Explore Virginia Beach’s largest state park
By Kelsey Thomas
A subtle drive down shore drive guarantees cruising through a road nestled between two sides
of Virginia Beach’s largest state park. This is First Landing State Park, one of the most popular outdoor places to visit year-round in Virginia Beach.
Welcoming visitors from near and far, First Landing State Park is an oasis for nature lovers. Situated on the coastline of the Chesapeake Bay, the park is 2,888 total acres featuring 1.25 miles of beachfront and more than 19 trails. With so much to do, this state park takes guests into a glimpse of it all with a plethora of activities offered.
Camping
First Landing State Park is a sought-after camping destination with campgrounds, yurts and cabins available for rent. And they’re making it even better with the plans for cabin renovations to take place starting in November 2024. The park has campsites both with and without electric/water hookups and guests can find firewood at the Cape Snack Bar and Gifts.
Beaches
Beautiful stretches of shoreline are found throughout First Landing State Park, but swim at your own risk, as there are no lifeguards in the Chesapeake Bay or at the Narrows. The Chesapeake Bay is your typical beachfront atmosphere, while the Narrows is a hidden gem that locals often take advantage of. With a smaller shoreline and calm waters, the Narrows is a common place to be for jet skiers, boaters and those seeking a more secluded beach experience.
Boating & Fishing
There’s a boat launch at the Narrows for those with motorboats and small crafts. This area is very accessible, as cars can enter through the 64th Street extension, and features include launching ramps, ample parking and restrooms. Fishing and crabbing are also popular activities throughout the park. You must have a valid Virginia saltwater fishing license in order to fish at First Landing State Park.
You can also go kayaking or standup paddleboarding in the tranquil waters at First Landing State Park. Chesapean Outdoors, one the city’s popular rental and tour companies, offers 2-hour small group guided tours through the park. Or you can rent your own equipment from them and venture out on your own.
Trails
With ten trails totaling about 20 miles, there are plenty of excursions to set forth on at First Landing State Park. Venture out on your own self-guided tour or follow along trail interpreters and guidebooks. The park is also friendly to bicycling and permits bicycles on the Cape Henry and Live Oak trails. To ensure your safety, be sure stay on the trails and don’t wander off course.
Wildlife
While exploring the park, whether it be on the trails, in the campsites, on the beach or in the water, you’ll quickly realize that First Landing State Park is home to many incredible creatures. Discover native plants, get a glimpse of land animals in the forest or witness a variety of marine animals like fish and dolphins. As cute and friendly as the animals may seem, please do not feed the wildlife, as this can alter their natural behaviors and cause more harm than good.
Pet Policy
Pets are permitted in First Landing State Park and must be on a leash of no longer than six feet all times. Make sure you clean up after your pet, as dog feces is harmful to the environment and is no fun for anyone to step in. The campsite also permits pets of any size at a cost of $5 per pet per night in the campgrounds and $10 per pet per night in the cabins.
You don’t want to leave Virginia Beach before checking First Landing State Park off your bucket list. With so much to do and explore, the park offers outdoor fun for the whole family.
First Landing State Park is open every day from 7 a.m. to dusk, with overnight areas accessible 24 hours a day when open. The park is located at 2500 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA, 23451. Learn more at DCR.Virginia.Gov/State-Parks/First-Landing.
