First Landing State Park is a large Virginia Beach park with Chesapeake Bay shoreline, trails and picnic facilities, about 6.0 miles from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. You can plan a day around a walk or bike ride, time by the water, or a picnic; the park also has a visitor center and camping facilities.
- Location: 2500 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451.
- From the Oceanfront: about 6.0 miles from Hotel Ocean27 Oceanfront, a Virginia Beach hotel.
- Park size: 2,888 acres, including 1.5 miles of Chesapeake Bay shoreline.
- Day-use hours: Open daily
What to expect at First Landing
First Landing State Park combines Chesapeake Bay shoreline, wooded landscapes and a network of outdoor facilities across 2,888 acres. Its 1.5 miles of shoreline make the bay an important part of a visit, while the park’s trails offer ways to explore away from the water.
The park takes its name from the English colonizers who landed in the region in 1607. It was built from 1933 to 1940, primarily by an all-Black Civilian Conservation Corps crew, and was renamed from Seashore State Park in 1997.
Facilities include a visitor center and environmental education center, playgrounds, restrooms, picnic tables, a picnic shelter, camping and showers. An all-terrain wheelchair is also among the park’s amenities. The park’s address is 2500 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451; you can call 757-412-2300.
Choosing trails and shoreline areas
First Landing has 10 hiking, bicycle and self-guided trails totaling about 20 miles, including bike and fitness trails. Choose a walking route or self-guided trail for time on foot, and note that bicycles are permitted only on the Cape Henry and Live Oak trails.
The park’s shoreline faces Chesapeake Bay, but swimming has important limits: there are no lifeguards, and swimming is at your own risk. There are no designated swimming areas at the Narrows or boat launch. Swimming at the Narrows is not advised because currents there are strong.
The Narrows boat ramp sits at the 64th Street extension in the park’s southern area. Its facilities include launch ramps, parking for cars and boat trailers, and restrooms. For an outing that includes a local landmark, you can plan around how to visit Cape Henry Lighthouse.
How do you get from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to First Landing State Park?
The Bayfront Shuttle, Route 35, connects the Bayfront and Oceanfront via Shore Drive and stops at First Landing State Park. The city describes service as running about every 30 minutes. Its route also serves the Brock Environmental Center, the North End and the ViBe Creative District.
Hampton Roads Transit describes Route 35 as serving the Oceanfront, First Landing State Park, Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E., Fort Story at Atlantic Avenue and 88th Street, North End beaches, Chesapeake Bay beaches and Bayfront restaurants on Shore Drive. For other local connections, find out how to get around Virginia Beach from the Oceanfront.
If you drive, the park warns that weekends are high-visitation days: expect delays, and be aware that visitors may be turned away when parking reaches capacity. Plan your arrival with that possibility in mind.
Park fees, hours and visitor rules
Virginia State Parks gives day-use hours as 7 a.m. to dusk. The Office/Visitor Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the Trail Center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Passenger-vehicle parking costs $7 standard and $10 on weekends from April through October. Hours and fees can change, so check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 7 AM–8 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Virginia State Parks plate holders have parking fees waived on Earth Day, Arbor Day, Kids to Parks Day, Virginia State Parks Anniversary Day on June 15, Veterans Day and #OptOutside Day, the day after Thanksgiving.
The park picnic shelter can be rented from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; the rental does not include parking fees. It has a charcoal grill, electricity, picnic tables and restroom access. You’ll find it in the main picnic area on the same side of Shore Drive as the Trail Center, not on the beach side.
FAQs
How many trails does First Landing State Park have?
The park has 10 hiking, bicycle and self-guided trails totaling about 20 miles. Bicycles are allowed only on the Cape Henry and Live Oak trails.
Can you swim at First Landing State Park?
Swimming in Chesapeake Bay is at your own risk, and there are no lifeguards. The Narrows and boat launch have no designated swimming areas; swimming at the Narrows is not advised because of strong currents.
Does First Landing State Park have picnic facilities?
Yes. The park has picnic tables and a picnic shelter with a charcoal grill, electricity and restroom access. Parking fees are separate from the shelter rental.