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First Landing State Park, Virginia Beach, VA

Photo: Virginia State Parks staff, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sports & OutdoorsOutdoor AdventureHistory BuffFamily Favorite

First Landing State Park

Hike cypress swamp and maritime forest trails, then hit 1.5 miles of Chesapeake Bay beach where English colonists landed in 1607.

2500 Shore Dr · Virginia Beach, VA

About First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park sits on Cape Henry where English colonists first landed in 1607 before settling Jamestown. You can follow 20 miles of trails through bald cypress swamps, lagoons and maritime forest, then swim along 1.5 miles of Chesapeake Bay beach. The park was built in part by an all African American Civilian Conservation Corps company between 1933 and 1940, is a National Natural Landmark, and offers yurts and campsites while its cabins are renovated.

  • #state park
  • #hiking trails
  • #beach
  • #camping
  • #cypress swamp

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What's around here?

The closest stops to First Landing State Park, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Cape Henry Lighthouse

    Under $25

    Climb the 1792 sandstone lighthouse at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay on a guided tour inside Fort Story.

    1.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sports & Outdoors
    Family Favorite

    Virginia Beach Boardwalk

    No admission fee

    Stroll or bike a three-mile oceanfront promenade lined with hotels, restaurants and the King Neptune statue.

    Transit: reachable by public transit

    3.8 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums

    Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum

    Check prices

    A Virginia Beach museum focused on coastal maritime history and rescue service.

    Transit: reachable by public transit

    4.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Attractions

    Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

    $25–$50

    A Virginia Beach aquarium and marine science center with hundreds of species across indoor exhibits and outdoor programs.

    Transit: reachable by public transit

    6.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sports & Outdoors

    Norfolk Botanical Garden

    $25–$50

    A large public garden and arboretum in Norfolk, Virginia, known for its conservatory, children's garden, and seasonal holiday light display.

    11 mi awayMore like this

  • Sports & Outdoors

    Chesapeake Arboretum

    Check prices

    A 51-acre city-run arboretum in Chesapeake with forest trails, labeled trees, and a historic farmhouse.

    17 mi awayMore like this