First Landing State Park 64th St Entrance — Attraction in Virginia Beach

This review is for the workers at the park and not the park itself. The park and trails are SO refreshing, beautiful, and relatively clean.

However, my visit to First Landing was scarred right away by my first encounter with the employee as I pulled up to pay for parking, which by the way $9 for out of towners? Seems excessive.. Excuse my cynicism, it's been a long day.

First, there was no one in the booth as people checked in to the park. The person who was supposed to be working, was lounging in his car off to the right in the shade. There was no signs indicating he was a worker there, no uniform, nothing. The weather was partly cloudy with lots of wind. It was not as if he needed the shade to cool himself off.

Having once worked for a Park's department, I slowed my vehicle to a stop and rolled my window down expecting him to walk over. He continued to lazily stay in his car. He informed me that I was to put my payment of $5 (the rate for locals, when I'm not a local) in the yellow envelope. The closest bill I had was $10. I asked if he had change, to which he exploded in outrage, "Christ, really?!?! Fine, just put the parking pass on your dash and go on in. Be sure to remember and pay double next time." I felt so guilty and ashamed for going in for free. I tried to enjoy the park, I really tried... but that encounter made it extremely difficult to have fun on the trails after being treated so rudely. All because I asked him to do his job...I am not usually easily disturbed by poor 'customer service'.

Again, this review is NOT to keep people away from First Landing State Park! In fact, just the opposite. Go visit because it is BEAUTIFUL. I did not explore all the trails because I had to get back to watch football. Just don't be surprised if you are treated rudely by this man. To clarify, the entrance I refer to is the 64th...

The best park, walking trails, beach and boat launch of them all. If you are obsessed with boating, dogs, nature, beaches with trees on them, and generally just living the good life, this is the place for you. There's shade. There are little tidal pools and coves to relax in. Lichens hang whimsically from trees over your head as you meander down the dirt trail. There's parking. Sure, you pay to get in; it's a state park and well worth it. Even the winding drive in is beautiful. My blood pressure goes down just thinking of this place....

The "guard" at the gate was inefficient, not helpful and would not stop off the step to reach for the money he was collecting. There were about 2 cars behind me and he was clearly disgusted by the comment he made that he would have to check them in. I was told by other guest at the park that one car accidentally drop their 5 dollar fee and he would not reach down to pick it up stating "oh well" making the person in the car get out...