First Landing State Park – Haunted Coastal Park in Virginia Beach, Virginia

First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is a place of both historical significance and eerie supernatural encounters. The park marks the spot where English settlers first arrived in 1607, but its past is also filled with shipwrecks, pirate lore, and mysterious disappearances. Visitors frequently report shadowy figures, disembodied voices, and ghostly lights, making it one of Virginia’s most haunted outdoor locations.

Historical Background

• Year Established: 1933 (as a state park)
• Original Purpose: Preserved coastal land marking the first landing of English settlers
• Significant Events:
  • The Jamestown settlers first landed here in 1607 before moving inland.
  • Legends say that Blackbeard and other pirates hid treasure along the coast, leading to ghostly sightings.
  • The area was the site of countless shipwrecks, with many sailors perishing in the treacherous waters.
  • Over the years, hikers and campers have reported vanishing figures and eerie lights moving through the forest.

Paranormal Activity Summary

First Landing State Park is known for eerie and unexplained phenomena, including:

• Disembodied whispers and footsteps heard along the trails at night.
• Shadowy figures spotted moving between the trees.
• Unexplained flickering lights, believed to be spirits of lost sailors or pirate lanterns.
• Sudden cold spots and gusts of wind, even on warm, still nights.
• Mysterious laughter and cries, as if unseen figures are calling out.
• Electronics malfunctioning, particularly near the shoreline.

Ghost Stories & Reports

The Ghostly Settlers

Some visitors claim to see figures dressed in 17th-century clothing, appearing briefly before fading into the mist. These spirits are believed to be lost members of the first English landing party, still wandering the shores.

The Haunted Dunes

Hikers report seeing phantom lights flickering along the dunes at night, sometimes described as lanterns carried by long-dead explorers or shipwreck victims searching for help.

Blackbeard’s Curse

Local legends suggest that pirates once buried treasure in the park, and the spirits of those who protected it still linger. Some campers claim to have heard low voices speaking in an old dialect, warning them to leave the area.

The Phantom Canoe

Kayakers on the waterways have reported seeing a ghostly canoe gliding silently across the water, only for it to vanish when they approach. Some believe it is a spectral remnant of Native American tribes who once lived along these shores.

Most Haunted Spot Inside

The Cape Henry Trail is said to be the most haunted area. Hikers frequently report feeling watched, hearing footsteps behind them, and seeing shadowy figures darting through the woods.

Can You Visit?

• Open to the Public? Yes
• Entry Fee: Small parking fee
• Tour Availability: No official ghost tours, but self-guided exploration is allowed
• Photography Allowed? Yes
• Visiting Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset

Best Time to Visit

Paranormal encounters are most frequently reported at dusk and during foggy evenings, especially in the fall and winter months.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

While First Landing State Park has not been formally investigated as often as other haunted locations, visitors have captured:

• EVPs of faint whispers and footsteps.
• Orbs and light anomalies in nighttime photographs.
• Thermal imaging showing figures in empty areas.

Safety Warnings & Legal Restrictions

• Stay on marked trails—some areas are fragile and protected.
• No camping in unauthorized areas; strange activity is often reported near off-limits zones.
• Some visitors experience a sudden sense of dread or unease, especially near the water at night.

With its rich history, pirate lore, and ghostly encounters, First Landing State Park remains one of Virginia’s most intriguing haunted locations. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or searching for spirits, the park’s supernatural energy is undeniable.