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31 Ocean

This complex includes the newer upscale 31 Ocean group of restaurants, the Hilton Shoppes, and the established Neptune Park. Located in the heart of Virginia Beach at 31st Street and Atlantic Avenue, this is a great place for dining, shopping, nightlife, and to hit the beach as well. The oceanfront plaza is home to the four-star Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel, which offers two acclaimed restaurants including Catch 21 that also doubles as a popular nightclub, as well as Sky Bar, Virginia Beach's premier rooftop bar. Neighboring Neptune Park is a popular stretch of sand in Virginia Beach with the towering statue of Neptune overlooking the surrounding boardwalk. Live music and summer concert series are a popular outdoor entertainment option during the summer months. More »

Adam Thoroughgood House

Named after an indentured servant who arrived in Virginia in 1621 and who was later granted this parcel of land in 1636, the Adam Thoroughgood House is known as one of the oldest surviving homes from the early colonial period. The house is located about four miles east of Norfolk and is operated by the City of Virginia Beach as a museum. The house was first slated a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and continues to serve as a local landmark with much history. The house dates to about 1680 and is constructed of brick and is an excellent example of 17th-century architecture and design. More »

Association for Research & Enlightenment

The Association for Research & Enlightenment (A.R.E) is an extensive research facility located in Virginia Beach and founded by Edgar Cayce, a well-known expert and explorer of holistic health, spirituality, reincarnation, and many more subjects out of the ordinary. Cayce was a psychic and medical clairvoyant who founded the A.R.E. in 1931 to continue his research. Virginia Beach is now the international headquarters of his not-for-profit organization with regional headquarters in Houston, and centers and members throughout the world. The Virginia Beach headquarters offers visitors a wealth of information and opportunities for those interested. The Library houses an extensive collection of research material on the vast areas of Cayce's studies along with archives, books, and more. The bookstore is a great resource for anyone looking to read up on Cayce's findings and other books on related topics. Beyond the more studious aspects to the center, there is the A.R.E. Health and Rejuvenation Center's Massage and Day Spa where you can sign up for holistic spa services. There is also a massage school, meditation garden, and weekly events and conferences at the multi-faceted and certainly unusual A.R.E. More »

Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum

This small museum is located in Virginia Beach's historic de Witt Cottage right on the ocean. The charming de Witt cottage is one of the oldest structures on the waterfront and was built by Virginia Beach's first mayor. Inside you'll find the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum, which is comprised of exhibits and displays all about the migratory wildfowl of the local area and the Virginia coastline. Here, bird and duck enthusiasts can enjoy art and carvings as well as a display of decoys. The museum is run by the Back Bay Wildfowl Guild who aims to preserve a piece of Virginia Beach history while offering the public a historic and artistic look at the local wildfowl. More »

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is an extensive eco-system located about 15 miles south of Virginia Beach. The over 9,000-acre refuge consists of the Atlantic Ocean coastline and barrier islands with habitats including dunes, beach, woodland, farm fields, and marshes. The large park is home to a variety of plant and animal life including endangered species like the loggerhead sea turtle and bald eagles. Look for thousands of snow geese as they migrate through the Back Bay in December. Outdoor enthusiasts can hit the scenic nature trails while bird watchers can keep a close look out for a variety of bird species. Start your visit to this beautiful wildlife refuge with a stop at the Visitor Contact Station at the end of Sandpiper Road. More »

Brookdale Farm

If you are visiting Virginia Beach in the springtime, this small family farm is a great place to go pick strawberries and other seasonal produce. Located southwest of Virginia Beach, Brookdale Farm opens to the public in the springtime for strawberry season and stays open in the summer with its popular produce stand. Come October, visitors get the opportunity to pick their own pumpkin from the farm's fields. This is a great way to involve the kids with food and farm life. Be sure to call the farm in advance as it is only open seasonally. More »

