Coastal Virginia and the Eastern Shore are so rich in nautical and Colonial history, triangulated by the mainland, Chesapeake Bay, and Atlantic Ocean, and are well worth a visit. 

Virginia Tourism said "Outdoor lovers will get their fill of riverside, oceanside and bayside adventure by boat, bike, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, and beach lovers will enjoy an afternoon soaking up the sun on the shorelines."

There are a handful of notable state parks along Coastal Virginia, and for this article we'll include the Eastern Shore with its "rivah" and bay life, and showcase life near the water and proximity to the largest natural bay in the world, the Chesapeake Bay. We hope this sampling helps you plan a road trip to see this incredibly historic part of our state soon.

1. | SWAMPS, SETTLERS AND SCHOONERS: FIRST LANDING STATE PARK

Formerly called Seashore, this park sits along the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay

The Park is where English colonists first landed in 1607. Native American canoes, Colonial settlers, 20th century schooners and modern cargo ships have navigated the park's waterways. Its cypress swamps were a source of fresh water for merchant mariners, pirates and military ships during the War of 1812. 

As Virginia's most-visited state park, it's an oasis within urban Virginia Beach. The park has 20 miles of trails and 1.5 miles of sandy Chesapeake Bay beach frontage. First Landing offers many recreational and educational activities and has many unusual habitats including bald cypress swamps, lagoons and maritime forest, as well as rare plants and wildlife.

Cabins, water and electric hook-up campsites, picnic areas, boat ramps and a camp store with bicycle rentals are also available.

• 0720/2018 - Crabbing
• 07/23/2018 - Wilderness Survival School
• 07/24/2018 - Seaside Creations
• 07/28/2018 - Night Hike
• More events at this park.

A guest favorite at this park is the Annual Fall Festival, this year held October 20, 2018. Enjoy natural surroundings, hay rides, pumpkin decorating, and kids' crafts, roasting s'mores and special exhibits.

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, three and a half hours; Richmond, two hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, 20-30 minutes (this facility is in the area); Roanoke, five and a half hours.

Click here for hours of operation, special events, programs and more. Click here to learn more about overnight accommodations, or call 800-933-7275.

 

2. | GHOST TOWN WITH UNIQUE ACCESS: FALSE CAPE STATE PARK

Part of the graveyard of the Atlantic, offering primitive camping and remote beach access

In the 1800s, False Cape gained a reputation as a shipping graveyard. The area got its name because its land mass resembled Cape Henry, luring boats into shallow waters. One of the area's first communities, Wash Woods, was developed by survivors of such a shipwreck. The village's church and other structures were built using cypress wood that washed ashore from the wreck.

The park offers an opportunity to experience nature in a unique, primitive setting. Be prepared for weather conditions, bring plenty of water, sunscreen and insect repellent. 

False Cape features guided kayak trips, primitive camping, interpretive programs, hiking and biking trails, and six miles of pristine Atlantic Ocean beach. The park is accessible only by foot, bicycle, beach transport, tram or boat. There is no public vehicular access.

• 07/21/2018 - Sunset on the Back Bay
• 07/22/2018 - Early Bird Paddlers
• 07/28/2018 - Introduction to Archery
• 08/17/18 - 8/19/18 - Wild Women Weekend
• More events at this park.

A guest favorite is taking the beach transporter, the Terra Gator to the park through the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. It only operates Nov. 1 thru March 31, and once at the beach, visitors can spend two hours exploring trails and the natural beach. For more info and reservations call 757-426-7128.

Tram transportation is available April 1 through Oct. 31 through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, where there is an entrance fee. Between Nov. 1 and March 31, access to the park is restricted to hiking or biking along the beach, by boat or by the park's the Terra-Gator. To make reservations for the beach transporter, call 800-933-7275.

Click here for more info about the hours of operation as the park is open dawn to dusk. Those hiking to the park through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge must be out of the refuge by dusk. Dogs are not allowed in BBNWR.

To learn about the primitive camping and unusual restrictive access, call 800-933-7275. This is highly regarded as a backpacker's favorite camping spot in Virginia.

 

3. | ATLANTIC FLYWAY AND COASTAL HABITAT: KIPTOPEKE STATE PARK

The concrete ships located off the park’s waterfront offer some of Virginia’s finest fishing

On Virginia's gorgeous Eastern Shore, explored by Capt. John Smith in 1608, Kiptopeke offers recreational access to the Chesapeake Bay. It's also a great place to explore unique migratory bird habitat along the Atlantic flyway. The park has two and three-bedroom cabins, six-bedroom lodges, RV and tent camping, a yurt (part cabin-part tent), and a bunkhouse.

Visitors  also enjoy the park's boat ramp, lighted fishing pier, picnic areas, 5.1 miles of hiking and biking trails, playground, beach bathhouse and swimming beach. Seasonal interpretive and educational programs focus on natural history, birding and bay ecology. 

Located on Virginia's Eastern Shore, this park offers recreational access to the Chesapeake Bay and the chance to explore a unique coastal habitat featuring a major flyway for migratory birds. Kiptopeke is three miles from the northern terminus of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, which has a substantial each-way toll charge (PDF).

• 07/20/2018 - Wagon Ride
• 07/21/2018 - Art in the Park
• 07/27/2018 - Sunset Kayaking
• More events at this park.

A guest favorite is the Sunset Hike and Owl Prowl, which features a short hike through a maritime forest to the bluffs at sunset. Marvel at shorebirds, eagles and other wildlife that live in or migrate through the Chesapeake Bay region.

Also the Eastern Shore Birding and Wildlife Festival is held each fall, with a special Outdoor Exploration Day at Kiptopeke (this year held on September 29).

Drive Time: (Coastal Virginia traffic may extend time) Northern Virginia, four hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, 45 minutes; Richmond, two hours; Roanoke, five hours.  

Click here for hours of operation, special events, programs and more. 

Click here to learn more about overnight accommodations, or call 800-933-7275.

Check out the coastal towns and counties that make this beautiful part of Virginia home here (PDF), and the Eastern Shore here (PDF). Take a look at Virginia Beach Tourist info here, and Eastern Shore Tourism here to help plan your visit.

Don't miss the first part of this fun road trip series when we explored thee state parks in the Heart of Appalachia.