One Of The Most Beautiful State Parks To Visit In Virginia

First Landing State Park is one of the most beautiful state parks to visit in Virginia located along Virginia Beach that offers swamplands, marshes, hardwood forests, and, every so often, a touch of magic. There’s a phenomenon that can only be described as a swamp rainbow appearing over the marshy waters. These swamp rainbows are a rare occurrence, yet just like the rainbows that appear in the sky, they’re absolutely breathtaking. Take a look at the following photographs and you’ll catch just a glimpse of this mesmerizing phenomenon.

First Landing State Park is an utterly enchanting area nestled along the Virginia coastline. Meandering trails give way to a diverse landscape of marshes and swamps.

Lori Takahashi/AllTrails

The bald cypress swamp, complete with Spanish moss, is an unusual and otherworldly feature of the park. During the fall season, the leaves that have fallen into the water create the most magical spectacle.

Scott Wilson/AllTrails

As seen in photograph below, courtesy of Brent Rossen via the Virginian Pilot, the chemicals released from the fallen leaves into the water reflect different colors and create a rainbow right there in the water. It’s nearly too beautiful for words!

Lori Takahashi/AllTrails

Scott Wilson/AllTrails

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A post shared by The Virginian-Pilot (@virginianpilot) on Dec 1, 2018 at 9:32am PST

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A post shared by The Virginian-Pilot (@virginianpilot) on Dec 1, 2018 at 9:32am PST

Here’s another perspective of this beautiful spectrum of color. According to one of the staff workers at First Landing State Park, the phenomenon can only occur when the sun is shining down on the water without any disturbance of wind or rain.

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A post shared by Mel Johns (@mis_meliss_) on Nov 13, 2018 at 5:22pm PST

You’re most likely to spot a rainbow swamp during the months of November and December. Can you imagine a more beautiful natural phenomenon? These colors are simply breathtaking!

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A post shared by Melissa Volland (@movesbymel) on Nov 14, 2018 at 7:53am PST

First Landing State Park, one of the most fascinating state parks to visit in Virginia, is located at 2500 Shore Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23451. Have you experienced a swamp rainbow before? We’d love to hear all about it!

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Address: First Landing Beach, Virginia Beach, VA, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

state parks to visit in Virginia February 10, 2022 Beth C. What are some other beautiful state parks to visit in Virginia? It’s hard to imagine Virginia without its breathtaking state parks. In our opinion, each of them is worth visiting. In addition to First Landing State Park, there are a host of other parks that will inspire both awe and a sense of adventure. One of our top recommendations would be Hungry Mother State Park in Marion. With gorgeous mountain scenery and a lake for fishing and boating, this park has no shortage of recreational opportunities. Another must-see park is Grayson Highlands State Park in Mouth of Wilson. Located near the North Carolina border, this majestic park is home to rugged scenery as far as the eye can see. Nearby is Mount Rogers, the tallest peak in Virginia, as well as a host of wild ponies that reside in the balds. Other noteworthy state parks in Virginia include Occoneechee State Park in Clarksville, Natural Tunnel State Park in Duffield, High Bridge State Park in Farmville, Douthat State Park in Millboro Springs, Westmoreland State Park in Montross, Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield, Wilderness Road State Park in Ewing, and Chippokes Plantation State Park in Surry. Curious to learn more? Check out our previous article: 17 State Parks In Virginia That Are Absolutely Breathtaking. Does Virginia have any hidden gems? There are so many hidden gems in Virginia, in fact, that we’ve put together a road trip that will take you to some of the best. Some of the stops along the way include Belle Isle State Park, the historic Polegreen Church, Barboursville Ruins, White Oak Lavender Farm, Virginia Safari Park, Carvins Cove, and the Mill Mountain Star. For more information about this hidden gems road trip through Virginia, you can click here.

The OIYS Visitor Center

state parks to visit in Virginia

February 10, 2022

Beth C.

What are some other beautiful state parks to visit in Virginia? It’s hard to imagine Virginia without its breathtaking state parks. In our opinion, each of them is worth visiting. In addition to First Landing State Park, there are a host of other parks that will inspire both awe and a sense of adventure. One of our top recommendations would be Hungry Mother State Park in Marion. With gorgeous mountain scenery and a lake for fishing and boating, this park has no shortage of recreational opportunities. Another must-see park is Grayson Highlands State Park in Mouth of Wilson. Located near the North Carolina border, this majestic park is home to rugged scenery as far as the eye can see. Nearby is Mount Rogers, the tallest peak in Virginia, as well as a host of wild ponies that reside in the balds. Other noteworthy state parks in Virginia include Occoneechee State Park in Clarksville, Natural Tunnel State Park in Duffield, High Bridge State Park in Farmville, Douthat State Park in Millboro Springs, Westmoreland State Park in Montross, Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield, Wilderness Road State Park in Ewing, and Chippokes Plantation State Park in Surry. Curious to learn more? Check out our previous article: 17 State Parks In Virginia That Are Absolutely Breathtaking. Does Virginia have any hidden gems? There are so many hidden gems in Virginia, in fact, that we’ve put together a road trip that will take you to some of the best. Some of the stops along the way include Belle Isle State Park, the historic Polegreen Church, Barboursville Ruins, White Oak Lavender Farm, Virginia Safari Park, Carvins Cove, and the Mill Mountain Star. For more information about this hidden gems road trip through Virginia, you can click here.

The OIYS Visitor Center

It’s hard to imagine Virginia without its breathtaking state parks. In our opinion, each of them is worth visiting. In addition to First Landing State Park, there are a host of other parks that will inspire both awe and a sense of adventure. One of our top recommendations would be Hungry Mother State Park in Marion. With gorgeous mountain scenery and a lake for fishing and boating, this park has no shortage of recreational opportunities. Another must-see park is Grayson Highlands State Park in Mouth of Wilson. Located near the North Carolina border, this majestic park is home to rugged scenery as far as the eye can see. Nearby is Mount Rogers, the tallest peak in Virginia, as well as a host of wild ponies that reside in the balds. Other noteworthy state parks in Virginia include Occoneechee State Park in Clarksville, Natural Tunnel State Park in Duffield, High Bridge State Park in Farmville, Douthat State Park in Millboro Springs, Westmoreland State Park in Montross, Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield, Wilderness Road State Park in Ewing, and Chippokes Plantation State Park in Surry. Curious to learn more? Check out our previous article: 17 State Parks In Virginia That Are Absolutely Breathtaking.

Does Virginia have any hidden gems?

There are so many hidden gems in Virginia, in fact, that we’ve put together a road trip that will take you to some of the best. Some of the stops along the way include Belle Isle State Park, the historic Polegreen Church, Barboursville Ruins, White Oak Lavender Farm, Virginia Safari Park, Carvins Cove, and the Mill Mountain Star. For more information about this hidden gems road trip through Virginia, you can click here.