First landing state park is one of the places that makes me happy to call Virginia Beach my home. It's absolutely beautiful and has many trails for all of your walks, runs, and bike rides. Lots of shade makes it a great spot for warm days. Staff at the trail center are very friendly and helpful! Definitely a must-do stop if you are visiting VB and if you're a local, well it will be your new fav spot! read more

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Stayed at this most visited State Park by Viriginia residents for three nights during early Spring. Water was a brisk/cold 64°. Although the beach (sand was clean, soft, sufficient in width) and park location was ideal for R&R, most sites were undeveloped and, most importantly, all did not have a sewer connection. Fortunately, bathrooms were impeccably clean and well maintained. read more

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Three nights stay nestled along the Virginia Beach coast. Several short board walks lead to the beach. Late March so too cold for us to swim in the water. 25 minute drive to Norfolk AB's spent the day sightseeing. 10 minutes or so from the Virginia Beach action where we had a great meal. Food shopping and many restaurants near by. Electric and water hook up only. Our spot was 16. read more

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Wildlife and trails galore. Even camping onsite. There is free parking and even though this is tucked away off the interstate, it is very calm and peaceful read more

First Landing State Park - Parks Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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My wife and I stayed there 4 days while enjoying Sail 250 festivities. Really liked all the trails. Staff was friendly and helpful. Close access to the beach. Restroom very clean. However, we were tent camping and the campground is right next to Hwy 60, which seems to be a race track for motorcycles. Every night till about midnight we were kept awake by the incessant roar of groups of motorcycles, They seemed to be going back and forth on that stretch of road, maybe because it was a good straightaway. Cops were nowhere to be found. These guys were easily going 60-70 mph on a 35 zone. Can't recommend it for tent camping. read more

This majestic park had some construction going on, but was perfectly accessible. It had nice facilities and an inland area as well as a stretch of beach. The inland area is a blackwater swamp that really feels like you're in the Deep South. I have to remind myself that there are no alligators in a place like this. There were some small turtles that were engaged in a frankly ridiculous duel (awfully hard for non-snapping turtles to actually injure each other). The aesthetics were nice, the trails abundant, and I wrapped up with a sunset on the beach looking out towards the bridge, albeit with some sandflies as there wasn't a ton of wind on the day. The sense of history as well as the fascinating range of natural sites made me glad that I spent money on a Virginia state park pass. read more

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A wonderful place to walk or bike for exercise! Will be visiting more frequent in 2026! read more

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A really beautiful setting along the Virginia coast. There's a large number of dunes, filled with birds, hermit crabs and a wide variety of plant life. The water feels warmer than it does at Virginia Beach. Very peaceful place to catch some rays read more

First Landing State Park - Parks Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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First Landing State Park is easily one of the best spots in Virginia Beach to get outside and enjoy nature. There are so many trails to choose from, whether you're looking for a long run, a scenic bike ride, or just a casual walk. The park hugs the inlet, so you get beautiful water views along the way. One of the best parts about this park is that it truly has something for everyone. If you want to run 14 miles through the woods, you can. If you'd rather take an easy one mile stroll along the beach, that's an option too. The variety makes it perfect for any mood or energy level. I bring my dog here all the time, and he absolutely loves it. There's plenty of space for him to explore, lots of shade, and always something new to sniff. It's a great spot for a peaceful morning walk or an active day outside, even post snow storm! Parking is easy, and the park is well-maintained. There's a small fee to enter, but it's worth it for how much there is to do. Whether you're a local or just visiting, First Landing is a must if you love the outdoors. Beautiful scenery, well kept trails, and the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. I never get tired of coming here! read more

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For starters, even though the address is Virginia Beach, this state park is on the coast of the Chesapeake Bay. The advantage is that it's not crowded. That being said, it's a state park so there is a fee to park here. $7 on a weekday, and $10 weekends April - October. My friend lives down here so she has an annual pass. Parking was almost at capacity when we went. It's a dog friendly beach, but there's a fee for that too. I'm not sure if you are supposed to keep your fur baby on a leash, but I don't care if they behave. It's lovely here. Not crowded like Virginia Beach. You can actually have a relaxing day at the beach. They have changing/bathrooms here. Picnic tables not far from the beach too. It's near a military training center, so don't be alarmed if you see a flyover. It may be noisy at times too. read more

First Landing State Park - Toes in the sand - Parks Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

