Coastal Beauty & Historic Charm
When it comes to finding wonderful vacation destinations, there’s a lot to choose from among Select Registry Bed and Breakfasts. That includes our friends in Virginia Beach, who are close to amazing attractions like First Landing State Park and beautiful coastal beaches! First Landing State Park is the most visited state park in Virginia for good reason – with incredible coastal habitat, plenty of rich history, and fascinating attractions like the colorful Rainbow Swamp, it won’t take you long to fall in love with this beautiful area.
As its name suggests, First Landing State Park is where the first English Settlers landed on April 26, 1607, before eventually moving upriver and establishing the Jamestown Colony. It’s more than a historically significant park, though. It’s also home to some of the most endangered coastal habitats in the country and is an exceptionally beautiful park to explore.
While you’re visiting First Landing State Park, relax and unwind at our beautiful Select Registry Bed and Breakfast in Virginia Beach. The town is renowned for its cozy, romantic atmosphere, and is an exceptional place to spend a few romantic days with your loved one.
Explore First Landing State Park
Perhaps the most notable thing about First Landing State Park is its historical significance as the landing point for America’s first English Settlers. However, as you move into the park, you’ll soon discover that there’s plenty to love and admire about this sensational Virginia State Park’s 2,888 acres on the Chesapeake Bay.
From the many miles of protected maritime forest and beaches to the uniquely beautiful rainbow swamp, First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach is a great place to visit. Here are some of the top attractions you can look forward to during your visit:
- Take a hike throughout the park. There are 19 miles of hiking trails that lead you through protected salt marsh habitat, freshwater ponds, beaches, dunes, forests, tidal marsh, and cypress swamps. The most popular trail is the Bald Cypress Trail.
- Perhaps the most unusual and striking feature of First Landing State Park is one of the Cypress Swamps along the Bald Cypress Trail. In the right light, the swamp is transformed from its dark and murky waters to a rainbow-colored masterpiece. This phenomenon happens in the fall after the leaves have dropped their leaves, which then composts and allows for this transformative experience from late fall through winter.
- Take a guided kayak ecological tour in the park, the perfect way to explore the beautiful marshes and bays.
- Walk along the shoreline of Chesapeake Bay. There are 1.9 miles of beach at First Landing State Park, including a swimming beach.
- Bike on the Cape Henry Trail as you explore the park. Bike rentals are available at the park’s Bay Store.
- First Landing State Park is a popular place for fishing and crabbing, especially from the Narrows located between Broad Bay and Linkhorn Bay. Make sure you get a valid Virginia saltwater fishing license first.
First Landing State Park also offers many various self-guided and guided programs, concessions, picnic spots, and more. It’s truly a wonderful place to spend at least a day while you’re visiting Virginia Beach.
Exciting Things to do in Virginia Beach
After you’ve had your fill of First Landing State Park, head back to the charming town of Virginia Beach for a relaxing evening in town. The town is very well known for its 3-mile Boardwalk, but altogether it’s a vibrant coastal city filled with plenty of things to do and ways to relax. There are many unique districts to explore, including the Oceanfront area, Sandbridge, Town Center, and the ViBe Creative District.
Here are just a few of our favorite things to do while in town:
- Walk the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, of course!
- Explore the local culinary scene, well known for its fresh and delicious seafood, top-notch craft brews, and, of course, local blue crabs.
- Walk and shop your way down Atlantic Avenue, which is bustling with live music and other entertainment throughout the year as well.
- Spend some time sunbathing and relaxing on the beach, or try your hand at some surfing or bodysurfing in the gentle, steady waves.
- Visit the Cape Henry Lighthouse, a storied lighthouse that was built in 1792.
- Walk down the Virginia Beach Legends Walk, and learn about some of the most famous Virginians.
- Visit other great parks in the area, like False Cape State Park, or even Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
- Visit the incredible Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Visit local farm stands and seafood markets, and enjoy the bounty of the area.
- Taste your way down the Virginia Beach Beer Trail – there are quite a few in the area!
As great as these things are, our top-recommended thing to do in Virginia Beach is to spend some relaxing downtime at our stunning Virginia Beach Bed and Breakfast. It’s the perfect place for romantic getaways and is well-situated to enjoy the very best of this dreamy coastal vacation. We hope to see you soon!
