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

Skip the beach today.

80% rain · Thunderstorms · 80°F water

Full NWS forecast for Today

Showers and thunderstorms before 5pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 80. East wind 9 to 17 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Tonight

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. East wind around 18 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Weather

  • 80°F air — ideal beach weather
  • 80% rain — wet day — beach day is off

Water

  • 80°F water — warm — full-day swim weather

Safety

  • Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
skip
10 Swim
19 Sunbathe
0 Walk
26 Fish
19 Photo

Best for sunbathing today

Air Temp
80°F
Cloudy
Wind
9 to 17 mph
E
Rain
80%
Today
UV Peak
1 Low
Peaks 11 AM · burn in ~200m
Burn-free before 10 AM & after 12 PM
Tomorrow
79°F
Chance Rain Showers
Water Temp
80°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
8:10 PM
3.1 ft · in 5.0h
Sea Nettles
No nettles expected
5% probability · York Spit buoy
Water Quality
Clean
10 cfu/100mL · E. coli
USGS · sampled 2mo ago
Sunrise
5:54 AM
Sunset
8:24 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Today Jul 12
80°

Showers And Thunderstorms

80%
11
Mon Jul 13
79°

Chance Rain Showers

47%
50
Tue Jul 14
82°

Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

16%
78
Wed Jul 15
89°

Sunny

5%
81
Thu Jul 16
90°

Sunny

4%
80
Fri Jul 17
90°

Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

16%
43
Sat Jul 18
90°

Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

26%
37
  • optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 80°F

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.

Major
9:50 PM - 11:50 PM
Minor
3:10 AM - 4:10 AM
Major
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minor
7:00 PM - 8:00 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 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.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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