First Landing State Park is a 2,888-acre coastal state park at 2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, in the Cape Henry/Shore Drive area. It protects the Chesapeake Bay shore where English colonists first came ashore in April 1607 before continuing to Jamestown, pairing that early-colonial story with maritime forest, cypress swamp, salt marsh, a broad public beach and more than 19 miles of trails.
What to Expect at First Landing State Park
The park has two distinct sides. The north side, reached from Shore Drive, centers on the Chesapeake Bay beach, Trail Center, picnic areas and the six-mile Cape Henry Trail. The south side is quieter and wetter, with access to Broad Bay, Long Creek, boat launches and trails through tidal marsh and bald-cypress swamp. Its name recalls the Virginia Company expedition led by Christopher Newport; the landing party made landfall near Cape Henry on April 26, 1607.
Walkers should not expect a single paved promenade. Routes are mostly packed earth, sand, roots and occasional boardwalk, passing loblolly pine, live oak, wax myrtle, Spanish moss and seasonal wildflowers. The Cape Henry Trail is the park’s longest point-to-point route, while the Bald Cypress Trail gives the most concentrated wetland scenery. A 1.5-mile swimming beach faces the bay rather than the Atlantic, generally producing gentler water than Virginia Beach’s oceanfront. The park’s Civilian Conservation Corps-era development and its unusual coastal habitats make the landscape as important as the shoreline.
- Cape Henry Trail: A six-mile multiuse corridor linking the Shore Drive entrance area with the park’s interior; bicycles are permitted on designated routes.
- Bald Cypress Trail: A short, atmospheric wetland walk where boardwalk sections and cypress knees bring visitors close to swamp habitat.
- Chesapeake Bay beach: Approximately 1.5 miles of sandy shoreline for swimming, sand play, beachcombing and sunset walks.
- Long Creek and Broad Bay: Sheltered tidal water suited to kayaking, canoeing and wildlife watching; use the park’s boat-launch facilities where permitted.
- Historic landscape: Interpretation connects the 1607 Cape Henry landing with the park’s 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps construction and Virginia coastal ecology.
First Landing State Park at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Cape Henry / Shore Drive, on Chesapeake Bay |
| Operating Hours | Daily, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; individual facilities and seasonal programs keep separate schedules. |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid day-use parking; $ price level. Camping, cabins and group facilities are booked separately. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 2 to 4 hours for beach and trails; allow a half-day for paddling or longer hikes. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | HRT Route 33 serves the Shore Drive corridor; on-site lots are available at park access areas, subject to the day-use parking fee. |
| Official Website & Phone | Virginia State Parks & +1 757-412-2300 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive early on warm weekends and holidays, when beach-side parking fills first. Start at the Trail Center or entrance contact station for current trail conditions, tide-aware paddling advice and program information, then choose one landscape rather than trying to cover the whole park on foot. Bring water, insect repellent and footwear that can handle sand and muddy patches. Swimming is unguarded, so watch children closely and check bay conditions before entering the water.
Driving is the simplest approach; Shore Drive connects the park with the Oceanfront, Lynnhaven and Norfolk. HRT Route 33 is the useful public-transit option along Shore Drive, though visitors should confirm the nearest active stop and timetable before setting out. Paved parking and developed beach/picnic areas offer the easiest access, but many trails have roots, soft sand, narrow boardwalks and uneven ground, making them unsuitable for standard wheelchairs or many strollers. Pair a visit with the Cape Henry Memorial and Cape Henry Lighthouse area at nearby Fort Story, or continue east to the Virginia Beach Boardwalk; both are a short drive rather than a walk. For food, Shore Drive’s bayfront restaurant strip is close by.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is First Landing State Park open, and what is the best time to go?
The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Early morning is best for quieter trails, cooler temperatures and easier parking; late afternoon works well for a Chesapeake Bay sunset. Confirm facility hours before visiting, as the Trail Center and seasonal services may not match gate hours.
Is there an admission fee or do I need a reservation?
Day visitors pay a parking fee rather than a conventional admission ticket, placing a beach-and-trail visit in the $ range. No reservation is normally needed for day use, while cabins, campsites and some group facilities should be reserved in advance through Virginia State Parks, especially for summer weekends.
How long should I plan to spend at the park?
Budget two to four hours to combine a beach walk with one or two trails. A six-mile Cape Henry Trail outing, a paddle on Broad Bay or a camping stay turns the visit into a half-day or overnight experience.
Is First Landing State Park suitable for families and visitors with mobility needs?
Families will find a sandy beach, picnic areas, short nature walks and wide-open space for children, but swimming is unguarded. Developed areas are the most manageable for mobility devices; the park’s natural-surface trails can be sandy, rooty, wet and uneven, so contact the park ahead of time for current accessible-route and facility guidance.
When planning your Virginia Beach travel guide or comparing verified attractions and parks in Virginia Beach, pair this stop with standout local spots including Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant- Virginia Beach, Naval Aviation Monument Park, and Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront (4.1 km away).
