First Landing State Park, a jewel nestled on the northern edge of Virginia Beach, Virginia, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and historical significance. This remarkable park presents a diverse landscape, from the gentle waves of the Chesapeake Bay to the serene depths of bald cypress swamps, making it a destination that appeals to a wide range of interests. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply seeking a tranquil escape, First Landing promises an unforgettable experience. It’s a place where you can witness breathtaking ocean sunrises, explore miles of pristine beach along the Chesapeake Bay, and immerse yourself in the wonders of nature on an extensive network of hiking trails.
But First Landing State Park is more than just a scenic retreat. It holds a prominent place in American history as the site where English settlers first set foot on New World soil in 1607. This historical connection adds a layer of depth and meaning to the park, making it a destination that engages both the mind and the senses.
A Park for Everyone
Located a stone’s throw from the bustling city of Virginia Beach, First Landing State Park stands as one of the largest and most frequented state parks in Virginia. Its popularity stems from its diverse offerings, attracting visitors from across the region who come to indulge in hiking, swimming, kayaking, and camping amidst its tranquil beauty. The park’s unique environment, a tapestry of maritime forests, swamps, and sandy shores, provides a haven for both wildlife and those seeking solace in nature.
This comprehensive guide aims to equip you with everything you need to make the most of your visit to First Landing State Park. From exploring its numerous trails to understanding its historical significance, we’ll cover all the essential aspects to ensure a memorable and enriching experience.
Unveiling the Park’s Treasures: Things to Do
The allure of First Landing lies not only in its historical importance but also in its diverse range of activities. The park beckons outdoor enthusiasts and active travelers to explore its beaches, forests, and waterways. Here are some of the most popular ways to experience the park’s magic:
Hit the Trail: A Hiker’s Paradise
First Landing boasts an impressive network of over 19 miles of mixed-use nature trails, offering nine distinct routes to explore. These trails, characterized by their relatively flat terrain and easy navigation, are a haven for hikers and trail runners of all skill levels. The Cape Henry Trail, the only trail open to bicycles, adds another dimension to the park’s appeal, requiring hikers to be mindful of cyclists sharing the path. Bike rentals are conveniently available at the park’s Bay Store for those who wish to explore the park on two wheels.
For a more immersive experience, consider joining one of the regularly scheduled guided treks. Park rangers and local volunteers lead these groups, providing valuable insights into the park’s flora, fauna, and history as you traverse the forests, dunes, and shoreline. Be sure to visit the Trail Center to obtain a map and inquire about any scheduled tours during your visit.
Embrace the Beach: Sun, Sand, and Serenity
The park’s four boardwalks provide easy access to its 1.5-mile-long beach, a pristine stretch of sand along the Chesapeake Bay. The soft sand and calm waters create an ideal environment for families to enjoy a day of swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. Unlike the more crowded urban beaches of Virginia Beach, this beach offers a sense of tranquility and seclusion, even during the peak summer months.
However, it’s important to note that the lush, natural vegetation surrounding the beach attracts insects. Therefore, packing insect repellent is highly recommended to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Kayaking and Boating: Exploring the Waterways
The Chesapeake Bay, with its storied waters, is a popular destination for kayakers and boaters. Its calmer conditions, compared to the Atlantic Ocean, make it ideal for exploring the coastline and enjoying the scenic views. A boat ramp and put-in for personal watercraft are located in the Narrows area of the park, providing convenient access to the water. Ample parking is available in this area, and kayak rentals are offered on weekends during the warmer months.
Fishing: Casting a Line in Chesapeake Bay
Saltwater fishing is a beloved activity along the shores of First Landing State Park, both from the beach and from boats. The Chesapeake Bay teems with a variety of game fish species, including striped bass, flounder, spadefish, and cobia. Anglers seeking to cast their lines must possess a valid Virginia saltwater fishing license, ensuring compliance with state regulations.
Hiking Through History: Exploring the Trails
First Landing State Park offers a diverse network of nine hiking trails, totaling 19 miles in length. These trails cater to a wide range of abilities, with well-marked routes that are generally easy to follow. This makes them a perfect choice for those seeking a refreshing walk without the demands of a strenuous hike.
The First Landing Trail Center, situated near the park’s south entrance, serves as an ideal starting point for your hiking adventure. Inside, you’ll find an informative display providing an overview of all the trails, enabling you to plan your route effectively. Paper maps are readily available, along with convenient amenities such as parking, restrooms, and a vending machine stocked with drinks.
Here’s a closer look at some of the best trails within First Landing State Park:
Cape Henry Trail: A Journey from North to South
The Cape Henry Trail, the longest in the park at six miles, stretches from the northern to the southern boundaries. It is also the only trail that permits bicycles, so vigilance is essential to ensure safety. The trail surface consists primarily of loose sand, interspersed with occasional paved sections and wooden boardwalks, making it a relatively easy hike.
Long Creek Trail: Coastal Beauty and Birdwatching
This approximately five-mile trail meanders along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and the park’s salt marshes, offering stunning coastal views. It then passes by the tranquil White Hill Lake and its surrounding wetlands, providing a glimpse into the park’s diverse ecosystems. The trail also features an extended boardwalk section that elevates hikers above the marsh, offering unique perspectives. Birders will find this trail particularly rewarding, as it is home to a variety of unique bird species.
Osmanthus Trail: Solitude in the Lowlands
For those seeking a more secluded experience, the three-mile Osmanthus Trail loop offers a tranquil escape. This trail ventures into the park’s lowland sections, attracting fewer visitors than some of the other routes. It meanders past a tidal beach along Broad Bay and traverses forests and marshlands in various stages of development. However, it’s important to note that some areas of this trail may be submerged during high tide.
Bald Cypress Trail: Into the Heart of the Swamp
The Bald Cypress Trail, likely the most popular hiking route in the park, is a 1.5-mile loop that immerses visitors in the heart of the cypress swamps. Boardwalks and bridges facilitate accessibility, making it one of the easier routes in First Landing, although some elevation changes over sand dunes add a touch of challenge. This trail provides an excellent opportunity to experience the park’s unique natural environment.
Resting Under the Stars: Camping and Cabins
Camping is a popular activity within First Landing State Park, which features a campground with 200 individual campsites. The camping area is nestled amidst the dunes along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, with some sites located just a short walk from the beach. Other sites are closer to a state road, resulting in more noise, particularly during the day. Most campsites are well-spaced, providing ample privacy.
The majority of the campsites are primitive, lacking running water and electricity. However, a few sites can accommodate RVs up to 50 feet in length and include water and power hookups. Reservations can be made online, with costs ranging from $24 to $32 per night, plus tax and reservation fees.
For those seeking a more comfortable camping experience, First Landing State Park also offers 20 rustic cabins for rent. These cozy accommodations feature air conditioning and heating, a fireplace, a private deck, a screened porch, and a grill. They also include a well-equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, stove, coffeemaker, and a variety of dishes and utensils. Each cabin has two bedrooms and can comfortably sleep six people.
The First Land cabins can be reserved online, with prices ranging from $94 to $39 per night. The price varies based on the season and whether you are a resident of Virginia.
Beyond the Park: Lodging Options
First Landing State Park’s proximity to Virginia Beach offers a wide array of lodging options, including resorts, hotels, motels, cabins, and other short-term rentals. Major hotel chains such as Hyatt, Embassy, Comfort Suites, and Hilton all have accommodations in the city, and numerous options are available along the Atlantic shore.
Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a family, you’ll find dozens of hotel options just minutes from the park. While the most expensive accommodations are located along the beach, a range of other options can cater to every budget.
Getting There: Navigating to First Landing
First Landing State Park is situated on the northern edge of Virginia Beach, with entrances accessible from Shore Drive. From within the city, the park is typically a 10-20 minute drive, depending on your location. It is even possible to access the Cape Henry Trail on foot from the Virginia Beach boardwalk along the Atlantic Ocean.
Visitors arriving from out of town should take I-64 into Virginia Beach to Exit 282 onto Northampton Blvd./US Highway 13. Follow the route through eight traffic lights until reaching Shore Drive. Turn right onto Shore Drive and drive another 4.5 miles to reach the park entrance. When approaching First Landing, turn left off Shore Drive at the traffic light to access the Chesapeake Bay Center, the park’s main office, and campgrounds. Turn right at the same traffic light to reach the Trail Center, picnic area, and hiking trails.
The Norfolk International Airport, located in Norfolk, Virginia, offers daily flights from major hubs such as New York, Washington DC, Charlotte, and Chicago. The Richmond International Airport, approximately 100 miles from Virginia Beach, also offers similar services.
Accessibility: Ensuring Inclusivity
The state of Virginia has prioritized accessibility in its state parks, and First Landing State Park is a prime example of this commitment. The park features a number of wheelchair-accessible amenities, including bathrooms throughout the park and showers near the campground. A universally accessible playground, paved sidewalks in the picnic area, and paved ramps leading to the amphitheater and gazebo further enhance accessibility.
Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the park’s trails, with the exception of motorized wheelchairs. The First Landing Trail Center is fully accessible, as is the entire five-mile length of the Cape Henry Trail. While other hiking routes offer partial wheelchair accessibility, unpaved sections can pose challenges, and some lowland areas are prone to flooding.
The First Landing beach is accessible via a boardwalk that crosses over the dunes, with the access point located behind the park’s visitor center. Beach wheelchairs can be reserved for your visit by calling 757-412-2300.
Tips for a Memorable Visit
- Plan ahead: Research the park’s trails, activities, and lodging options to create an itinerary that suits your interests and abilities.
- Pack appropriately: Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water.
- Be aware of the weather: Check the forecast before your visit and dress accordingly.
- Respect the environment: Stay on marked trails, dispose of trash properly, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Embrace the history: Take time to learn about the park’s historical significance and appreciate its role in American history.
- Relax and enjoy: First Landing State Park offers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature.
First Landing State Park is more than just a park; it’s a living testament to history, a haven for nature, and a place where memories are made. Come and experience all that it has to offer.
