Jun 25 2008
First Landing State Park
Whenever I ask anyone what there is to do in Virginia Beach I always get the typical response, “visit the oceanfront”, which is packed with entertainment and shopping, but what about those of us who want an outdoor adventure? Virginia Beach has the answer, First Landing State Park.
The park was built 1930 and dedicated on June 15, 1936, originally named Seashore state park but was changed to First Landing State park in 1997 to more accurately reflect its history as the initial point where members of the Virginia Company landed in 1607. 
This State park has boating, swimming, nature and history programs, hiking, biking, picnicking, a boat launch, cabins and 19 miles of trails on 2,888 acres. The cabins are equipped with conventional power, dining areas, and appliances for your convenience.
When I had went to the State park I only managed to go through the hiking trails, but with over 19 miles of them I barely scratched the surface. Needless to say, to just do the trails alone you would have to dedicate a few days, just imagine trying to do other activities as well. The hiking trails we ventured through were great and very well preserved, offering plenty of sights as you make your way. For those of us who plan on staying overnight there are cabins readily available for rent, while my wife and I did not stay in any of them, we managed to catch a glimpse of some, and from what we had seen they were very nice and well maintained.
As well as taking care of your thirst for the outdoors, the park also has nature and history programs that educate you and your young ones. The park offers many various self-guided and guided programs that cover crabbing, junior rangers, beach walks, nature hikes and structured environmental education programs. The park also has an environmental education centre, which features a wet lab, and educational displays that focus on the First Landing by English settlers in 1607.
In addition to all of the above, if you check out the official website, you can also plan to catch one of the events that take place at the park as well.
There are a multitude of things to do at First Colonial State Park, be sure to check out their website at http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/fir.shtml#generalinfo.