I've visited this state park for years and make a point to get out here for a hike every time I'm in Virginia Beach. I've checked out the campground and would love to do an overnight campout, but so far that's still on the 'to do' list. The hiking here is great!! There are no steep inclines but the views of the wetlands and woods are really spectacular. Their website says the trails go through, "cypress swamp, salt marsh, maritime forest, freshwater wetlands, dunes, and bay shoreline." We're told that in the colonial era, pirates hid out here when the authorities wanted to chat with them!! On my last hike, we saw a cottonmouth snake lounging in a swamp! Wow!! Stay on the boardwalks and trails!! Don't poke the bear or snake. This is a great state park and offers lots of great options for campers and hikers. We will be back next time we're in the area. read more

First Landing State Park - Cypress swamp. - Parks Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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We camped in the park for three nights and had a wonderful time. The staff when checking in were great. The sites are amazing. Very private and large sites. An easy walk to the beach and a beautiful setting. It was really nice to see that the VB buses came into the park and were available to see around the city. The camp store was nice as well. We had a wonderful time! read more

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As far as hiking in VA Beach goes, First Landing is the best (and almost only) choice. Depending on the time of year, there's always something beautiful to see. The trails are well marked and easy to access. Great for all ages and abilities. read more

We LOVE Virginia State Parks, so when visiting Virginia Beach, we knew that we'd have to visit First Landing State Park. Entering inland from Shore Drive, you first come to the Park Office/ Contact Station. Here, you need to pay the required fee of $7 for parking, and envelopes are provided to self-pay if the ranger isn't manning the booth. We have an annual pass, so we continued to the Trail Center (TC) where there is plentiful parking, restrooms, vending machines, small shop/information from a ranger, and the trailheads for a few trails. We picked up a trail map, and decided that we would walk a little over 4 miles, starting on Long Creek Trail (trailhead is back on the entrance road), eventually walking along the edge of Broad Bay and Long Creek, then veering onto the connector Kingfisher Trail to get back to the Cape Henry Trail and back to our car via the Bald Cypress boardwalk. It was a perfect March day, with temperatures in the mid-60s with a gentle breeze. The trails were well-maintained, and we encountered quite a few people out for strolls or walking their dogs. There are quite a few benches in strategic and picturesque locations, especially along the water -- so we enjoyed a picnic lunch while enjoying a view of the water. The trails are mostly flat, and easy to navigate. You are often walking on pine needles, or sand, or gravel. There is sometimes the sound of airline jets in the distance. read more

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First Landing is one of the most beautiful state parks to visit in Virginia that offers swamplands, marshes, hardwood forests, and, every so often, a touch of magic. It's my most often visited park in Virginia Beach. There's a phenomenon that can only be described as a swamp rainbow appearing over the marshy waters during different times of the year. These swamp rainbows are a rare occurrence, yet just like the rainbows that appear in the sky, they're absolutely breathtaking. Today I had the luck of the Irish to experience this phenomena. The rainbow effect occurs because of the natural oils released by decaying vegetation (conifer needles) The decomposing pine in the water release tannic acid and a thin film forms on top of pooled water in swamps and marshes. When the sunlight hits it at a certain angle, you can see the gorgeous multi-layered colors. If you look at the water in a shadow, it appears to be normal swamp water. But, on a sunny day, you can see the rainbow viewing from an angle. The water also needs to be still for a long period of time for the rainbows to appear, any movement from sheet flow, wind disturbances, or current will "destroy the fragile rainbow film. The very cold conditions were perfect to see the brilliance. This phenomenon reportedly also happens at various swamps and marshes along the Eastern seaboard. (Florida, North and South Carolina). With sections still having a slight sheet of ice- the colors were not as vibrant, but still very, very cool to experience. Always recommend First Landing State Park anytime of the year. read more

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We were looking for a place to take the doggoes and read about this park. It was $10 per car to get in and there is so much to do! There are tons of scenic hiking trails, as well as cabins here. However, we chose the beach since it was a nice summer day. The dogs are allowed on the beach here and everyone was having a ball! We will definitely be back with more friends and a picnic! read more

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Great trails! Lots of good options that were easy to moderate hiking. The trails we took were mainly well shaded so it wasn't too hot. We enjoyed our time here! Bring some good comfy shoes. And wear good clothing. Bring some water and you'll be set! Check out the trial guide so you know where you're going and how long/how difficult your trail might be. read more