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel makes for both a unique engineering feat as well as a local attraction. The 20-mile stretch of highway is a massive bridge and tunnel type of infrastructure that connects Virginia's Eastern Shore with the area just north of Virginia Beach. This beautiful stretch of road was born out of the need to conveniently link Southeastern Virginia and the Delmarva Peninsula, which is comprised of Delaware plus the Eastern Shore counties in Maryland and Virginia. A ferry service pre-dated the bridge-tunnel starting in the 1930s. After its opening in 1964, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel was considered one of the Seven Engineering Wonders of the Modern World and has won many prestigious engineering records and awards since. The toll bridge-tunnel spans four traffic lanes for 20 miles and features four man-made islands, each about five acres in size located at each end of the two tunnels. Stop at the southernmost man-made island to get some pier fishing in at the Sea Gull Pier. This 625-foot pier makes for a great place to stop and get out of the car to stroll or enjoy deep-sea fishing as it's located nearly 3.5 miles from the Virginia coast. Enjoy the amazing views of the Atlantic coastline from this magnificent highway, which makes for an easy way to cruise the coastline. More »

Chesapean Outdoors

What better way to enjoy the beauty and nature of the Virginia Beach area than with a kayak tour? Chesapean Outdoors is an eco-tour company specializing in local kayak trips as well as an outdoor specialist center offering rental equipment. The company's specialty tour is the Dolphin Tour where you can hop into an ocean kayak and search for dolphins during their summer migration off the Virginia coast. This popular tour departs daily at 9am in the summer season. For a deeper look at the marshland ecosystems, sign up for a kayak tour of the First Landing State Park where you'll explore the wetlands and encounter a number of interesting creatures from egrets and blue herons to dolphins and rays. This tour allows you to beach your kayak and take a guided nature hike through the forests, all the while learning about the delicate ecosystem and the wildlife of the area. The Sunset Paddle kayak tour takes advantage of the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay and will bring you by local attractions including the historic Cape Henry lighthouses, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, and the marshes of Lynnhaven Inlet. Other seasonal tours are also available including bike tours and surf lessons. More »

Contemporary Art Center of Virginia

The Contemporary Art Center of Virginia Beach is a hub for modern art and features not only an extensive museum, but also a studio school and a variety of public programs. Founded in 1952, this nonprofit institution hosts rotating art exhibitions throughout the year focusing a variety of art styles and mediums from both international and local artists alike. The local community can get involved in the arts at this center through studio art classes as well as through the center's educational outreach programs and outdoor art shows. To bring some art home, stop in at the Museum Shop, which offers pieces from the exclusive collection of local artist Nancy Thomas, jewelry, bags, and more. More »

Courthouse Galleries

This unique art venue offers a number of great galleries situated inside an historic 1846 courthouse building. It's a place where visitors can peruse a wide variety of different types of art under one roof. You'll see everything here from glass blowing to paintings to sculpture, all showcased within exhibits that change throughout the year. Courthouse Galleries also offers great classes and workshops that allow visitors (and budding artists) to learn about different genres and techniques such as stained glass, African American art, or jewelry. They even offer interactive art classes just for kids that are both educational and fun. Check out the Galleries' schedule on their website to see what's going on at the venue when you visit--you might get lucky and be there when they're having an artist demonstration or talk, which is a great way to not only learn about the art but also connect with the artist. More »

Ferry Plantation House

This historic home sits on the shores of the Lynnhaven River and was constructed in 1830. It resembles a typical Federal farm house and has been used for a variety of purposes throughout its lifetime, including home, courthouse, tavern, plantation, and school. The current structure was built using bricks and salvaged materials from the previous Walke Manor that once stood in its spot, but was destroyed by a fire in 1828. Before Walke Manor, Ferry Plantation was the home of two previous Princess Anne courthouses. The house and grounds got their name because they were situated alongside the river where the ferry boat service used to operate, adjacent to the ferry landing where passengers boarded or disembarked from the ferries. Today, visitors can tour the home and marvel at the restored building complete with many of its original features and period furniture. More »

First Landing State Park

This popular park is a favorite playground for locals and visitors alike. It was designed and built in 1930 as a project of the Civilian Conservation Corps, and has now become one of the state's most visited parks. Spread over 2,888 acres, the park offers a wide variety of activities to suit any taste, from hiking to swimming to bicycling. Walkers and joggers will love visiting First Landing, as it contains over 19 miles of trails that wind through the area's stunning landscape of forest, dunes, and water. Be sure to visit the on-site Chesapeake Bay Center, where you'll get a chance to learn about the area's marine ecosystems and the history of First Landing. The park also has plenty of campsites to accommodate those who want to spend a few days exploring the beautiful area, as well as 20 two-bedroom cabins available for rent. More »

