



Cape Henry Memorial Part of Colonial National Historical Park
Virginia
English colonists first landed here in April 1607, erected a wooden cross and gave thanks for a successful crossing to a new land. In 1781, Americans could watch from these same sand dunes the largest naval battle of the Revolutionary War. Our French Allies defeated a British fleet just off this shore to set the stage for General George Washington's victory at Yorktown.
About Cape Henry Memorial Part of Colonial National Historical Park
Cape Henry Memorial Part of Colonial National Historical Park is a part of colonial national historical park located in Virginia. Spring: Temperatures usually range from 40 F to 80 F. Rain is common. Summer: Temperatures usually range from 80 F to 100 F. Rain and sun are equally common. On very sunny days, be prepared with plenty of water . Fall: Temperatures usually range from 40 F to 70 F. Winter: Temperatures range from 40 F to 20 F. Be prepared with cold weather gear and numerous layers if you intend to be outside.
Located on the south side of the Chesapeake Bay, Cape Henry Memorial sits within the Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. From Interstate 64 E take exit 282 to merge onto US-13N/Northhampton Boulevard towards the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Then take US-60 E/Shore Drive exit toward Beaches, this is the last exit before the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Follow Shore Drive and turn left onto Atlantic Ave and proceed to Gate 8. Follow Atlantic Ave to Cape Henry Memorial.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Cape Henry Memorial is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
Cape Henry Memorial Part of Colonial National Historical Park offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Cape Henry Memorial
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Cape Henry Memorial
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Cape Henry Memorial before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Verify Conditions: Weather and trail accessibility inside Cape Henry Memorial can change rapidly. Always verify the latest road conditions and local weather advisories before starting your trek.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Cape Henry Memorial. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
English colonists first landed here in April 1607, erected a wooden cross and gave thanks for a successful crossing to a new land. In 1781, Americans could watch from these same sand dunes the largest naval battle of the Revolutionary War. Our French Allies defeated a British fleet just off this shore to set the stage for General George Washington's victory at Yorktown.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cape Henry Memorial
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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