First Landing State Park - Parks Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Absolutely one of our favorite places to spend a beautiful or even a blustery day! For the last 3 years, our family has taken part in First Day hikes to start the year. We usually go to this park a handful of times during the year to walk the trails, explore or play on the beach. First Landing is HUGE and there is so much to see and do. It spans both sides of Shore Drive and, depending on your goal for the visit, you'll want to check out the park website to find out where you should park. We have gone to both the east and west side, and both have been staffed with friendly, helpful rangers and employees or volunteers. On the beach side, there is a visitor center with some historical exhibits. They also have a wildlife room where you can attend an educational session. On a recent visit, they had hatchling turtles and other critters. They also had a large tank, housing various sea life that you'd find in the park. Our little one loved to watch the baby turtles swim, touch a horseshoe crab and look at the urchins. A short walk from this center is a well-paved boardwalk that will take you down to the beach. It is clean, well kept and quiet! A far cry from the oceanfront. On the opposite side of Shore Drive are the trails. At one of the 2 entrances, there are booths to pay entry fees ($7 daily for cars). The fee on Jan 1 was waived - a nice incentive to get out and enjoy the fresh air. I know there are some great ways to get discounted or free admission and if you shop at REI prior to your visit, they'll gift you a pass. There are several parking areas. The first lot on the right is closest to the forested area with picnic tables and the playground. Farther down the road are other lots and access to the trail center. This center is currently closed until spring for renovations. They have several picnic tables here as well. The trails are all well-identified and blazed so you won't get lost. They are kept relatively clear and we have seen many hikers, runners and dog walkers on our visits. First Landing is a beautiful place with lots to see. I especially love the bald cypress swamp areas and overlooks. Guides and rangers host regular guided hikes for bird-watchers, stargazing etc. You can check the schedules out on the VA national park website. You can also rent cabins and yurts, which I'd love to try during warmer weather. I am incredibly glad to have this state park so close to home and look forward to many future visits with my family! read more

A lovely campground with great sites. Wonderful walking trails and a fun relaxing beach. I gave a lower review because they gave me a hassle about having our RV delivered. My husband and I are seniors. We don't own an RV but love to camp with our friends. We use Outdoorsy or RV share and like our RV delivered and set up for us. True glamping! The campground dislikes having the owners of the RV, skilled at driving and maneuvering the rig to bring it into the park? They would rather have inexperienced people driving! Have not experienced this at other state parks so may not return. Had a great time after convincing them to allow drop off. read more

Beautiful park with trails, beaches, and campgrounds. There are multiple entrances and boat access too. Great place for family portraits, which was the reason for our most recent visit! Parking (in November) was $7.00, they do take credit cards for those of us who don't carry cash. We went to the 64th street entrance (which is also the boat access entrance) off Pacific Avenue - once you get past the sentry, there is more parking at the end of the windy road if you want to be parked closer to the water! It's definitely dog friendly, the trails are manageable for a flat walk with your pup. read more

First Landing State Park - Parks Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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We are very frequent visitors of First Landing State Park. I remember when it used to be called Seashore State Park lol. We now call it the locals beach aka The Narrows. You can access it via 64th street. You do have to Pay to enter as it is a State Park. During the summer you have to get there early if you want a good spot. I do like how they limit access and stop allowing people to come in once they reach their maximum so the beach is never really crowded. read more

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What a neat little place, and right inside a busy beachy area! Even though the cabins are right off a main road, the noise was hardly noticeable! Somehow, even with the buildings all around, downtown areas within a few minute drive, you still feel like you are in the woods! If you're going just to I hike/bike, you better go early! I'm a big fan of off-peak beach season, but the trail center was full within the first few hours of opening. While the cabins don't have a beach view, they do offer a quick walk to see the bay, complete with boardwalks, gorgeous sunsets, and cypress swamps, complete with Spanish moss! Very diverse natural areas! The camp store has all the basics, and Food Lion is right down the road, so you are never far from what you need! Take advantage of the firewood and enjoy! Also, super pet friendly, so the dog was able to come along and enjoy! read more

