While traversing First Landing’s trails, you’ll come across cypress swamps, maritime forests, freshwater wetlands, dunes, shoreline on the bay and salt marshes. Of the 10 trails available, two have dedicated usage for biking. Live Oak trail is the easiest. Just 0.4-mile long, this trail begins near Shore Drive and is a short loop near the beach. For more of a challenge, head to the Cape Henry Trail.

This 7.5-mile trail is the longest trail within First Landing State Park, stretching from the park’s northern border to southernmost entrance off of Atlantic Avenue through wooded landscape to the Broad Bay. Accessible to both hikers and bicyclists and running parallel to Shore Drive, the Cape Henry Trail passes through an old-style beach neighborhood where salt boxes sit comfortably next to contemporary renovations. The flat trail, shaded in places by pine and live oak trees, is perfect for avid bird watchers as you’ll see osprey and egrets, and maybe even an elusive eagle. The trail heads through the park, past the beaches of the secluded Narrows, and connects at the northern tip of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. For the more adventurous or active riders, we'd recommend taking some time to explore some of the off-shoot trails throughout the park for more of a mountain biking experience. We’d recommend a minimum of 700x35mm tire for a smoother ride.

First Landing State Park has been recognized by the National Register of Natural Landmarks and the National Register of Historic Landmarks. The park is also Virginia’s most-visited state park, according to Virginia State Parks.

Getting to First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park is not far from other popular Virginia Beach attractions, including the Cape Henry Lighthouse, Fort Story and the Virginia Beach Boardwalk.

The main entrance to First Landing State Park is located off of Shore drive. This entrance provides access to parking, the beach, visitors center, Environmental Education Center, Trail Center, cabins and campgrounds.

There is a second entrance off 64^th Street and Atlantic Avenue. This entrance provides access to parking, a boat launch, beach, bike and hiking trails.

Parking Fees

At both entrances to First Landing State Park charge a parking fee.

Out-of-State Passenger Vehicles

Sunday–Saturday: $7 | Prime season weekends and holidays: $9 | In-State Passenger Vehicles | Sunday–Saturday: $5 | Prime season weekends and holidays: $7

In-State High Occupancy Vehicles: $10 | Out-of-State High Occupancy Vehicles: $12