Things to Do at First Landing State Park

Complete Guide to First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach

About First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park sits on a remarkable piece of Virginia Beach real estate where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. This is actually where English colonists first touched American soil in 1607 - hence the name - though you'll find the park is more about natural beauty than historical reenactment these days. The 2,888-acre park protects one of the most northerly locations of bald cypress swamps on the East Coast, which creates this surprisingly diverse landscape that feels worlds away from the nearby resort strip. What makes First Landing genuinely special is how it manages to offer both peaceful bay-side beaches and dense forest trails within the same relatively compact area. You might find yourself kayaking through quiet cypress swamps in the morning and lounging on a sandy beach by afternoon. The park tends to attract a mix of serious nature enthusiasts and families looking for a calmer alternative to the main Virginia Beach scene, and it's one of those places that actually delivers on both fronts.

What to See & Do

Bald Cypress Trail

A 1.5-mile boardwalk trail that winds through ancient bald cypress swamps - some of these trees are over 800 years old. The boardwalk keeps your feet dry while you walk through what feels like a Louisiana bayou transplanted to Virginia.

Chesapeake Bay Beach

A quieter alternative to the oceanfront, with calmer waters that are perfect for families with young kids. The beach offers great views across the bay and tends to be much less crowded than the main Virginia Beach strip.

Cape Henry Trail

This 6-mile trail system takes you through diverse habitats including maritime forest, dunes, and wetlands. It's where you'll get the best sense of the park's ecological diversity, and the longer sections offer genuine solitude.

Kayak and Canoe Trails

Several water trails wind through the park's lagoons and connect to the broader Chesapeake Bay. The cypress-lined waterways are particularly atmospheric, especially early in the morning when mist rises from the water.

Long Creek Trail

A shorter 1.25-mile trail that's perfect for bird watching, especially during spring and fall migrations. The trail follows Long Creek and offers good chances to spot herons, egrets, and various waterfowl.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Open daily from 8 AM to dusk year-round. The visitor center operates 9 AM to 5 PM, though hours might be reduced in winter months.

Tickets & Pricing

Virginia state park entrance fee applies - around $5 per vehicle for non-residents, $4 for Virginia residents. Annual passes are available and worth considering if you're planning multiple state park visits.

Best Time to Visit

Late spring through early fall offers the warmest weather for water activities, though the cypress swamps are particularly beautiful in fall when the needles turn golden. Winter can actually be lovely for hiking if you don't mind cooler temperatures.

Suggested Duration

Plan on at least half a day to see the highlights, though you could easily spend a full day if you're doing both hiking and beach time. Serious hikers might want to dedicate a full day just to the trail system.

Getting There

First Landing State Park sits 10 miles north of Virginia Beach's main resort strip-far enough to escape the crowds. Take exit 282 off I-64 and follow First Colonial Road east for about 13 miles to the park entrance on Shore Drive. The drive is worth it. You'll pass through neighborhoods that show how Virginia Beach shifts from suburban sprawl to natural coastline, giving you a preview of what lies ahead. Parking won't be a problem most days. Summer weekends are different-the beach lots fill up fast, so get there early if you want a spot near the water.

Things to Do Nearby

Cape Henry Lighthouse
The historic lighthouse that guided ships into the Chesapeake Bay, located just outside the park. You can climb to the top for panoramic views of where the bay meets the ocean.

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
A well-regarded aquarium about 15 minutes south that focuses on local marine life. The outdoor exhibits and nature trail complement what you'll see in the state park.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
An impressive 17-mile engineering feat that you can see from parts of the park. Worth the drive if you're continuing south - it's genuinely one of the more dramatic bridge crossings on the East Coast.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Another nature preserve about 30 minutes south that offers excellent bird watching and a different perspective on Virginia's coastal ecosystems.

Tips & Advice

Bring insect repellent, especially if you're planning to hike the swamp trails - the mosquitoes can be intense during warmer months

The cypress swamps are most photogenic in early morning when the light filters through the trees and mist rises from the water

If you're planning to kayak, consider renting from the park's concession rather than bringing your own - they know the best routes and current conditions

The beach areas can get busy on summer weekends, but the hiking trails tend to stay relatively quiet even during peak times