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This is such a beautiful park! My friend was visiting from Hawaii, so we had a mini reunion with other gals we had lived with on the island who are currently stationed here as well. We had all met on the trails on Oahu. Naturally, the first thing she asked us when we were showing her around the area was, where the trails were. I had heard about First Landing State Park and our other friends suggested the same thing, so we decided to hit the trails in this park as a throwback to the good ol' days. There are two sides to the park, the Visitor Center side by the beach and the Trail Center side is the inland side. We chose the shortest trail at a little under 2 miles to make it a quick one since dinner time was around the corner (a girl's gotta eat LOL). The trail is super well maintained with walkways. The trails on the ground are covered with pine needles. You can see lots of wildlife like turtles and snakes (oh my!). One of the cooler things we saw is the swamp rainbow phenomenon. I heard it's more distinct and more intense in November, but we saw lots of little patches peaking through (see pics). I'm definitely coming back with my kids. They have been eager to hit the trails too so I think this is perfect to get them back into the hiking kick. I saw campgrounds and water stations. Camping there must be fun! Parking is self parking on an honor system. They have a price list at the entrance at the hut with envelopes. The fees help maintain the park! Can't wait to explore more with my kids. They will love it. Stay safe, Friends! read more

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We rode our bikes on the Cape Henry trail today. We entered at the 64th Street entrance, riding bikes from our hotel on Virginia Beach. The trail is a firm surface and nicely maintained. It's a wooded and swampy area on the sides of the trail. It's a nice ride but we did encounter two snakes on the edge of the trail. We passed multiple other bikes and runners on the trail. I'm glad we rode here. We enjoyed the ride and views. I think it's wise to maintain awareness of the things that live in this environment and keep an eye open for snakes to avoid getting too close if you encounter. read more

First Landing State Park - First Landing Park along Cape Henry Trail - Parks Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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I'm a local and grew up biking and hiking Sea Shore State Park now called First Landing. Always a wonderful park. The trails are very well marked and they are very well kept and clean. This is always at the top of my list to recommend to people. Great parking area with public restrooms. A lot of times we hike or bike with a small backpack and take food and drink and find a sweet spot on the tail to have a mini picnic. Please be sure NOT to leave any trash behind. Fun for all ages. We have done scavenger hunts before with my young niece and nephew. And you and pick and choose what trails to take. My family loves to workout at the workout areas. We challenge each other. My husband always wins. This park has a lot to offer. We have also participated with events in past years and camping on the beach side. So many adventures and a lot of fun for our family over the last 50 years. You will have to check it out and make your own memories and adventures in First Landing State Park. read more

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First Landing is a gem. It has a great location, sand and a beach. This is our favorite place to go to.

Going to the beach is something that's always on my mind as it's my safe place my place to chill and wind down my place to have my thoughts and always one of my adventure places. Coming here was totally random and totally amazing as all I really wanted to do was just chill by the water and get my feet wet and that I did for a good while I might add! Something I found super cool here was the amount of crustaceans that were on the sea shore wondering about digging holes in the sand as each wave passed by that's something that was just awesome as I've never seen this many at once over and over again and I grew up on the California beaches. On my given morning here it was kinda windy but it was all good as it was just peaceful all around like you really couldn't have gone wrong. Overall this is a very chill spot with a lot of beach who knows when I'll get here again but I felt it was only right to put me feet in the water on the first landing point! read more

First Landing State Park - Shells! - Parks Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

We visited this beautiful park during our trip to Virginia Beach. It's very large and has miles of walking trails as well as beach access and camping. We walked down to the beach area first to see the views. The water was too chilly for swimming, but there weren't many people out and about so it was a gorgeous view for sure. After the visiting the beach side, we went over to the walking trails and enjoyed walking the trails through the woods. It was mostly shaded and most sections are pretty easy to walk; just occasional hills here and there for the ones we did. The trails are clearly marked so you can figure out which way you want to go and which trails you want to intersect with. This lovely park is worth a visit if you're in the area! read more

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No better way to get out of the house than to go on a walk! Nice, cool Saturday walk for lunch. I enjoyed the various paths, though I wish they included the length of the trail on the plated wooden poles. We just went wherever the wind blew us, but I also noticed that a lot of the trails intertwined. Nice scenery and our path was nothing too extreme, quite casual. $7 dollars but can go up to $10. I'd suggest parking all the way towards the back which is where many trails begin and the information building is there. No access except to the bathrooms. Worth a visit or fresh air! read more

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Love this place, family favorite for many many years. Get a site in the middle of the park to beat the summer heat after being on the beach all day. Restaurants and food near by in addition to oceanfront tourist attractions. read more

