FIRST LANDING STATE PARK 757-412-2300
Toll-free: 800-933-PARK
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/fir.shtml
2500 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Located on U. S. Rte 60 at Cape Henry in Virginia Beach.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: On April 26, 1607, 100 English settlers landed here and established the first elective government in English America before pushing up the James River to establish Jamestown. The park offers a chance to explore a unique habitat featuring lagoons, large cypress trees, Spanish moss and rare plants.
More than 19 miles of hiking trails wind through the natural area. Climate-controlled cabins, campsites, picnic areas, boat ramps, kayak rentals, and a bicycle trail are also available. Its Chesapeake Bay Center has aquariums and a wet lab operated by the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, educational displays, historic exhibits, a camp store, an amphitheater and a Gateways Program regional welcome center.
PARKING: 4 wheelchair accessible parking spaces.
TYPES OF PATHS: Visitor center has a concrete sidewalk, a boardwalk and paved trails. Campground has a boardwalk with steep slope which may require assistance for those in wheelchairs. Wheelchair users may need assistance for the sand/gravel paths. Bald Cypress Trail is wheelchair accessible across bridges for first loop of trail. There are pull-off areas for wheelchairs on the bridges. Access to the trails is by paved sidewalk.
Chesapeake Bay Center: Wheelchair accessible exhibit area, offices and rest rooms. There are also accessible showers. All areas are accessed via paved sidewalks from the parking lot and passages in between.
Amphitheater: Paved ramp with wheelchair seating, access by paved sidewalk.
Gazebo: Paved sidewalk to accessible gazebo (use Chesapeake Bay Center rest rooms). Beach access: Dune crossovers at Little H Campground, Chesapeake Bay Center.
ENTRANCE TO VISITOR CENTER: One mile from Shore Drive entrance. Entry doors, 36 in. wide, easily open with knob handle located 36 in. above floor.
PUBLIC REST ROOMS: Doors open out. No turns to enter. Accessible stalls have 32 in. doors opening out, and handrails. 19 in. toilet seat height. Sink height is 30 in. Accessible stall checked regularly for obstructions. Rest rooms are identified by a raised figure with pants or skirt on door to designate men or women.
PUBLIC TELEPHONE: Wheelchair accessible phone.
SPECIAL SERVICES:
For guests with visual disabilities,hands-on exhibits include touch and feel table containing plant and animal specimens from the area. There are documents in large print on non-glossy surface.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS: Numerous programs for all ages. Interactive programs for children are offered in the Junior Rangers.
PICNIC AREAS: Near Shore Drive entrance and scattered throughout the park. 50 tables, 28 in. high, accessible for guests in wheelchairs. Paths are packed sand, dirt and gravel. There are covered shelters.
CAMPGROUND: 222 sites along the bay or interior with room for one vehicle. Table and fire grate on each site. Showers. Dump station. Little H and G Campgrounds: Bathhouse have wheelchair accessible shower women’s side. Campground C also accessible with access by paved sidewalk. Campground B: Playground with access by packed clay gravel. Boat launch: 64th Street Park access rest room has accessible toilets with paved sidewalk from road to men’s and women’s side. Reservations suggested in summer. Call 800-933-PARK. Richmond area call 804-225-3867.
GIFT SHOP: Aisles 25 in. wide, counters 44 in. high. Postcards, coloring books and books emphasizing bay life. Checks and cash, no credit cards.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Accepted credit cards V and MC for overnight reservations. Parking: $2 week days, $3 week-ends, free to guests with disabilities. Hours: 7 AM-Dusk. Bring insect repellent.
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