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

Ideal for a beach walk.

82°F water · 84°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Sunny, with a high near 84. South wind 10 to 14 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 71. South wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Weather

84°F air — ideal beach weather
Sunny skies — clear conditions

Water

82°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Moderate nettle risk — 49% probability — expect some stings

74 /100

great

68 Swim

78 Sunbathe

85 Walk

70 Fish

80 Photo

Best for walking today

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

84°F

Partly Cloudy

Wind

10 to 14 mph

Rain

This Afternoon

UV Peak

8 Very High

High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~25m

Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM

Tomorrow

88°F

Sunny

Water

Water Temp

82°F

Swimming weather

Next High Tide

8:44 PM

3.2 ft · in 1.5h

Sea Nettles

Moderate nettle risk

49% probability · York Spit buoy

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

6:41 AM

Sunset

7:21 PM

Moon · 5%

Waning Crescent

Spring tides — bigger range

Tides

Time	Type	Height
2:17 AM	Low	0.3 ft
8:20 AM	High	2.9 ft
2:28 PM	Low	0.3 ft
8:44 PM	High	3.2 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:05 AM	Low	0.2 ft
9:12 AM	High	3.1 ft
3:23 PM	Low	0.2 ft
9:31 PM	High	3.1 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:48 AM	Low	0.2 ft
9:58 AM	High	3.2 ft
4:12 PM	Low	0.2 ft
10:14 PM	High	3.1 ft

Time	Type	Height
4:27 AM	Low	0.2 ft
10:42 AM	High	3.3 ft
4:58 PM	Low	0.3 ft
10:55 PM	High	2.9 ft

Time	Type	Height
5:04 AM	Low	0.2 ft
11:23 AM	High	3.3 ft
5:42 PM	Low	0.4 ft
11:35 PM	High	2.8 ft

Time	Type	Height
5:41 AM	Low	0.4 ft
12:04 PM	High	3.2 ft
6:27 PM	Low	0.6 ft

Time	Type	Height
12:16 AM	High	2.7 ft
6:18 AM	Low	0.5 ft
12:45 PM	High	3.1 ft
7:14 PM	Low	0.7 ft

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

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Sep 9

84°

Sunny

Thu Sep 10

88°

Sunny

Fri Sep 11

82°

Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

24%

Sat Sep 12

82°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

62%

Sun Sep 13

85°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

52%

Mon Sep 14

83°

Mostly Sunny

10%

Tue Sep 15

84°

Sunny

What to Bring Today

critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 10 to 14 mph wind
optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 82°F

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

10:30 PM - 12:30 AM

Minor

4:30 AM - 5:30 AM

Major

10:50 AM - 12:50 PM

Minor

6:20 PM - 7:20 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.