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First Landing State Park is a peaceful escape with scenic trails, beach access, and excellent camping facilities. It's perfect for enjoying nature, wildlife, and relaxing by the Chesapeake Bay. read more

You pay for parking. Wanted that to be the first thing ya'll read lol. It was $10 to park today but it was labor day weekend....not quite sure if that's normal or bc its the holidays. I don't know what I don't come here often...it's beautiful! They have restrooms available. An outdoor shower area to rinse off those sandy feet's. They have kayaking available. Dogs are more then welcome! And it's not as crowded as the ocean front. They have a dumpster area to discard all your trash post snackages. I would suggest to come early. Claim your perfect spot and just enjoy! read more

First Landing State Park - Near the main entrance - Parks Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

This such a gorgeous park! There is so much to do here. We came here for a Kayak/Dolphin tour around 5:30 pm. I was amazed how clean they kept it. Besides water activities, you can relax on the beach (Chesapeake Bay) pet friendly, a walking trail, bike trail, hiking area and more. Like all state parks you can either pay at the booth or get an annual pass. No one was at the booth at the time so we tried looking for envelopes to leave cash, they were out. We also called the number listed on the booth, no answer, closed. So we hoped we didn't get fined, and we didn't. This park is pretty big! You can spend the whole day here! Highly recommend visiting when in the Virginia Beach area. read more

This is a fantastic state park with some beautiful hiking trails. I recommend to the cape Henry Trail. Staff are extremely friendly and helpful. Clean public bathrooms at the trail Center. $8 entry fee but it's well worth it. read more

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This can be a far drive if you are not located in VB as the state park is located ENE portion of VB near Cape Henry. The park is a historic landmark/place. There is so much to do with in the park and it is massive so you don't really feel like you're walking or biking the same couple of miles every-time you visit. They have campsites and beach access and cabins. Admission into the park is very affordable. It is worth a visit. You won't be disappointed ! read more

This is a great state park in Virginia. My uncle and aunt took us here, to see the sunset, as they live in the area and always visit this park, to watch the sunset. It was a beautiful view. Though I am not familiar with the Virginia Beach area, when we were driving to the park, it seemed as if we went through a neighborhood to get to the main entrance, making it more hidden than I expected. Then once inside the park, my uncle drove towards parking area by the water, where there were still quite a few people who were boating and fishing. In the area where we were by the water, there were docks where people could load their boats and fish. There was also a walking trail that gets you all around the park, which is where I'd like to go if I visit this park again, to see the trees and swamps. Overall, this was a nice place to visit for a nice sunset view. I can see why this state park is loved by many of the locals. read more

First Landing State Park - Sunset Views - Parks Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

This was a fun park to visit! So glad we came here for a hike. There a bunch of pretty trails to choose from. read more

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Perfect spot on an overcast, 75 degree Saturday to take-in nature's beauty, connect with history, and celebrate our extended family's incredible mothers. Entry at the main entrance off of Shore Dr was $10 per car ($7 on weekdays); Visa & MC accepted. There are two parking lots shaded by trees, close to the trail center that offers gender specific restrooms, a vending machine, maps, benches, picnic area, park volunteers, and human/pet friendly water fountains. Our group mistakenly chose the longer 2.8mi trail (Red Cyprus is only 1.5mi) but conquered it with 17 people...and a hitchhiking lizard. Path was mostly lined with well packed pine straw which made it easily navigable; couple of bridges and strategically placed benches made for a nice change of pace here and there. Gotta love being one with the outdoors, hearing indigenous sounds while getting exercise. Saw a few turtles, lizards, several birds, squirrels and a snake too. read more

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One of my favorite state parks! They have lots of accessible trails for everyone- whether you want a quick easy hike or wanna push yourself. The wildlife here is abundant- I often see turtles, various birds, butterflies, and squirrels. The staff is very informative and friendly and is there to answer any questions you have. I would however definitely recommend bug spray regardless of the time of year you go. read more

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This is a nice park with campgrounds, access to the beach, a camp store/information center on one side of the street and hiking trails on the other side. The trail side costs per vehicle and there isn't much parking on a popular weekend. There are paper trail maps and well-marked trails. There were number markings on the trail, but it wasn't clear what if was and the visitor center is currently closed. Luckily the bathrooms were still opened. I recommend if you desire hiking to plan your route before you come, load a couple more people in your car, and arrive early to avoid more crowds on trails and parking lot. read more