Flanagan Farm

This two-acre farm is known as one of the best u-pick berry farms in the Virginia Beach area. The farm has been in operation since 2000, and is run by the Flanagan family who are third generation farmers. The staff at the farm work hard to provide a great family-oriented atmosphere by answering visitor questions, helping in the fields, and ensuring a safe and friendly environment. Although the farm is only two acres in size, the berries grown here are of the highest quality, and are always scrutinized by the Flanagans to make sure they're the sweetest berries around. More »

Francis Land House

This beautifully restored home was constructed around 1805 to 1810 and is now furnished with period furnishings and decor on display for public tours. Docents demonstrate what daily life was like during the 19th century, when the Land family occupied the home. On any given tour, you'll get to see experienced staff members working on chores such as spinning wool into yarn to make clothes, and tending the garden. The well-maintained gardens planted on the grounds surrounding the home are beautiful, and include an herb garden, a pleasure garden, and other specialty plant areas. The home is an interesting place to visit for both adults and children, and is used as an educational field trip location for school groups throughout the year. More »

Hampton Roads Naval Museum

This interesting museum is operated by the United States Navy and is a great place to go to learn about the history of United States marine military operations. There are over 50 different exhibits on display here, covering topics that range from World War I to the modern Navy. One of the highlights of the museum is the battleship Wisconsin, which is on display in the adjacent harbor. Visitors can take tours to explore the decks of the ship and there are volunteer docents on board to answer questions. The museum makes sure to cover close to everything important in the Navy's past 225 years, and especially focuses on events and actions that occurred at or around Hampton Roads. More »

Hell's Point Golf Club

The Hell's Point golf course is sure to offer a challenge to golfers of all abilities. The 18-hole, par-72 course designed by course architect Rees Jones stretches for 6,776 yards over varying terrain that includes water hazards, unique fairway angles, and over 60 different sand traps. It has won various accolades since its inception, including a "One of the Best New Courses" award from Golf Digest when it opened in 1982. The pro shop here is also top-notch, and provides golfers with anything they'd need for a good game, including clubs, golf balls, and every kind of apparel out there--they even have items that can be customized with your unique logo or brand. If you're a golfer, you'll definitely want to try this course when visiting the Virginia Beach area. More »

Jungle Golf

Jungle Golf is the place to go for family-oriented fun. The 18-hole mini golf course offers great jungle-themed holes with plenty of obstacles and themed decor. It is a well-maintained course, complete with turf fairways that are scattered about the trees, grass, and water of the jungle environment. After hitting the links, head to Jungle Golf's inside arcade, where you'll find all kinds of games ranging from pool to pinball to over 40 different video games. There's also a Food Hut here, which is the perfect place to grab a hot dog or pretzel when you're taking a break from the course and arcade. More »

Kayak Nature Tours

If exploring the land and water around Virginia Beach is a goal on your trip, head to Kayak Nature Tours. There are a variety of different tours available to choose from, each exploring a different area of the state, such as First Landing State Park, Knotts Island, Back Bay, and more. Even those that are not familiar with kayaking will love these tours, as the company is happy to give instruction to guests before the tours start. Tours range from 2.5-hour excursions to four-hour (half-day) tours, to eight-hour, all-day trips (all-day trips include a full lunch), so it's easy to customize a tour that fits in with your schedule. Guests also have their choice of kayak--either a single if you want to navigate your own boat, or a double if you're traveling with a friend. More »

Lightship Portsmouth

U.S. lightships first came into use during the 1800s to help guide ships safely to shore. The ships worked like lighthouses (each outfitted with a lighthouse-strength light), except they were movable, which made them a valuable asset to sailors. Usually, a lightship would be anchored off the coast for a few months at a particularly dangerous location, and then moved to a different location if the need arose. The lightship Portsmouth was built in 1915, and was used to help mariners navigate dangerous shores and bays for 48 years after it was put in the water. In 1964, the ship was retired from service, and sent to Portsmouth, where it was converted into a museum. Visitors today can explore the ship, from its decks to its quarters, and take a look at the memorabilia, photos, uniforms, and other historic items that are on display. More »

Lynnhaven House

This small brick home was constructed in 1725 by Francis Thelaball II, a planter who lived in the Virginia Beach area. The home is very rustic and presents a good example of early 18th century Tidewater Virginia architecture. The home's original architecture has been left intact, and the interior has been decked out in early 18th century period furnishings and decor. Today, visitors can take docent-led tours of the home, where they'll learn about the home's architecture, the history of the 1700s, and about various aspects of Colonial lifestyle. More »

