First Landing State Park

2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

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

Ideal for a beach walk.

NWS alert active · 74°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Sunny, with a high near 74. East wind around 6 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 62. South wind 3 to 7 mph.

Weather

  • 74°F air — ideal beach weather
  • Sunny skies — clear conditions

Water

  • 61°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering
  • 3.6ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids

Safety

  • NWS alert active — beach hazards statement issued june 3 at 7:51am edt until june 3 at 8:00pm edt by nws wakefield va
57 /100
good
28 Swim
85 Sunbathe
88 Walk
43 Fish
80 Photo

Best for walking today

Water level 0.5 ft above predicted

Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.

NOAA station 8638610 · Observed 1.04 ft · Predicted 0.49 ft

Beach Hazard Beach Hazards Statement

Beach Hazards Statement issued June 3 at 7:51AM EDT until June 3 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA

NWS · In effect through Jun 4, 12:00 AM

Full NWS statement

* WHAT...High risk of rip currents expected. * WHERE...Eastern Currituck County. * WHEN...Through this evening. * IMPACTS...Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions. Breaking waves of 4 ft or greater can cause neck and back injuries.

Air Temp
74°F
Mostly Clear
Wind
6 mph
E
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
76°F
Sunny
Water Temp
61°F
Cold
Sea Nettles
No nettles expected
13% probability · York Spit buoy
Water Quality
Above threshold
800 cfu/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 7w ago
Sunrise
5:45 AM
Sunset
8:19 PM
Moon · 88%
Waning Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
7-day chart →
Time Type Height
5:55 AM Low 0.3 ft
11:56 AM High 2.2 ft
5:44 PM Low 0.4 ft
Today Jun 3
74°

Sunny

0%
77
Thu Jun 4
76°

Sunny

1%
75
Fri Jun 5
88°

Sunny

0%
75
Sat Jun 6
91°

Mostly Sunny

2%
67
Sun Jun 7
92°

Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

26%
28
Mon Jun 8
72°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

33%
28
Tue Jun 9
72°

Slight Chance Rain Showers

21%
56
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high

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

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

Minor
10:20 PM - 11:20 PM
Major
2:30 AM - 4:30 AM
Minor
7:40 AM - 8:40 AM
Major
2:50 PM - 4:50 PM

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

beachcampingcabinsyurtsvisitor centertrailsbike pathsboat launchplaygroundsrestroomsshowerssnack baramphitheater
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.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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