First Landing State Park

First Landing Beach

First Landing State Park, named for its location as the first landing site of English colonists in 1607. is a 1.5+ hour drive from Richmond (and only 30 minutes from Virginia Beach), pending the state of summer beach traffic. It was Saturday morning, and I hit the road without considering beach goers, which added an extra hour or so to the drive. Beware, summer traveler!

According to the state park website, it’s the most popular state park in Virginia. Entry to the park grounds is $10 without a Virginia state park pass, which rests just beyond a sea of beach houses and condo rentals. The park hosts a multitude of amenities including picnic areas, campgrounds, cabins, yurts, and 20 miles of trails. However, I had only one purpose for being there – the dog-friendly beach – and this did not disappoint.

Parking on the opposite side of the beach access area granted quick and easy parking (the lot was mostly empty), and a brief stroll along a wooded hiking path (the “oak trail” marked in purple) led me to the beachfront. Parking on this side was much more crowded. Here, were additional facilities, including a store and restrooms.

The beach was moderately crowded, as it was the beginning of June and school had just been released for summer break. However, I didn’t have to walk far to find a spot with plenty of space between other groups with their dogs. Steve kept guard, scrutinizing sandy, bikini-clad walkers with their dogs as they passed. He eventually settled down in the sand. His favorite part was walking next to the surf – he’s so full of curiosity. I got a little reading done, but it was a particularly windy day, so I only stayed about an hour, ready to find a place more sheltered from the increasing bluster. I will come back to visit. However, I will choose my drive timing more wisely.

15 minutes later, I arrived at Commonwealth Brewing Company…

Commonwealth Brewing Company

On a windy and overcast day when the beach wasn’t the most comfortable place to relax, Commonwealth Brewing Company was the right place to stop before heading home. The beach isn’t far – I could smell the salty air on each passing breeze. Parking in the lot is limited, and this is a popular place to linger for a time, but you can wait for a spot or find a location on a side street to leave your car in the quiet surrounding neighborhood.

There was ample picnic table seating, some shared awkwardly with perfectly nice strangers. Elegantly painted murals splashed across multiple walls, adding to the ambience. The wind was much less violent here. I listened absently to muted neighboring conversations and group gatherings around wooden picnic tables, reading quietly and awaiting a mouthwatering pizza delivery.

As for the menu, woodfire pizzas and appetizers are easily purchased through a scanned QR code. However, beers must be ordered inside.

I ordered the Verde pizza, which cost $16 – reasonable for something that I’d take home and eat for the next couple of nights. Toppings included: Basil Pesto, Fresh Mozzarella, Shaved Brussels Sprouts, Roasted Garlic, & Drizzled Balsamic Reduction. The woodfire pizza was thin and floppy, dripping with olive oil, as an italian-style pizza should be. Reheating it would be a dream for leftovers!

Steve was exhausted at the end of our trip. He endured a long car ride, an active dog-filled beach, and my indulgences of pizza and beer. He conked out on the drive home, and I couldn’t help snapping a photo of him. He’s a trooper of a travel companion.

Want to visit? Learn more here:
First Landing State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/first-landing
Commonwealth Brewing Company: https://commonwealthbrewingcompany.com/