Military Aviation Museum

With exhibits that showcase everything from military bomber aircraft to seaplanes and fighters, this museum is sure to awe any visitor. The museum is housed in two gigantic hangars, which allow plenty of room to exhibit dozens of aircraft. You'll find planes such as a Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawk, P-51D Mustang, and Polikarpov I-15bis here, as well as a number of other unique aircraft from the first half of the 20th century. The museum's extensive collection is one of the largest private holdings of World War II and Korean War planes, and all of the items you'll see are in operable condition. They have been restored to their original conditions in the museum's "Fighter Factory", thanks to countless hours of detailed research and work by the mechanics staff. In addition to being on display for the public, many of the aircraft here are also available for demonstrations or movie/television production. More »

Motor World

Families love Motor World for its plethora of entertaining activities that keep kids of all ages involved. Arguably, Motor World's most popular attractions are its go-karts--visitors can choose from over 250 vehicles that come in 16 different styles. There are eleven tracks here--such as the Family Track, Road Racer Track, Kiddie Track, and Adult Speed Track--so it's easy to customize your experience. Motor World also offers a variety of other activities, in case hitting the race tracks gets tiring. Try paintball for a fast-paced game, bumper boats for a refreshing amusement when the weather is warm, or test your putting skills on the 36-hole mini golf course. Motor World is always a buzz of activity, and is a local area family favorite attraction. More »

Mount Trashmore Park

Just as its name sounds, Mount Trashmore is made up of trash--layers of compacted solid waste and clean soil, that is. It is world renowned for its ingenuity in engineering and environmental resourcefulness. The mountain stands at about 60 feet tall and stretches lengthwise for about 800 feet, providing a great center point for Mount Trashmore Park. There are two lakes here, Lake Trashmore and Lake Windsor, which are both popular for fishing. You'll also find other great amenities at the park, including picnic shelters, a walking trail, playgrounds, horseshoe pits, and a huge skatepark. Stop by the park's Water Wise demonstration garden, which provides information and an example of how to landscape using water resources efficiently. More »

Mystery Dinner Playhouse

For a great night of entertainment and dining, head to the Mystery Dinner Playhouse. The theater puts on mystery shows (such as Here's Killing You, Kid and Fashion to Die For), where the audience tries to solve the crime while being served dinner by some of the characters. Along with table service, the characters also provide clues to dinner patrons to help them solve the riddles and puzzles in their clue dossier, and ultimately solve the mystery! The performance is split into five 10-15 minute pieces, giving audience members the chance to organize and catch up on their clue-collecting and dinner eating throughout the evening. At the end of the night, the patron who best figures out the mystery wins a prize, and so does the person who comes up with the most creative answers. More »

Naval Aviation Monument Park

This park is made up of nine bronze sculptures (each over eight feet tall) that represent different eras in naval aviation history, including the beginning of naval aviation, World War II, and modern times (21st century). There is also a "homecoming" sculpture, which depicts a naval officer coming home from duty to his wife and children. Alongside the bronze sculptures, there are also storyboard plaques that tell the story of the art, as well as give historical background about naval aviation. Monument Park began as an idea of Virginia Beach police officer Captain Dennis Free, who wanted to build something that honored the Navy's connection to Virginia Beach and surrounding areas. He and the Association of Naval Aviation joined forces to start raising funds for the project in 1997, and the park was finally opened and dedicated in 2006. More »

Norfolk

Known for its waterfront and large naval base, Norfolk is a great Virginia destination with history, culture, and excitement. It boasts a population of about 243,000 and is one of the oldest cities in the Hampton Roads area of the state. Sitting on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, Norfolk is home to a number of deep-water shipping channels and ports through which a variety of goods are imported and exported across the globe. The city's main claim to fame is its Naval Station Norfolk, which is one of the largest of its kind in the world. It serves as home of over 60,000 U.S. military servicemen and women, 130+ aircraft, and about 75 ships. Visitors will love Norfolk's nautical atmosphere, as well as its variety of unique visitor attractions, including the Norfolk Botanical Garden, Battleship Wisconsin, Chrysler Hall (home of the Virginia Symphony), Nauticus National Maritime Center, and others. More »

