Skip to main content
Usitour
National Park & Nature

First Landing State Park

📍 2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
No photos yet
4.1/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
USA, Virginia Beach
Category
National Park & Nature
Duration
Half day
Address
2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Coordinates
36.9062, -76.0136

Introduction

First Landing State Park sits along the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia Beach and is one of the oldest and most historically significant state parks in Virginia. In 1607, English colonists first landed here before establishing the Jamestown settlement, making this the true birthplace of American history. The park spans over 2,800 acres of diverse ecosystems, including sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests, and freshwater ponds. More than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails wind through dense canopy and tranquil marshes, offering an outdoor paradise. Unlike the rough Atlantic coast, the bay-side beaches feature calm waters perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and family swimming. The park also offers camping and cabin rentals, letting visitors fall asleep to gentle waves and wake to birdsong.

✨ Highlights

1
Birthplace of American History
The 1607 landing site of English colonists, predating Jamestown, carrying the memory of America's founding.
2
Diverse Ecosystems
Features beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests, and freshwater ponds across four distinct habitats.
3
20 Miles of Trails
Hiking and biking trails weave through canopy and marshes, suitable for all skill levels.
4
Calm Bay Beaches
Chesapeake Bay waters are gentle, ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and family swimming.
5
Camping and Cabins
Tent sites and cabin rentals let you sleep to the sound of waves and wake to birdsong.
6
Kayak Adventures
Rent kayaks to explore marsh waterways and spot egrets, herons, and wild dolphins.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best Time to Visit：Spring and fall are mild; summer for water activities; fall for bird migration
→Address：2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
→Opening Hours：Open sunrise to sunset year-round; visitor center 9:00-17:00
→Ticket Information：$5/vehicle VA residents, $7/vehicle non-residents
→Transportation：About 15 min drive from downtown Virginia Beach

💡 Tips

• Campsites and cabins fill up fast in summer; book months ahead on the VA State Parks website.
• Marsh areas have heavy mosquitoes, especially summer evenings; bring repellent and long sleeves.
• Kayaking and marsh exploration require tide awareness; high tide is easier, low tide may ground you.
• Visit nearby Jamestown and Yorktown for a complete colonial history experience.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of First Landing State Park?

Open sunrise to sunset year-round; visitor center 9:00-17:00

How much is the admission for First Landing State Park?

$5/vehicle VA residents, $7/vehicle non-residents

Any practical tips for visiting First Landing State Park?

Campsites and cabins fill up fast in summer; book months ahead on the VA State Parks website. Marsh areas have heavy mosquitoes, especially summer evenings; bring repellent and long sleeves.

How long should I spend at First Landing State Park?

A typical visit takes Half day.