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 & Drinks 10 Stay 3

Today's Conditions

Great day for a beach walk.

6.6ft waves · 60°F air · 70°F water

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Sunny, with a high near 60. Northwest wind 12 to 15 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 51. Northwest wind 12 to 17 mph.

Weather

60°F air — chilly for a beach day
Sunny skies — clear conditions

Water

70°F water — swimmable, refreshing

Safety

6.6ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only

50 /100

41 Swim

51 Sunbathe

71 Walk

36 Fish

71 Photo

Best for walking today

Water level 0.6 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 1.00 ft · Predicted 0.43 ft

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

60°F

Mostly Clear

Wind

12 to 15 mph

Rain

This Afternoon

Air Quality

28 Good

Ozone · Hampton Roads

UV Peak

3 Moderate

Peaks 11 AM · burn in ~67m

Burn-free before 10 AM & after 02 PM

Tomorrow

61°F

Sunny

Water

Water Temp

70°F

Refreshing

Next High Tide

7:43 PM

2.5 ft · in 1.2h

Water Quality

No recent sample

Last reading 2mo ago: clean

USGS · not a current condition

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

6:34 AM

Sunset

5:01 PM

Moon · 5%

Waning Crescent

Spring tides — bigger range

Tides

Time	Type	Height
1:05 AM	Low	0.2 ft
7:32 AM	High	3.1 ft
1:54 PM	Low	0.3 ft
7:43 PM	High	2.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
1:47 AM	Low	0.2 ft
8:13 AM	High	3.1 ft
2:38 PM	Low	0.3 ft
8:25 PM	High	2.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
2:27 AM	Low	0.2 ft
8:51 AM	High	3.1 ft
3:18 PM	Low	0.3 ft
9:04 PM	High	2.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:04 AM	Low	0.2 ft
9:27 AM	High	3.0 ft
3:55 PM	Low	0.3 ft
9:42 PM	High	2.4 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:39 AM	Low	0.3 ft
10:03 AM	High	2.9 ft
4:32 PM	Low	0.4 ft
10:20 PM	High	2.3 ft

Time	Type	Height
4:13 AM	Low	0.4 ft
10:41 AM	High	2.8 ft
5:10 PM	Low	0.5 ft
11:01 PM	High	2.2 ft

Time	Type	Height
4:50 AM	Low	0.5 ft
11:20 AM	High	2.7 ft
5:51 PM	Low	0.5 ft
11:44 PM	High	2.1 ft

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

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Nov 7

60°

Sunny

Sun Nov 8

61°

Sunny

Mon Nov 9

63°

Sunny

Tue Nov 10

67°

Sunny

Wed Nov 11

64°

Sunny

Thu Nov 12

63°

Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers

15%

Fri Nov 13

57°

Chance Rain Showers

26%

What to Bring Today

Nothing unusual - conditions are unremarkable today.

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.

Major

9:10 PM - 11:10 PM

Minor

4:40 AM - 5:40 AM

Major

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Minor

3:30 PM - 4:30 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.