Norfolk Botanical Gardens

This stunning garden full of gorgeous vegetation is the perfect place to stroll and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. It encompasses over 155 acres and is planted with one of the East Coast's largest arrays of roses, azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias. The plants are divided into themed sections (about 30 of them), so it's easy to find and explore the areas you really want to see here. There are also about 12 miles of walking trails spread throughout the foliage; visitors can guide themselves through the garden on these trails or choose to sign up for one of the staff-led tram, boat, or walking tours. The kids will even love to visit, as they can spend their time exploring the WOW Children's Garden, which features various attractions such as the World Plaza, Dirt Factory, Plant Safari, and Exploration Station. More »

Ocean Breeze Water Park

This 19-acre water park features a plethora of slides, pools, and other fun water features that will keep the whole family entertained for hours. There are 16 different waterslides to choose from, including favorites such as the Paradise Pipeline enclosed pipe slide, Bahama Mamma speed slide, and Jungle Falls tube slide. Aside from the slides, you can't miss the park's one-million-gallon Runaway Bay wave pool that offers eight different wave patterns and a variety of different wave heights. For the little ones in the group, Ocean Breeze presents a number of more tame options, such as a water playground and a few smaller, shorter slides. The park is located only about two miles from Virginia Beach's waterfront, making it a convenient alternative place to get wet if ocean swimming isn't your thing. More »

Old Cape Henry Lighthouse

Perched over the Atlantic Ocean and entrance to Chesapeake Bay at the northern tip of Virginia Beach, the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse offers a great deal of history as well as amazing views of the sea and Virginia Beach area. The lighthouse itself is located within the Fort Story military base and is only accessible by going through the base. While this lighthouse was built in 1792, the New Cape Henry Lighthouse opened just less than 100 years later right next to the old lighthouse. The new lighthouse is equipped with the modern technology to guide sea traffic while the old lighthouse exists as a museum and a place where visitors can climb to the top to enjoy the panoramic views. The landmark is the oldest government-built lighthouse in the country to ensure safe waters, enabling trade and commerce to continue on the Virginia coast and throughout the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. The structure has seen a number of repairs and renovations from damage inflicted from the Civil War to more recent hurricanes, but the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse remains a local landmark and a great place to visit. More »

Old Coast Guard Station Museum

Featuring photos, memorabilia, and other Coast Guard artifacts, the Old Coast Guard Station Museum is a great place to find information about the organization that guards our oceans and waterways. There are two different galleries here--the lower and the upper. The lower gallery focuses on life saving operations and showcases equipment, histories, and various methodologies that have been utilized over the years. The upper gallery's focus is on Virginia coast shipwrecks and the United States' Atlantic battle in World War II. You can also operate the TowerCam in the upper gallery; it's a camera that scans the coastline so visitors can watch ships that are out navigating the sea. The Museum is housed in an early 1900s-era station that used to house Coast Guard officers, and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. More »

Princess Anne Wildlife Management Area

To see Virginia Beach in its natural state, visit the Princess Anne Wildlife Management Area. There are over 1,546 acres to explore here, covering four different "tracts" (or areas) of land, which include the Beasley, Trojan, Whitehurst, and Pocahontas tracts. They are made up of marshes, wetlands, dunes, woodland, and islands, and each area houses a variety of different animals and plants that call the ecosystems home. These sensitive areas are protected because they encompass vital nesting regions for the many birds and waterfowl that live here. Many people come to the Wildlife Management Area to fish, hunt, hike, and simply enjoy the wilderness. More »

Red Wing Park

This district park is a favorite of families in the Virginia Beach area. The land has been owned by the county since 1879, but the city officially created Red Wing Park in 1966. There are plenty of play spaces here for kids, including playgrounds made for kids of certain ages; there's one especially for kids under the age of six, and another for older kids. Feel free to bring lunches or snacks to this park, as there are great picnic areas scattered about here, and some of them are even covered. Other features of Red Wing include basketball courts, tennis courts, nature trails, horseshoe pits, and beautiful gardens. There's also a nice fenced-off dog park here, so bring along your furry friends and let them run around with the other dogs. More »

