Hotels Close To First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park is the rare place where you can hike through a cypress swamp, rinse off in the Chesapeake Bay, and then eat nachos in a hotel room that smells faintly...
First Landing State Park is the rare place where you can hike through a cypress swamp, rinse off in the Chesapeake Bay, and then eat nachos in a hotel room that smells faintly of sunscreen.
It’s also Virginia’s most visited state park, which means you won’t be alone in your quest for outdoor glory.
The good news? A handful of hotels sit close enough that you can roll out of bed, spot a bald eagle, and still make it back for the complimentary breakfast waffle.
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Why First Landing Deserves a Hotel Stay
First Landing is where English colonists supposedly first landed in 1607 before sailing up to Jamestown.
They probably didn’t have a loyalty points program, but you can.
The park covers nearly 2,900 acres and packs in more than 20 miles of trails, a bay beach, and enough Spanish moss to make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a Southern gothic novel.
Surprising fact: that moss is at the northern edge of its natural range here, so it’s basically a celebrity guest star.
You can paddle, bike, hike, swim, and then limp back to your hotel with a new respect for your calves.
Camping is available if you want to sleep on a root and call it wellness.
But if you prefer a real mattress, a shower with water pressure, and a TV remote that hasn’t been lost in a bush, a nearby hotel is the move.
The Closest Hotels (And What They’re Like)
Delta Hotels by Marriott Virginia Beach Bayfront Suites
This is the obvious pick for anyone who wants to be minutes from the park entrance while still enjoying bayfront views.
It sits on Shore Drive, putting you dangerously close to both the trailhead and a seafood dinner that you will absolutely justify as “recovery food.”
Cabin 9 entry First Landing State Park | Uploaded by SA 2 be… | Flickr
Suites mean you can spread out, which is helpful when your hiking boots start communicating in a language no one else should hear.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Virginia Beach North Beach
Also on Shore Drive, this one is a solid basecamp for people who want free breakfast and easy access to the park.
The complimentary cinnamon rolls are technically not trail fuel, but I’ve seen hikers make a compelling case.
It’s a short drive to First Landing, so you can be on the trail before your brain fully realizes what’s happening.
The Cavalier Virginia Beach, Autograph Collection
Want to feel fancy after a day of swamp-adjacent adventure?
The Cavalier is a historic beauty a short drive away, with enough elegance to make your sweaty T-shirt feel personally embarrassed.
It’s not the closest hotel to First Landing, but it’s close enough if you define “close” as “I can still hear the park calling me.”
Oceanfront Hotels Along Atlantic Avenue
If you want boardwalk action, arcades, and the sound of seagulls negotiating over fries, stay near the oceanfront.
You’ll be about a 10- to 15-minute drive from First Landing, depending on traffic and how many times you miss the turn.
This option works well if you want a beach vacation with a side of nature instead of a nature vacation with a side of beach.
FIRST LANDING STATE PARK: Bewertungen, Fotos & Preisvergleich (Virginia
Tips for Booking a Hotel Near First Landing
Book early, especially in summer, because “close to the park” is a popular phrase for a reason.
Ask about parking if you’re driving to the trailhead, since the main lot can fill up faster than a free sample table.
If you’re bringing a dog, check pet policies—some hotels near the park are dog-friendly, and some act like your golden retriever is a raccoon in a trench coat.
Consider a bayfront hotel if you want sunsets, and an oceanfront hotel if you want sunrise and regret about staying up late.
And remember: the park has a beach, but it’s on the Chesapeake Bay, so the waves are gentle.
It’s perfect for swimming, paddling, and pretending you’re a calm, outdoorsy person who definitely didn’t just eat three waffles.
The Bottom Line
First Landing State Park is a weird, wonderful mix of history, swamp, beach, and trails that somehow all fit together.
Hotels close to it let you enjoy the wild without fully committing to the wild.
Pick a Shore Drive spot for maximum convenience, a historic splurge for maximum charm, or an oceanfront room for maximum boardwalk chaos.
Either way, you’ll leave with sandy shoes, tired legs, and a story about the cypress knees that looked suspiciously like tiny forest people.
