Categories: Recreation

First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park, formerly Seashore State Park, is located in Virginia Beach and is one of the most popular parks in the state.

With 20 miles of hiking trails and cabins and camping spots for overnight visitors, the park boasts much of what you might expect, but it also has something that many state parks do not have: more than a mile of beachfront property.

This is a typical cabin at First Landing State Park.

The fact that First Landing State Park is located on the shore gives visitors access to all manner of activities that aren’t available at other state parks.

Sea kayaking excursions and a boat launch are a couple of examples. Special activities, such as organized “kayak with the dolphin” adventures are also available during the summer months.

The park’s beach also has the typical activities such as swimming and paddle boarding. Much of the park is handicap accessible, and that includes the beach. A special wheelchair that is designed for use on sand is available to allow those in a wheelchair to be able to enjoy the beach along with other visitors.

Keep in mind that it will not be possible to maneuver a wheelchair on some of the trails, but there are miles of trails that will be usable for visitors in wheelchairs.

The park has a total of 10 easy and moderate trails ranging from 0.3 to 6.1 miles long. The 1.8-mile Bald Cypress is one of the park’s most popular hiking trails. It has boardwalk scenic overviews of bald cypress swamps. The 6.1-mile Cape Henry is another popular trail.

The park is a popular spot for bird watchers. Organized educational birding expeditions are offered at various times throughout the year. Picnic shelters with grills, bathroom access and drinking water are also available.

Biking, guided nature tours, history programs are some of the other activities available at the park.

First Landing State Park boasts gorgeous scenery and activities to suit every member of the family.

Park Cabins

Cabins and tent sites are available for visitors who want to stay overnight. Most cabins are older although well-kept inside. They feature private baths and cooking facilities. Some of the cabins are quite rustic and do not have bathrooms, but there is a well-equipped bathhouse located within a short distance of each cabin.

Two of the cabins in First Landing State Park are handicap accessible and all types of wheelchairs and motorized scooters are allowed in park trails.

First Landing State Park Basics

Parking: $4 weekdays, $5 weekends
Boat Launch fee: $4
Cabin Prices: Varies by cabin type and season, call 1-800-933-PARK for more information
Handicap accessible: Yes. Note that some trails will not be accessible due to the terrain.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but pets must be kept on a leash at all times.
Public bathrooms: Yes
Located off of Shore Drive in Virginia Beach near the exit for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel