First Landing State Park
The site where English colonists first landed in 1607. Cypress swamps, coastal dunes and bayside beaches sit side by side. It is Virginia's most popular state park.
First Landing State Park lies at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay. In 1607, the Jamestown colonists landed here before heading up the James River, and that is how the park got its name. It has about 30 km of trails. The most popular is the Bald Cypress Trail, which runs through a swamp of bald cypress trees draped with Spanish moss. On the bay side there are quiet beaches, campgrounds and cabins. Visitors can cycle, kayak and birdwatch here. Entry is charged per vehicle at about USD 10. Parking lots can fill up on summer weekends, so arrive early.
Opening hours
08:00 to sunset
Nearby sights
- Cape Henry Lighthouse
- King Neptune Statue
- Virginia Beach Boardwalk & Oceanfront
- Virginia Beach Fishing Pier
- Rudee Inlet Dolphin Watching
- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
- Adam Thoroughgood House
- Mount Trashmore Park