Anchoring the northern edge of Beach, First Landing State Park is the most-visited state park in Virginia. Yet despite its popularity, it never feels crowded. With 2,888 acres of unique habitats, including ancient cypress swamps, tidal marshes, sand dunes and maritime forests, it’s full of wide-open spaces and quiet, shady nooks that beckon you to explore at every turn. (That said, summer weekends are the busiest — plan your visit for a weekday if you’re here in high season.)
And explore you will. More than 20 miles of hiking trails and a world-class biking trail wind through the park’s ever-shifting ecosystems, making it a true nature-lover’s paradise. The calm waters of the Chesapeake Bay are perfect for kayaking, swimming and fishing, and guided kayak tours are available for those who want a deeper dive. Round out your visit at the Chesapeake Bay Center, where live-animal exhibits and nature programs bring the park’s ecosystems to life.
It’s more than you can absorb in a single day, which is fine, because First Landing has you covered. Climate-controlled cabins and more than 200 campsites mean you can wake up right in the middle of it all, with picnic areas, a sandy swimming beach, boat ramps and much more waiting just outside your door.
Get Outdoors in Virginia Beach
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Picture Yourself in Virginia Beach
Feel the destination’s warm welcome as you browse photos from other visitors’ unforgettable vacations, then start planning your escape to Virginia Beach.