Virginia is home to one of the finest state parks system in the country. Our treasured parks feature rugged mountain peaks, peaceful lakes, rushing rivers, waterfalls, and sprawling swamplands. As you can imagine, singling out one of the best state parks in Virginia is no easy task. However, we’ll attempt to make the case for one state park that seems to have it all: astounding natural landscape, magical wildlife, excellent facilities, and some intriguing history to top it all off. Without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about First Landing State Park.
There’s a magical place in northern Virginia Beach filled with cypress groves, live oaks, Spanish moss, and boardwalk trails. First Landing State Park is truly a world of its own.
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The park is situated on Cape Henry. Removed from the crowds and development of the city, the beach offers a rugged coastline and nature in its most pristine form.
Virginia State Parks / flickr
Measuring 2,888 acres in size, the park offers countless activities. Whether that means gazing out on the horizon…
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…splashing in the surf…
Virginia State Parks / flickr
…or meandering down the magical boardwalk trails, there’s truly no wrong way to experience First Landing State Park.
Lori Takahashi / AllTrails There are nine trails in the park that cover a total of 19 miles. The first mile of the Bald Cypress Trail is handicap-accessible.
It’s also a wonderful setting to contemplate the history of the area.
lovingav / iStock / Getty Images Plus First Landing is named for the first landing of the three ships from England: the Discovery, the Susan Constant, and the Godspeed. This arrival took place just a stone’s throw away from the park in 1607. Of course, Native American history long preceded this arrival by the colonists. If you take the Cape Henry Trail, you can learn more about the lives of the Indigenous People that first lived in the area.
Of course, with so much to explore, you’ll want to dedicate at least a few days. Overnight accommodations include traditional campsites as well as these incredible yurts.
Virginia State Parks / flickr Learn more about camping options by visiting the official Virginia State Parks website.
Have you ventured to First Landing State Park recently? What did you think? Be sure to share your favorite parts about this beloved state park with us in the comments below. And if you’re more of a mountain person, you might be thinking that Grayson Highlands is one of the best state parks in Virginia… and you wouldn’t be wrong!
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Virginia State Parks / flickr
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Lori Takahashi / AllTrails
There are nine trails in the park that cover a total of 19 miles. The first mile of the Bald Cypress Trail is handicap-accessible.
First Landing is named for the first landing of the three ships from England: the Discovery, the Susan Constant, and the Godspeed. This arrival took place just a stone’s throw away from the park in 1607. Of course, Native American history long preceded this arrival by the colonists. If you take the Cape Henry Trail, you can learn more about the lives of the Indigenous People that first lived in the area.
Learn more about camping options by visiting the official Virginia State Parks website.
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Address: First Landing Beach, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
