Nestled between the shimmering waters of the Chesapeake Bay and the lush canopies of First Landing State Park, the First Landing neighborhood is a place where the past breathes through every live oak and sandy path. Residents take pride in their community's unique story—a tale deeply intertwined with the origins of Virginia Beach and, indeed, the nation itself.
The Historic Arrival: How First Landing Got Its Name
First Landing derives its evocative name from an event that altered the course of American history. In April 1607, colonists sent by the Virginia Company of London first set foot on what would become known as Cape Henry, at the northern edge of present-day Virginia Beach. This “first landing” marked the arrival of Europeans who would later establish Jamestown, the first permanent English-speaking settlement in North America.
The site of that original landing is commemorated today by the Cape Henry Memorial, situated near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay off Shore Drive. A walk along this stretch is to retrace the steps of Captain Christopher Newport and his intrepid company, their journey immortalized by the granite markers and interpretive signs dotting the area. These reminders not only lend the neighborhood its storied name but also root it firmly in the nation’s early narrative.
The Neighborhood Through the Ages
As centuries unfolded, First Landing remained a place touched by historical significance. During the colonial era, the proximity to active waterways made the region a vital point for trade, fishing, and early defense.
- In the Revolutionary War, the area now known as First Landing, particularly the forests and coves around Lake Joyce and Broad Bay, saw activity from colonial militias.
- The War of 1812 brought British ships to the shores; legend holds that naval skirmishes occasionally interrupted the relative calm of what was then thick maritime forest.
- By the late 1800s, the expansion of the Princess Anne Hotel (once located on Atlantic Avenue) fostered more travel and settlement to the city’s north end, making the First Landing area accessible to visitors and early residents alike.
Modern Evolution and Community Spirit
The latter twentieth century saw First Landing transform from a quiet outskirt to a beloved residential enclave, buoyed by families drawn to its tranquility, tight-knit culture, and unbeatable access to nature.
- Streets like Bayberry, Lookout Road, and Cypress Lane reflect the area’s wooded character, winding gracefully between newer homes and older beach cottages. Many houses enjoy leafy views of First Landing State Park, Virginia’s most visited state park and a neighborhood jewel since it opened (as Seashore State Park) in 1936.
- The park itself, covering over 2,800 acres, remains an ecological treasure—offering hiking, biking, and kayaking through an environment unchanged for centuries. Popular trails, like the Cape Henry Trail, are local favorites for morning jogs or leisurely strolls, their shaded paths following the same creeks frequented by Algonquin tribes and English settlers.
- First Landing’s proximity to hotspots like the Lesner Bridge, the bustling Marlin Bay, and neighborhood institutions such as Great Neck Middle School and Cape Henry Collegiate makes it both serene and convenient.
Notable Landmarks and Heritage Sites
While residential charm defines much of First Landing, the neighborhood is also home to important landmarks that recall chapters of local and national significance.
- First Landing State Park – Known for its scenic boardwalks and undisturbed habitats, the park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Interpretive programs help residents and visitors appreciate both the region’s natural history and indigenous heritage.
- Old Cape Henry Lighthouse – Located just west of Seashore State Park, the lighthouse is the oldest in the United States, built in 1792 from Aquia sandstone. Its octagonal structure stands sentinel over the Atlantic, symbolizing the area’s maritime legacy.
- Cape Henry Memorial Cross – Erected by the Daughters of the American Colonists in 1935 to honor the site of the colonists’ first religious service, the cross rests near the current site of the Cape Henry Lighthouse.
- Chesapeake Bay Boardwalk – Stretching beneath the Lesner Bridge on Shore Drive, this boardwalk offers breathtaking sunset views and connects the history of First Landing with the vibrant energy of modern Virginia Beach.
Neighborhood Life: Then and Now
What distinguishes First Landing today is the community’s reverence for its legacy, paired with an embrace of quiet coastal living. Once a crossroads for colonists and fishermen, the neighborhood now attracts families, artists, and retirees—all enamored with its natural serenity and rich sense of place.
Festivals, like the annual Cape Henry Pilgrimage, draw residents and visitors to celebrate the area’s beginnings with reenactments, music, and local fare. Neighborhood associations take pride in organizing park cleanups and block parties—a testament to the enduring bonds among neighbors.
Education remains central, with top-rated public schools and renowned private institutions like Cape Henry Collegiate contributing to a spirit of excellence and inclusion. Local businesses along Shore Drive and Great Neck Road showcase the area’s unique flair, from cozy coffee shops to longtime seafood joints where stories (and oysters) are shared liberally.
Preserving the Past, Shaping the Future
First Landing isn’t just a link to the past—it’s an ongoing story. Conservation efforts continue to protect the area’s diverse habitats, including cypress swamps and forested dunes. Community groups work to balance development with a commitment to green space, ensuring that new generations can enjoy the same magic that captivated the first settlers.
Just as those original colonists gazed in wonder at the wild beauty of Cape Henry, today’s residents find renewal and inspiration in First Landing's blend of history, nature, and community warmth. Whether you’re exploring a forested trail, tracing the path of American founders, or simply enjoying a home-cooked meal with friends overlooking the bay, First Landing is a place where the past and present coexist beautifully—a testament to the enduring spirit of Virginia Beach.