Sandler Center for the Performing Arts

This state-of-the-art theater is used as a venue for various performing arts groups, including the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Virginia Beach Chorale, Broadway at the Center, Governor's School for the Arts, and others. The structure was built in 2007 as a much-needed space for local arts groups to rehearse and perform. Although the Center offers seating for 1,300, the building is laid out in a way that it still feels like an intimate theater, and none of the seats are too far from the stage. There's also an outdoor performance plaza here that's used as a pre-show entertainment zone or as a venue for fundraisers and other functions. Musicians, actors, and dancers all love to perform at the Sandler Center because it is one of the premiere event venues in the area, and it features high-class technical specs such as the latest in acoustics and lighting. More »

Seashore to Cypress Birding Trail

This is a great trail for those looking to get a tour of the Virginia Beach area. It's very comprehensive, wrapping around the entire region, and passing through notable attractions like state parks and the city's naval base, and skirting the Chesapeake Bay Bridge area. You'll see a wide variety of wildlife on this trail, including waterbirds that make their homes in the marshlands, whales offshore in the ocean, beautiful flocks of shorebirds, and colorful butterflies. There are 12 different viewing sites here, giving walkers and joggers good options for sightseeing and photo ops. Some of the areas you'll pass through on this trail include Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, First Landing State park, and False Cape State Park, among others. More »

The Artists Gallery

This gallery space was founded over 20 years ago, and functions as an artist cooperative, providing studios for artists to work as well as gallery areas to display the art. It is managed entirely by its members, and functions as a nonprofit, so there are no added fees charged by the gallery if visitors wish to purchase items here. There are usually new shows on display at the gallery that rotate every month, so you're sure to find a unique piece of art during your visit. Most of the time, the artists are also on site, so you can talk to them about their pieces while browsing or before purchasing an item. More »

The Shops at Hilltop

These shops are located near the waterfront, making them a convenient place to go for souvenirs, apparel, sporting goods, and anything else you may need. You'll find such familiar shops here as Birkenstock Footprints and Radio Shack, as well as some local specialty shops, such as Beverly's Fine Fashions and Dan Ryan's for Men. If hunger strikes while browsing the shops, head to one of the Hilltop's many restaurants; Black Bay Pizza Company serves up delicious slices and pies, while Avanti Fine Steak and Seafood is a great place to go for a nice meal. The shops and restaurants here are divided into three different areas--Hilltop West, North, and East, so it's easy to navigate the over 120 outlets that call this area home. More »

Tidewater Veterans Memorial

This moving sculpture is dedicated to the memory of all former veterans and current servicemen and women who have previously or are currently serving in war. The memorial was started when local area military veterans and community members decided to hold a high school contest to come up with a design for the memorial. The students' ideas were put into sculpture form by a group of artists and designers, and the Tidewater Veterans Memorial was officially dedicated in 1988. The sculpture itself is abstract and features white shapes formed in different patterns, with a waterfall in the center. There is also a group of flags posted north of the sculpture--the American flag, Commonwealth of Virginia flag, five military services flags, and a Tidewater Veterans flag. More »

Virginia Air and Space Center

The kids will have a blast here exploring the numerous hands-on exhibits that focus on the history of flight, aircraft, and more. It is the official visitor center for the NASA Langley Research Center, so you're sure to collect a lot of great information here. First, head to the interactive aviation gallery for a lesson in air travel's 100 years of history. Then, explore the rest of the center's exhibits and displays to delve even deeper into the details of flight. You'll get to participate in entertaining activities such as launching a rocket, wearing a pair of wings, and becoming an air traffic controller. You'll also get to see various aircraft that once were in operation, including the Apollo 12 Command Module and numerous historic planes such as an F-4E Phantom II and a Piper J-3 Club. Finally, don't forget to stop by the IMAX theater to catch an exhilarating film on the huge screen. More »

Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center

This is the state's largest aquarium, and an area attraction that's not to be missed. It features two buildings and over 700,000 gallons of aquariums that are home to a beautiful array of fish and other sea creatures. When visiting the aquarium, you'll see such amazing animals as sea lions, sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and more. Some of the animals here are displayed in the touch tanks and "Curiosity Carts", so visitors will get the chance to roll up their sleeves and interact with them. The aquarium's two buildings are the March Pavilion and the Bay & Ocean Pavilion--each boasts its own interactive exhibits and displays that are both educational and fun. There's even a 1/3-mile nature trail that connects the two buildings and provides a place to wander, feel the fresh ocean air, and check out the site's salt marshes and woodlands. The kids will love climbing the 30-foot outdoor observation tower and looking around at the surrounding wetlands and creeks. There is a lot to see and do at the aquarium, so be sure to plan enough time in your itinerary to explore the whole facility. More »

