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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 30 miles.

First Landing State Park★ 8.2⌖ 2 miSwimming
First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park

Explore First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, VA. With easy access and family-friendly activities, enjoy swimming, kayaking, and hiking among diverse ecosystems. Visit during spring or fall for mild weather and fewer crowds.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge★ 8.5⌖ 18 miBirdwatching
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Explore the 9,000 acres of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia Beach. Enjoy birdwatching and kayaking through freshwater marshes and dunes. A photographer's paradise in spring and fall, it's a peaceful destination with diverse ecosystems to explore.

BirdwatchingView Details→
Kiptopeke State Park★ 6.8⌖ 18 miBirdwatching
Kiptopeke State Park

Kiptopeke State Park

Explore Kiptopeke State Park on Virginia's Eastern Shore. Ideal for beach activities and birdwatching, this peaceful destination features historical cement ship breakwaters. Enjoy hiking and photography year-round near Cape Charles. Accessibility varies. Great family spot.

BirdwatchingView Details→
False Cape State Park: Virginia's Undisturbed Coastal Gem★ 7.8⌖ 22 miWildlife Watching
False Cape State Park

False Cape State Park: Virginia's Undisturbed Coastal Gem

Explore the serene beauty of False Cape State Park, situated near Virginia Beach, VA. Accessible only on foot, by bike, or boat, this coastline gem offers backcountry camping, wildlife watching, and kayaking. Ideal for solitude seekers, visit in spring or fall for the best experience.

Wildlife WatchingView Details→
Scenic Beachfront Escape at Cape Charles, Virginia★ 7.2⌖ 24 miSwimming
Cape Charles Beachfront

Scenic Beachfront Escape at Cape Charles, Virginia

Cape Charles Beachfront in Virginia features calm Chesapeake Bay waters ideal for safe swimming, fishing, and relaxed biking or walking along scenic trails. Enjoy easy access, family-friendly amenities, and peaceful coastal views in a nostalgic small-town setting.

Sunset Serenity at Noland Trail Head★ 7.8⌖ 25 miHiking
Noland Trail Head Parking

Sunset Serenity at Noland Trail Head

Explore the 5-mile Noland Trail at Newport News, VA. This easy route offers scenic river views and forest landscapes. Wildlife sightings are common, making it ideal for photographers and hikers seeking tranquility.

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
⌖ 4.34 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Durham, West Virginia

A quiet Appalachian town offering peaceful access to rugged mountain landscapes and rivers, perfect for outdoor lovers seeking less crowded trails and nature escapes.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Prince Edward
⌖ 5.29 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Prince Edward, Virginia

A quiet rural community offering a mix of scenic waterways, rolling countryside, and historic trails ideal for relaxed outdoor adventures.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Virginia
⌖ 6.38 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Virginia, Virginia

A charming small town offering a mix of leisurely outdoor activities and nearby access to Virginia’s vibrant natural landscapes, ideal for water and trail enthusiasts.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Virginia Beach
⌖ 6.38 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Virginia Beach, Virginia

A coastal destination offering a blend of beach activities, wildlife encounters, and water adventures along the Atlantic Ocean.

Pembroke
⌖ 6.98 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Pembroke, Virginia

A quiet Appalachian town offering access to rugged hiking trails, paddling opportunities, and scenic natural areas ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking authentic mountain experiences.

Late Spring through Early FallExplore Town
Benasque
⌖ 7.06 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Benasque, Aragon

A picturesque mountain town offering premium access to the Pyrenees, ideal for year-round adventure enthusiasts.

Summer and WinterExplore 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.

12 bookable experiences

Cape Henry Lighthouse: Explore America’s First Federal Public Works at Virginia Beach's First LandingVirginia Beach, Virginia · 2.66 mi away
Trails & Outdoor Adventures· Preservation Virginia

Cape Henry Lighthouse: Explore America’s First Federal Public Works at Virginia Beach's First Landing

Stand where English settlers made the First Landing and walk around America’s first federally funded public works project. Learn the access rules for Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story and why this compact site is essential for history-minded visitors to Virginia Beach.

One Hour

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Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.