First Landing State Park

VIRGINIA BEACH · STATE PARK

First Landing State Park

Coastal trails, Chesapeake Bay shoreline and a layered history meet at Cape Henry, where Virginia’s first state park system began.

Location
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Setting
Chesapeake Bay coast

Trails
About 20 miles

Park address
2500 Shore Drive

At the northeastern edge of Virginia Beach, Virginia, First Landing State Park protects a varied coastal landscape of maritime forest, bald cypress swamps, lagoons and Chesapeake Bay shoreline. Its roughly 20 miles of trails invite visitors to explore on foot or, on designated routes, by bike; the park also offers beach access and opportunities for paddling and camping. Confirm current access, activities and conditions with the park before setting out.

The park’s name recalls the English colonists’ 1607 landfall near Cape Henry, before their journey up the James River to establish Jamestown. That story is only one part of the site’s significance: the park also preserves a distinctive coastal environment and the work of Civilian Conservation Corps crews who helped build it in the 1930s.

Why visit?

First Landing is a good choice for a day that combines an easy-to-reach coastal walk with time by the water. Rather than a single overlook or landmark, the park’s appeal lies in the changing landscape: forest paths, wetland edges and sandy Chesapeake Bay frontage sit within the same large protected area. The park is also a place to encounter both natural and built history, from its coastal habitats to its Depression-era park structures.

The park’s scale makes it worth choosing a focus before arrival. A short trail outing, a longer Cape Henry Trail walk or bike ride, and a shoreline visit each make a different kind of day; check the official trail guide and current park information to match your plans to conditions and available facilities.

Start here

Start with the official trail guide or stop at the park’s visitor facilities to orient yourself. Trail lengths and permitted uses vary: the Cape Henry Trail is listed at 6.1 miles and allows hiking and biking, while other named routes explore particular habitats and waterside areas. Check the current map and signs for route connections, closures and conditions before choosing a loop or out-and-back walk.

The park’s main address is 2500 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach. Hours, fees, parking availability, programs and facility access can change; verify details directly with Virginia State Parks before traveling, particularly for a beach visit or a longer trail outing.

What to see and do

Walk the Cape Henry Trail

At 6.1 miles, this is the trail guide’s longest named route and one of two routes listed for both hiking and biking. Consult the official map to plan a suitable section or outing.

Explore the habitat trails

Routes such as Bald Cypress, Osmanthus, Long Creek and White Hill Lake offer different ways to explore the park’s swamp, forest and lake environments. Check the trail guide for lengths and difficulty ratings.

Spend time at the Chesapeake Bay

The park includes sandy Bay shoreline. Pair a walk with a shoreline stop, and check current park guidance for beach access, swimming conditions and any seasonal restrictions.

Look for coastal landscapes

Notice how the scenery shifts among maritime forest, lagoons, wetlands and cypress swamp. Stay on marked routes to help protect the park’s sensitive natural areas.

Learn about the park’s history

Explore the story of the 1607 landing and the park’s development by Civilian Conservation Corps crews. Check the park’s current information for exhibit availability and interpretive programs.

History and significance

The English colonists who reached the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay in April 1607 came ashore near Cape Henry before continuing to Jamestown. First Landing State Park takes its name from that episode. The region had long been used by Indigenous people; the park’s account of its history also describes the waterways as routes used by later mariners and military patrols.

Virginia acquired the land in 1933, and the park was developed during the 1930s as Seashore State Park. Civilian Conservation Corps workers, including an African American crew, helped construct trails and buildings. The park opened in 1936 as one of Virginia’s original state parks; its name changed to First Landing State Park in 1997. The surviving historic district reflects the park’s early planning and construction.

The park’s importance is also ecological. Its mix of coastal habitats supports unusual plant communities where subtropical and temperate species meet. Virginia DCR identifies the park as a National Natural Landmark and notes the trail system’s place in the National Recreational Trail System.

Planning a visit

• **Choose a route:** Review the official trail guide for mileage, permitted uses and difficulty ratings. Trail conditions and access can change, so check current park notices as well.
• **Allow time for the setting:** A trail walk and a shoreline stop are separate experiences; leave enough time for both if that is your plan.
• **Confirm logistics:** Check Virginia State Parks’ current information for operating hours, fees, parking, facilities, programs and any closures before traveling.
• **Follow park guidance:** Use marked trails and observe posted rules for biking, water access and wildlife. Conditions on the shore and trails may vary.

Nearby attractions

Virginia Beach
Explore the city’s coastal neighborhoods, oceanfront and other visitor destinations.

Norfolk
An adjacent Hampton Roads city with waterfront settings and cultural attractions.

References

External links

• First Landing State Park — Virginia State Parks
• First Landing State Park Trail Guide — Virginia State Parks
• Seashore State Park Historic District — Virginia Department of Historic Resources