end of the 64th Street extension in the park’s southern area. The site offers convenient launch ramps, plenty of parking for vehicles and trailers, and accessible restrooms. However, swimming isn’t recommended because the currents in the Narrows can be dangerously strong.

Tip for first‑time visitors: Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a parking spot and enjoy a smoother launch experience. Weekends, especially in the summer, are very high visitation days and once parking capacity is reached guests will be turned away.

2. Trek the trails

The air shifts from salty Chesapeake Bay breezes along the shoreline to the cool shade of maritime forest just steps away. With 20 miles of trails, every turn brings a new texture, smell and sound.

Explore ten scenic trails perfect for hiking, biking and self-guided adventures. Seasonal interpretive walks bring the landscape to life, led by knowledgeable park interpreters. Cyclists can enjoy two designated routes on the Cape Henry and Live Oak trails. Most trails are considered moderate due to the steepness of the terrain, but all trails provide unique scenery worth exploring.

An All-Terrain Wheelchair is available for both children and adults with limited mobility. Please visit the All-Terrain Wheelchair page for more information about the chair and how to request a reservation.

The Trail Center is fully accessible, featuring convenient accessible restrooms and a smooth, paved walkway leading from the road right to the entrance. The Cape Henry Trail is also universally accessible between Kendall and 64th Street, making it easy for everyone to enjoy this scenic route. The Trail Center has a small gift shop and is open from 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It houses exhibits on the park’s natural and cultural resources and has a manned information desk. It is definitely worth a stop inside before your hike if you want more information about the trails or after your hike to purchase a souvenir or park merchandise.

3. Attend a program or reserve the outdoor classroom

Discover a variety of ways to explore the park, from self-guided adventures to hands-on guided experiences. Try your hand at crabbing, join a junior ranger activity, stroll the beach with a naturalist or head out on a scenic nature hike. The park also offers structured environmental education programs for those looking to dive deeper.

If you are planning a visit with a large club, school group, or community organization, the park can tailor historical, cultural, or environmental programs to support your group’s specific learning goals. Be sure to tell the staff what topics you are interested in and they will be able to craft a lesson around it.

First Landing participates in Virginia's State Parks: Your Backyard Classrooms, a 40-activity curriculum guide used by K- 12 teachers and home-school coordinators. Call 757-412-2306 for details.

Be sure to enjoy a relaxing lunch in the park’s charming picnic area, which is a scenic, family‑friendly spot with plenty of options for both casual meals and larger group gatherings. It’s the perfect place to unwind and savor the historic surroundings.

Convenient restroom facilities feature universally accessible toilets with a paved walkway leading to both the men’s and women’s entrances. Nearby, an accessible playground invites kids of all abilities to explore and play. This park is an ideal spot to mix fun with educational recreation.

For more information about upcoming programs, visit the park’s event web page.

4. Explore the visitor center

Reconnect with nature at this environmentally focused, hands‑on Visitor Information Center in First Landing State Park. Explore a captivating exhibit on the 1607 landing of the first English settlers, learn from aquariums and environmental displays, or step into the classroom spaces, wet lab, and touch tanks. The Center also houses a city visitor information hub, provides access to park programs, and serves as a launch point for sea kayaking on the Chesapeake Bay.

Dive even deeper into the wonders of the Chesapeake Bay at the Bay Lab, located inside the visitor center. Here, guests of all ages can explore the Bay through its resident wildlife. Shape landscapes with the interactive topographic sandbox, meet the diamondback terrapin animal ambassadors, and discover why this waterway is considered one of Virginia’s greatest treasures. Drop in during open hours to learn more about the Bay and its vital role in our ecosystem.

The visitor center will open new exhibits in the Spring of 2026; these new exhibits will allow guests to explore the history of First Landing State Park. It also has information on area tours and attractions. The office/visitor center is open daily, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

The outdoor courtyard, pavilion, and amphitheater offer a stunning setting for weddings, celebrations, and special events.

There is also a nice gift shop nearby that has beach supplies, drinks, snacks and park merchandise available to purchase. Enjoy a break from the heat and check out the new merchandise for the season.

5. Stay overnight

First Landing State Park is a highly sought-after camping destination with campgrounds, yurts and cabins available through reservations. The park is one of the best places to camp in Virginia as it’s only steps from the beach, laced with hiking trails and rich in coastal history. The park has campsites both with and without electric/water hookups and guests can find firewood at the Cape Snack Bar.

The park has cabins, yurts, water and electric hook-up campsites, tent campsites, picnic area, boat ramps and a camp store.

Please note: Cabin renovations are scheduled to continue until May 2027. Because of the magnitude of the project, dates are subject to change, but no exceptions can be made at this time. These renovations will not impact the regular season for the rest of the park’s overnight facilities. For the most up to date availability of overnight facilities guests should check the online reservation website.

Plan your next visit

Whether you are looking for a nice day trip full of leisure or adventures or prefer a longer stay in the area or on premises, First Landing State Park has something for everyone.

Be sure to check out the reservation system and book your stay today.