Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Canada
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
State park · Virginia Beach, Virginia
First Landing State Park
State park in the north of Virginia Beach, where the English colonists first landed in 1607, with trails through coastal forest, cypress swamps and a bay beach.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About First Landing State Park
In April 1607, before they went on to Jamestown, English colonists landed at Cape Henry, at the entrance to Chesapeake Bay. First Landing State Park, Virginia’s most visited state park, preserves part of the surrounding area, with dunes, ponds and a coastal forest that survived between the city neighborhoods.
The park has about 30 km of trails. The Bald Cypress Trail, one of the best known, runs on boardwalks over a cypress swamp with hanging moss, and other trails cross ancient dunes covered with oaks and pines.
On the bay side, the beach has calmer water than the ocean, with picnic and camping areas. The visitor center has exhibits about the area’s natural history and about the region’s Indigenous peoples.
The park is a protected natural area and is recognized as a national natural landmark.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From two hours to a full day.
Best time
From spring to fall. In summer the forest trails are shaded, but mosquitoes are often numerous: bring insect repellent.
How to get there
It is on Shore Drive in the north of Virginia Beach, about 12 km from the boardwalk, with paid parking per vehicle.
Tip
Entrance is charged per vehicle; check the current rate table. On summer weekends the beach parking fills early.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about First Landing State Park
What happened at First Landing?
In April 1607 English colonists landed there for the first time, before continuing to Jamestown.
What is the best-known trail at First Landing State Park?
The Bald Cypress Trail, with boardwalks over a cypress swamp.
Do you have to pay to enter First Landing State Park?
Yes, entrance is charged per vehicle. Check the current rate table.