Virginia Beach County, VA · Chesapeake Bay

First Landing State Park

1.5 miles of sandy Chesapeake Bay frontage at the spot where English colonists first landed in 1607. One of Virginia's most-visited state parks, with 200+ campsites, cabins, yurts, a visitor center, bike trails through cypress swamp, and dune-protected calm-water swimming. The Cape Henry Lighthouse sits next door.

Eats & Drinks10Stay3

Today's Conditions

Skip the beach today.

Thunderstorms · NWS alert active · 80°F water

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 103. South wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tonight

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2am and 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 79. Heat index values as high as 102. Southwest wind 15 to 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Weather

93°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade

Water

80°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
3.6ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids

Safety

Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
UV 10 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
NWS alert active — severe thunderstorm watch issued july 18 at 2:14pm edt until july 18 at 9:00pm edt by nws wakefield va

19 /100

skip

0 Swim

47 Sunbathe

27 Walk

1 Fish

28 Photo

Best for sunbathing today

Weather alert in effect

Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 2:14PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA

Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 9:28AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

93°F

Partly Cloudy

Wind

15 mph

Rain

19%

This Afternoon

UV Peak

10 Very High

High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~20m

Burn-free before 08 AM & after 06 PM

Tomorrow

88°F

Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

Water

Water Temp

80°F

Swimming weather

Sea Nettles

No nettles expected

3% probability · York Spit buoy

Water Quality

Clean

10 cfu/100mL · E. coli

USGS · sampled 3mo ago

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

5:58 AM

Sunset

8:22 PM

Moon · 18%

Waxing Crescent

Neap tides — smaller range

Tides

Time	Type	Height
12:37 AM	High	2.8 ft
6:58 AM	Low	-0.0 ft
1:13 PM	High	2.8 ft
7:27 PM	Low	0.2 ft

Time	Type	Height
1:26 AM	High	2.6 ft
7:45 AM	Low	0.1 ft
2:03 PM	High	2.7 ft
8:25 PM	Low	0.3 ft

Time	Type	Height
2:13 AM	High	2.3 ft
8:32 AM	Low	0.2 ft
2:53 PM	High	2.7 ft
9:24 PM	Low	0.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:01 AM	High	2.2 ft
9:19 AM	Low	0.3 ft
3:44 PM	High	2.6 ft
10:22 PM	Low	0.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:53 AM	High	2.0 ft
10:07 AM	Low	0.4 ft
4:40 PM	High	2.6 ft
11:21 PM	Low	0.6 ft

Time	Type	Height
4:53 AM	High	1.9 ft
10:59 AM	Low	0.5 ft
5:39 PM	High	2.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
12:15 AM	Low	0.6 ft
5:57 AM	High	1.9 ft
11:52 AM	Low	0.5 ft
6:33 PM	High	2.5 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 8638610, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Jul 18

93°

Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

19%

Sun Jul 19

88°

Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

62%

Mon Jul 20

83°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

49%

Tue Jul 21

89°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

60%

Wed Jul 22

87°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms

84%

Thu Jul 23

81°

Chance Rain Showers

44%

Fri Jul 24

82°

Chance Rain Showers

26%

What to Bring Today

critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 10 — very high
recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 15 mph wind
optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 80°F
critical Extra water / electrolytes 93°F - heat risk
recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Best Fishing Times Today

Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.

Minor

10:10 PM - 11:10 PM

Major

3:40 AM - 5:40 AM

Minor

10:10 AM - 11:10 AM

Major

3:50 PM - 5:50 PM

Beach Info

Parking

Paid park lot — $7/vehicle Bay side.

Dogs

Leashed dogs permitted on beach and trails.

Entry Fee

$7/vehicle (Bay side)

Address

2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Amenities

beachcampingcabinsyurtsvisitor centertrailsbike pathsboat launchplaygroundsrestroomsshowerssnack baramphitheater

Frequently Asked

Is it safe to swim at First Landing State Park today?

First Landing State Park shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

Is First Landing State Park dog-friendly?

Leashed dogs permitted on beach and trails.

Is there an entry fee at First Landing State Park?

$7/vehicle (Bay side)

Are there lifeguards at First Landing State Park?

No lifeguards are stationed at First Landing State Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.

What amenities are at First Landing State Park?

Amenities at First Landing State Park include beach, camping, cabins, yurts, visitor center, trails, bike paths, boat launch.

When is the water warmest at First Landing State Park?

The Chesapeake warms quickly — water temperatures peak in late July and August, typically 78-82°F. Swimming comfortable from mid-June through September.

Where is First Landing State Park located?

First Landing State Park is in Virginia Beach County, VA, at 2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451.