A Place Where History Meets Wild Beauty
There’s something grounding about stepping into First Landing State Park – that instant calm when the ocean breeze meets the earthy scent of pine and cypress. I’ve walked and biked here countless times and every visit feels like discovering a new side of Virginia Beach.
This park isn’t just the city’s green heart – it’s also one of the most historic and biodiverse places on the East Coast. Named for the spot where English settlers first landed in 1607, it’s now a 2,800-acre escape full of trails, wildlife, and coastal beauty that remind you what Virginia looked like long before hotels and boardwalks.
If you’re a nature lover, hiker or just craving some quiet time under the trees, this guide to things to do First Landing State Park will help you make the most of every trail, tide and turn.
1. The Trails: Pick Your Own Adventure
First Landing has over 20 miles of trails, and each one feels a little different from shaded forest paths to open dunes. There are even stops along the trails with outdoor workout equipment to turn a relaxing stroll into a full workout program.
Here are my favorites:
- Bald Cypress Trail (1.8 miles): An easy loop that winds through cypress swamps, with wooden boardwalks and Spanish moss hanging from branches. It feels almost mystical at dawn.
- Osprey Trail (1.5 miles): A beautiful coastal route that opens up to views of Broad Bay perfect for birdwatching and photography.
- Cape Henry Trail (6.1 miles): The park’s main trail connecting the Chesapeake Bay entrance to 64th Street. This trail is great for biking or a long walk.
Tip: Bring bug spray, especially in summer – the wetlands are gorgeous but can get buggy!
Want to turn your hike into a family adventure? Check out my Family Fun in Virginia Beach post for kid-friendly trail ideas and nearby stops.
2. Bayfront Beach Bliss
While most visitors head for the Atlantic Ocean, the Chesapeake Bay beach inside the park is one of Virginia Beach’s most peaceful coastal spots. This is a constricted waterway commonly called The Narrows.
The water here is calm, perfect for paddleboarding or swimming with kids. There are shaded picnic areas nearby and the sunsets are breathtaking with pink skies reflecting off the bay.
A boat launch is also available at the end of First Landing’s 64th street road. From here you can get direct access to Linkhorn and Broad Bay.
Tip: Bring a picnic and stay for the evening light show.
For other quiet beaches like this, don’t miss my Hidden Gems in Virginia Beach post it includes local favorites like Chick’s Beach and Sandbridge.
3. Wildlife Watching
If you’re patient (and quiet), First Landing rewards you with plenty of wildlife sightings. Grab your camera and look for:
- Egrets and herons along the marshes
- Red foxes darting through the dunes
- Ospreys nesting above the trails
- Tiny crabs scuttling near the bay shore
There’s something magical about realizing how alive this park really is – it’s a living, breathing ecosystem in the middle of a busy beach town.
Respect the wildlife: keep a safe distance and never feed the animals.
4. Biking Through the Forest
Cycling through First Landing is one of my favorite ways to experience it. The Cape Henry Trail is perfect for bikers as it’s mostly smooth, shaded, and full of photo-worthy stops. Just avoid the area after heavy rains as the trail can get muddy.
You’ll pass through maritime forest, marshlands, and open bay views all in one ride. Bring a backpack with snacks and plenty of water and you can easily make a half-day out of it.
Tip: Bike rentals are available nearby at Cherie’s Bike Rentals.
You can link this route to the Eco-Friendly Travel in Virginia Beach post – it’s a sustainable and scenic way to explore.
5. Camping Under the Stars
If you want to fully immerse yourself in nature, First Landing’s campground is one of the best on the East Coast. You can choose from shaded tent sites or RV spaces and the ocean is just steps away.
At night, you’ll hear the waves in the distance and the rustle of trees overhead – it’s peaceful in a way no hotel can match. Just make sure to request a site away from Shore Drive. Those peaceful moments can be ruined by the sound of traffic.
Campfire idea: Roast marshmallows and listen for owls. They’re surprisingly common here!
6. A Bit of History
First Landing isn’t just beautiful, it’s historically significant. This is the exact area where English settlers first arrived before moving up the James River to found Jamestown. The part was formally known as Seashore State Park before it was renamed to recognize the parks historical significance. I still sometimes use the old name and it’s been almost 30 years!
There are interpretive signs throughout the park that tell their story, blending natural and human history seamlessly. It’s a great way to sneak in a little learning without feeling like you’re in a museum.
7. Mindful Moments
One of my favorite things to do here? Just sit. Whether it’s on a bench by the marsh or on the bay’s edge, First Landing has this rare ability to quiet your thoughts. Bring a journal, a book, or just your bare feet – the park has a calming energy that’s hard to describe until you’ve felt it yourself.
It’s easy to get caught up in the bustle of oceanfront life, but places like First Landing remind you what Virginia Beach is really about – nature, balance, and slowing down.
Whether you come for a sunrise hike, a family picnic or a solo escape, this park always has something new to show you.
“Take only pictures, leave only footprints, and carry away peace.”
What are your favorite things to do at First Landing State Park?
Related Reads
- 13 Things to Do in Williamsburg
- Things to Do with Kids in Norfolk
- Virginia Bucket List: 20+ Must Visit Sites in VA
- The Ultimate Virginia Beach Travel Guide
- 15 Things to Do in Virginia Beach with Kids
- Eco-Friendly Travel in Virginia Beach
- Weekend Getaways Near Virginia Beach
- Hidden Gems in Virginia Beach You Need to Discover
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