First Landing State Park wilderness guide
State Park · VA

First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park, located in Virginia Beach, plays a pivotal role in American history and offers diverse outdoor activities along its beautiful coast.

State Park2,8884+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

2,888

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park, located in Virginia Beach, plays a pivotal role in American history and offers diverse outdoor activities along its beautiful coast.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is noted for its significance as the site where English colonists first landed in 1607. The park encompasses a diverse landscape, with 2,888 acres of protected land featuring a combination of maritime forests, lagoons, and wetlands. It provides a rich ecological habitat for a variety of species, including unique plant communities and wildlife. The park plays a vital role in conservation and is recognized for its historical and educational importance. Visitors to First Landing can enjoy extensive recreational activities, such as hiking, biking, and paddling along its waterways. The Chesapeake Bay shores offer opportunities for swimming and sunbathing, while the park’s trails weave through diverse ecosystems, providing opportunities for wildlife observation. Visitors are drawn not only to its natural beauty but also to its historical significance, with interpretive programs and exhibits highlighting the park's past. This combination of history, ecology, and recreation makes First Landing State Park a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near First Landing State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ One of the park's most scenic overlooks is the Narrows, offering views of Broad Bay.✦ The unique habitat of the Cypress Swamp, where rare species of flora and fauna can be observed.✦ Historic First Landing Cross, marking the entry point of the first English settlers.✦ The Cape Henry Trail, a popular route that takes you through diverse natural landscapes.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in First Landing State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in First Landing State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Day-use fee required; state park pass recommended for frequent visitors.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in First Landing State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

First Landing Campground

Located close to the beach with both tent and RV sites available; highly popular in summer.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near First Landing State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Durham, West Virginia
⌖ 4.34 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Durham, West Virginia

Durham, West Virginia is a tranquil mountain town offering hiking, fishing, and paddling adventures in the scenic New River Gorge area. It’s a great base for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore West Virginia’s rugged wilderness with fewer crowds.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Prince Edward, Virginia
⌖ 5.29 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Prince Edward, Virginia

Prince Edward, Virginia offers low-key outdoor adventures with hiking, paddling, and fishing amid rolling hills and rivers. It’s a great spot for travelers wanting peaceful nature escapes and local charm.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Virginia, Virginia
⌖ 6.38 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Virginia, Virginia

Virginia, Virginia, is a quiet outdoor escape with hiking, kayaking, fishing, and cycling just minutes from town. Its proximity to Shenandoah National Park and the James River makes it a great basecamp for relaxed adventures in nature.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Virginia Beach, Virginia
⌖ 6.38 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Discover Virginia Beach, a vibrant coastal town perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers. With kayaking, biking, and surfing, it's a dream destination for ocean adventures.

Pembroke, Virginia
⌖ 6.98 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Pembroke, Virginia

Pembroke, Virginia is a peaceful Appalachian gateway offering hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and fishing opportunities. Surrounded by the Jefferson National Forest and the New River, it’s perfect for travelers seeking quiet outdoor adventure in a scenic mountain setting.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Benasque, Aragon
⌖ 7.06 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Benasque, Aragon

Benasque is a mountain haven perfect for hiking, skiing, and rafting enthusiasts. With its stunning natural beauty and challenging terrain, it's a must-visit for adventurers.

Summer and Winter
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in First Landing State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

A Quiet Crossing: At-Sea Burials off Virginia Beach
ADVEXPEDITION
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Boat TourADV Bookable

A Quiet Crossing: At-Sea Burials off Virginia Beach

A 1.5-hour Havoc Charters service from Rudee Inlet that carries families about 3 miles offshore to scatter cremated remains in accordance with EPA guidelines.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Inshore Angling and Dolphin Encounters off Virginia Beach
ADVEXPEDITION
Virginia Beach, Virginia
FishingADV Bookable

Inshore Angling and Dolphin Encounters off Virginia Beach

A compact guide to Havoc Charters’ nearshore inshore fishing trips — family-friendly outings, private and public options, and what to expect on 4–8 hour trips.

FishingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Four Chairs, One Umbrella — Delivered to Your Sandbridge Beach House
ADVEXPEDITION
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Four Chairs, One Umbrella — Delivered to Your Sandbridge Beach House

A straight-ahead guide to Sandbridge Rentals LLC’s Beach Chair, Umbrellas, and Towel Packages: what’s included, how delivery works, and why it spares you packing for a Virginia Beach beach day.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip