First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park
4.5
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
About
Nature enthusiasts will love this park with 2,700-acres of hiking trails, cypress swamps and nesting grounds for a variety of birds.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Neighbourhood: Northeast Virginia Beach
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4.5
1,115 reviews
Excellent
725
Very good
300
Average
60
Poor
10
Terrible
20
Table42
Clifton Park, NY372 contributions
Feb 2020
Highly recommend visiting this park bisected by Rte 60 (Shore Drive). The bay side has beach access and views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, but our group opted for the opposite side of the street, trail side. We hiked the Bald Cypress and Osmanthus Trails. Despite being located in marshy areas, the thoughtfully placed boardwalks and bridges kept us dry. It was a great, low-cost group activity. Can use the drop boxes located at the parking lot to pay the nominal day use fee, or pay at the visitor center and pick up a trail map. Clean restrooms are located at the visitor's centers as well.
Nearby, there are nice places for a drink or a meal overlooking Lynnhaven Inlet off Rte 60 (we went to Dockside).
There is an additional trailhead access from Atlantic Ave and 64th St to the Cape Henry Trail.
Nearby, there are nice places for a drink or a meal overlooking Lynnhaven Inlet off Rte 60 (we went to Dockside).
There is an additional trailhead access from Atlantic Ave and 64th St to the Cape Henry Trail.
Written 2 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judy S
Georgetown, DE8 contributions
Sept 2020
Went for the week at Va Beach and chose a home that was easy bike ride to this park. Our first morning, a Sunday, we entered the park early, around 7. There were a good amount of people there running, a group of teenage or college girls, fortunately we got on the path before they did. We were so looking forward to a 6 mile ride through the woods and back, but we spent the entire time dodging wet muddy sections and some roots. We made it about a mile and a half down the path and turned around because it was such an obstacle course. We could handle the hikers and runners but the roots and mud was too much. At one point I almost fell off because I was trying to dodge a large mud puddle and hit a root. This might be for the more adventurous biker than us. We did enjoy riding from our rental down to the bike path that runs next to the cement "boardwalk." That was a plus, so we got in a 11 mile ride 2 of the 5 days were there. The park was disappointing for this bike rider. Delaware has some awesome bike trails in their parks, we were hoping for the same :(
Written 17 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katty W
Houston, TX135 contributions
July 2020
We heading to the State park for a quick walk after lunch, before heading to the beach. Trails are SUPER well marked and beautiful! It was very quiet (though the frogs made themselves heard). Great trails. We ended up walking 6.5 miles of trails. I recommend the Cape Henry to Kingfisher to Fox Run (just realize the Fox Run trail head is on the road). Beautiful and you get a little bit of all the landscapes, forested, beach, and hills). Can't wait to come back to camp.
Written 15 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brandon E
Forest, VA245 contributions
Aug 2020
First Landing offers a bit of solace within one of the most densely populated areas in Virginia. It was great to unwind on some of the trails surrounded by cypress trees and swamps all while listening to nature instead of car noises. I would definitely recommend bringing a bike to truly experience all that the park has to offer and if time allows, visit the 64 St. entrance to drive to Broad Bay.
Written 17 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tiffany S
1 contribution
Oct 2022
I booked a stay here on 10/3/22. We experienced a Nor'Easter storm throughout the day that led to a Coastal Flood Advisory, heavy rain, wind and a beach hazard advisory. Despite all these critical warnings the park remained open. When I arrived for check in, my reservation and possibly 2 to 3 more were the only ones at the park. We checked in and were very excited to stay in a YURT. However, the rain and wind had gotten so strong my boyfriend and I immediately left and went home as we are local. We love the outdoors, but at this time we strongly felt the conditions were unsafe. After several attempts to contact the Richmond office via email I recieved no response. I then called twice and the First Landing State Park Manager Sienna was extremely disheartening and very rude. She was adamit that she was the one in control and since the park remained open she would not assist me with my reservation in any way. Very displeased with the State Park. They are obvisoulsy very money hungry even while putting their guests at harm.
Written 7 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William T
Virginia Beach, VA38 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Love riding in this park, my only complaint, would be limited trails for bikes. Word has it, that additional trails are coming. There are several hiking trails that should be available to everyone NOW. Runners are quick to tell you off, if caught on non Bike trails.
Bike riders should have option to use the trail aswell will a daily pass sticker for a few bucks.
Bike riders should have option to use the trail aswell will a daily pass sticker for a few bucks.
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If you don't park, you can enter the park at no charge. If you visit the park and park your car, daily parking fees would apply. The use of other trails for bikes has been studied and they are not appropriate for anything other than hiking. We are currently studying whether we can expand the trail system. Most of the property is sensitive ecologically which is why the study is necessary.
Written 29 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Christina A
Hayes, VA152 contributions
Feb 2020
I rated this average due to some of the cons.
1. Pay for parking unless you can figure out entrance w/o paying. I assumed many people I saw got in another way.
2. Quite busy for February. Although it was a beautiful and unusually warm spring day in winter, we had to park in overflow parking. Tons of bikers, hikers and dog walkers. I was a dog walker ;)
3. Lots of trail markers but not clear, got on the wrong trail a couple of times and had to backtrack. The good thing is the trail is color coded so its easy to realize your on a new trail. Someone even wrote on one of the markers directions to the Visitor Center! Apparently, I'm not the only one with issues! And Cape Henry is not a loop. Didn't realize this until the end. I had gotten the map offline and it appeared it was a 6.1 mile loop but it wasn't until I saw a map in color that I realized two different colors, one was the trail, the other the boundary. Smh. Ended up walking about 13 miles that day! Needless to say we were lost as soon as we parked and were asking locals how to get where we needed to go.
Buuuuttt...once we got to the end of Cape Henry, we really started to enjoy ourselves. The dogs loved the beach and water. It was nice eating lunch in such a scenic area. At the end we had to do a switchback and walk on the road for a ways, do another switchback on Long Creek Trail. Then we picked up Osprey which follows along the water. This is where the trails get good. Elevation, beach, wooded walkways, narrow paths, etc. Finally, picked up Fox Run trail and took a right towards the visitor center (thank you whoever wrote that). Decided to take a left at the cross roads and finally made it back to the car although we thought we'd be coming from the opposite direction.
All I can say is: First Landing State Park - more signs please!
1. Pay for parking unless you can figure out entrance w/o paying. I assumed many people I saw got in another way.
2. Quite busy for February. Although it was a beautiful and unusually warm spring day in winter, we had to park in overflow parking. Tons of bikers, hikers and dog walkers. I was a dog walker ;)
3. Lots of trail markers but not clear, got on the wrong trail a couple of times and had to backtrack. The good thing is the trail is color coded so its easy to realize your on a new trail. Someone even wrote on one of the markers directions to the Visitor Center! Apparently, I'm not the only one with issues! And Cape Henry is not a loop. Didn't realize this until the end. I had gotten the map offline and it appeared it was a 6.1 mile loop but it wasn't until I saw a map in color that I realized two different colors, one was the trail, the other the boundary. Smh. Ended up walking about 13 miles that day! Needless to say we were lost as soon as we parked and were asking locals how to get where we needed to go.
Buuuuttt...once we got to the end of Cape Henry, we really started to enjoy ourselves. The dogs loved the beach and water. It was nice eating lunch in such a scenic area. At the end we had to do a switchback and walk on the road for a ways, do another switchback on Long Creek Trail. Then we picked up Osprey which follows along the water. This is where the trails get good. Elevation, beach, wooded walkways, narrow paths, etc. Finally, picked up Fox Run trail and took a right towards the visitor center (thank you whoever wrote that). Decided to take a left at the cross roads and finally made it back to the car although we thought we'd be coming from the opposite direction.
All I can say is: First Landing State Park - more signs please!
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jyss
Saint Paul, MN632 contributions
Mar 2021
Well maintained trails! Dog friendly. We spent an afternoon exploring. It was great park. It seemed busy in the parking lot but trails were pretty calm and it was easy to be away from others during covid. The trails we did were all pretty flat. The actual area is very pretty! The entrance fee is $7 and they do take credit cards at the entrance.
Written 14 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
inmyseason
4 contributions
Sept 2019
My husband and I love camping at First Landing State Park and have been doing so for 10years. We began camping there in a tent in 2009 and over the years we have progressed front a tent, to a Pop up camper and in March 2019 to a 14ft travel trailer. To hear the sounds of the water lulling you to sleep, the easy access to the bays calm waters and occasionally a catch of seafood.
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christopher R
Ruckersville, VA210 contributions
July 2021 • Family
This is an amazing beach that I've never heard of until recently. This is THE beach to go to if you have young children or you don't like large waves. The water is really calm and the same is fairly clean. The water at First Landing does have a bit more seaweed floating around than at the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, but it's not overwhelming. Parking is only $7 compared to $20 or more for all day parking at the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. I was amazed at how beautiful this location is, especially from the top of the walkway that leads over the dunes and to the beach. From what I saw, everything is wheelchair accessible right up to the sand.
Written 22 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there an stove or just a microwave?
Are the bunk beds, twin beds? Or a queen on the bottom and twin on the top?I’ve seen them both ways.
Written 23 September 2023
I stayed one night in hotel and next day was able to get in first landing park camping site so not sure about the cabins at the park but the beach is worth visiting, camping sites were ok but noise pollution if u r close to major road all night 😉
Written 15 July 2024
mbweimer91
Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey
Are there bike rental options that include a trailer on the back for a toddler?
Written 1 August 2023
Are you able to set off lanterns for a memorial I am planning to have here
Written 7 June 2021
we have been to First Landing before and enjoyed our time at the beach in July (2 different years). We are thinking about coming the first week in October. Will the water be too cold for us to swim this late in the year? I remember the water being pretty warm in July but I am assuming it may be lots colder this late in the year. Any locals that could give me help....I would really appreciate it!
Written 22 September 2020
By October the water will be cold. Still! This is a great park to visit. Have a great time.
Written 22 September 2020
We have never been here before and this will be our kid's first camping trip. Can you easily find sticks at the campsites to use for cooking campfire snacks? Wondering since it is a beach campsite location...
Many thanks in advance for any responses!!
Written 30 August 2020
Actually, we didn't see many sticks on the ground there, and it is against the rules to cut sticks from the trees or bushes. Besides, I am not sure what kind of trees or bushes are there, and although they really are lovely, if they are poisonous, that wouldn't make for very good roasting of weenies or smores. We bought Hershey's 2-Pack Stainless Steel forks to use instead. Check the LOWES website. They are not expensive and they work really well. ( I cannot post the link here).
Written 31 August 2020
We are staying in our motorhome at First Landing and may or may not have a towed vehicle. Can you walk to restaurants from the campground?
Written 22 June 2020
You can but it's gonna probably be over a mile and it's most likely going to be fast food.
Written 23 June 2020
Where is the best place to pitch a tent and camp ?
Written 28 May 2020
Hi. I'm pretty sure that loops A, B, and F are tent sites. If you go to the site 'campsite photos (web page they won't let me link to) you can pull up the campground and look at a picture of almost every site. :) It's a lovely campground!
Written 28 May 2020
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