Cape Henry Memorial

Cape Henry Memorial is tiny, but it has a huge history. It’s the site of the First Landing, where early Jamestown settlers landed in 1607. Though you’re not colonizing the New World, you can still explore the same sand dunes.

After you check out the memorial itself, take the path up to the dunes. From here, there’s a killer view out to the Chesapeake Bay entry. In 1781, settlers stood in this very spot to watch ships battling it out.

Cape Henry Memorial is part of Colonial National Historical Park—a history buff’s dream. In Historic Jamestowne, walk in the footsteps of Captain John Smith and Pocahontas. Bring your camera for Yule dancing and the shooting of the Christmas guns in December. Feeling like a road trip? The 23-mile Colonial Parkway takes you through Virginia’s undeveloped beauty. Pack your tackle box, and take a break to fish in the James or York Rivers. If you love a challenge, you can also bike the parkway.

A great place to end your trip is the Yorktown Battlefield. It’s where George Washington defeated the British and America became...well, America. Kids can learn about a soldier's life in the Young Soldiers Program. For adults, the Siege Line Walking Tours give a chilling look at a town under siege.

You'll find plenty of camping near Cape Henry and the larger park. It's mostly developed, so you can camp comfortably in a tent or RV.