First Landing State Park is the most visited state park in Virginia, and there are some new things that even frequent visitors may not know about yet. As summer winds down, there is still plenty of time to travel to the park and enjoy a beach day, attend a program or even take a hike.

All-Terrain Wheelchair

Six Virginia State Parks currently have All-Terrain Wheelchairs that serve each region. Those parks with chairs include Claytor Lake, Mason Neck, New River Trail, Powhatan, Shenandoah River, York River and Wilderness Road. First Landing has been added to that list, but the chair is a little different because newer models were available at the time of this purchase.

The outdoor power wheelchair at First Landing has pneumatic rubber wheels instead of tracks. The tires are a newer option that provides a comfortable experience on the terrain for the person using the ATW. 

Virginia Association for Parks raised funds for the all-terrain wheelchair, and the remainder was paid for through Virginia State Parks license plate funds.  

“I think it's pretty remarkable that our park was able to open up over 5 miles of trail for ATW use,” said First Landing State Park Manager Bruce Widener. “Visitors to those trails will have some amazing scenery with bald cypress trees and Spanish moss, along with some picturesque views of Broad Bay.” 

To help serve visitors better, reservation requests must be made at least 48 hours in advance at Virginia State Parks - All-Terrain Wheelchair Reservation Request (microsoft.com) to give the park notice when you’d like to use a wheelchair. An advanced request is not a confirmed reservation, but gives park staff the necessary time to ensure the availability of wheelchairs and make your experience even more enjoyable. 

First Landing State Park does allow you to make reservations on the same day of your arrival as long as the chair is available. 

For more information on how to reserve an ATW at the park, visit: www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/all-terrain-wheelchairs  

For more information about accessibility at Virginia State Parks, visit: www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/accessibility.  

Beach Box

A new Beach Box can be seen outside of the visitor center before the boardwalk to get to the oceanfront. This box serves as a station where guests can pick up and use items such as chairs, umbrellas and beach toys for free that are needed for their beach trip.

The park partnered with L.L. Bean to help bring more resources to the park guests. The box is available for use from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and is filled with essential items that help make the outdoors more comfortable. After you are done with the equipment you borrowed, you simply return it back to the box by 5 p.m.

If you like what you borrowed, then you can scan the barcode on the box and shop for the same gear online or in stores so you can enjoy your own items all year long.

Enjoy more beach days and check out this box on your next visit.

Cabin Updates

As you may know, the cabins are currently undergoing renovations, with completion expected in 2027. Significant progress has been made, and the photos show the ongoing work on Cabins 4 and 8.

Upgrades to the bathroom facilities, flooring, and exterior structures are progressing well, so we wanted to share a few updates as you patiently await the completed renovations and the return of cabin bookings. Keep an eye on our website for the latest information — we’ll be sure to make an announcement once the project is finished.

The campground and yurts are still open for the season, so book your stay today.

New Exhibits

Whether you stay overnight or make a day trip to the park, you won’t want to miss their new exhibits featured in the Visitor Center. Topics on display include stewardship, the CCC and early preservation efforts.

As you walk through the exhibits, you will learn about when the park was first established and all the work that has been done to continue to preserve this land. Enjoy the A/C as you walk through the exhibits and take in some park history. There are rangers available in the center to talk to if you have questions. Plus, you will find numerous brochures that highlight things to do at the park and in the area of Virginia Beach.

A bonus in the visitor center is the Bay Lab. This lab lets you get a first-hand look at species you can find locally. Turtles, fish and other displays give more insight into the park and its ecosystem. My favorite displays are the diamondback terrapins, as it is relaxing to watch them swim and show off their unique beauty. Bay Lab hours are from noon until 4 p.m. seasonally, so check the park’s page for upcoming programs in the lab.

Outdoor Classroom

Learning outside is great way to bring groups together for a variety of topics. First Landing State Park offers numerous self-guided and guided programs covering crabbing, junior rangers, beach walks, nature hikes and structured environmental education programs. Large clubs, school groups and community organizations can request specific historical, cultural and environmental programming related to their educational goals. The park participates in Virginia's State Parks: Your Backyard Classrooms, a 40-activity curriculum guide used by K- 12 teachers and homeschool coordinators.

Make this outdoor space your classroom and elevate your next meeting. Contact the park at 757-412-2306 for details on how to have your next group meeting, training or educational program here.

Upcoming Programs

Depending on the type of adventure you want to have, First Landing State Park has the perfect opportunity for you. There are still many ways to enjoy summer at the park as the season winds down. Programs include Bayside Crabbing, S’mores campfire snack and stories, Owl Prowls, Swamp Stomp and Fishing Frenzy. There is even a night program that features the ghost crabs on the beach.

Visit the park’s event page for a list of upcoming programs and plan your trip today.