Virginia Beach & Boardwalk

With over 35 miles of coastline, Virginia Beach is a great venue for those who want to lounge on the sand, build a castle, or swim in the waters of the Atlantic. Popular visitor beaches are located along the length of the boardwalk, from the North End beaches to Croatan beach in the south. The sand here is soft and well-maintained, and the beaches are clean and enjoyable in general. There are even lifeguards on duty from mid-May through mid-September to ensure a safe outing for all. Stroll along the 28-foot wide, three-mile boardwalk that edges the beaches to find souvenir shops, concession stands, and resort hotels. There are also plenty of places along the boardwalk to rent bicycles or rollerblades, if exploring on wheels is more your style. More »

Virginia Beach Amusement Park

Virginia Beach Amusement Park is located in the heart of Virginia Beach's resort area on Atlantic Avenue, just one block from the beach. The park is very popular with families and is the only amusement park in Virginia Beach and within the Hampton Roads area. It makes for a great entertainment option when you're not spending the day at the beach. The park offers a good variety of games and rides for the whole family; the thrill-seekers in the group especially won't want to miss the Skyscraper ride, which spins you through the air with a G-force of 4. Other fun rides include the Hurricane, the Music Express roller coaster music ride, and the upside-down Inverter ride. More tame rides include a giant trampoline, a train ride, and a water flume ride. The park also offers carnival-style games where you can win prizes. More »

Virginia Beach Farmers Market

For the freshest in produce and unique crafts, head to the Virginia Beach Farmers Market. It is designed in an open-air market concept, with both temporary vendors as well as more permanent shops such as a dairy store, butcher shop, baker, and organic grocer. Be sure to check out the market's website before you visit to find out what special events are happening during your visit, as they regularly put on educational functions such as a Spring Craft Show, Family Fun Day, and Watermelon Festival. You'll also be treated to live bluegrass or country music at the Friday Night Hoedown if you visit on Friday evenings from May through October--be sure to bring your own blanket or chair to spread out on the lawn. More »

Virginia Beach Fishing Pier

The Virginia Beach Fishing Pier is a great place for anyone interested in fishing, including all ages and all levels of expertise. The pier itself is located at 15th Street on the oceanfront and is only open from April through October. You can catch a wide array of fish here including spot, kingfish, trout, bluefish, red drum, king mackerel, and many more. It is a great place for fishing because you won't need a fishing license, which makes it very popular with visitors. Those not fishing will still enjoy a nice stroll along the pier to take in the surrounding views of the Atlantic Ocean and the oceanfront of Virginia Beach. More »

Virginia Beach National Golf Club

As one of the premier public golf courses in the area, the Virginia Beach National course was designed by legendary course designer Pete Dye and opened in 1999. It is located southwest of the resort area and offers a superb golf experience. The par 72 course offers players the choice of five sets of tees, enabling both pros and beginners a chance to play the rolling hills of this beautiful coastal landscape. More »

Virginia Beach Rock Gym

If you need a rainy-day activity in between hitting the beach, try the Virginia Beach Rock Gym. Located west about midway between Norfolk and the Virginia Beach resort area, the gym makes for a convenient rock climbing getaway. The facilities feature a 32-foot main wall with a variety of textures and routes that are designed to resemble challenges of outdoor climbing on real rocks. Beginners will appreciate the rappel tower where they can master safe rappelling techniques before attempting the main wall. Individual boulder areas serve as a great place to practice climbing techniques and endurance without ropes and harnesses. The gym offers a kid's area for children, a pro-shop for gear essentials, and a skilled staff for lessons and guidance. More »

Virginia Legends Walk

The Virginia Legends Walk introduces visitors to some of the state's most famous residents, from former president Thomas Jefferson to news anchor Katie Couric. The garden-type area officially opened to the public in 1999, and was a popular attraction from the start—ambassadors (family members, friends, etc.) of some of its inductees even attended the opening ceremony, including representatives for Edgar Allen Poe, Arthur Ashe, Ella Fitzgerald, and others. The Legends Walk also works with schools to educate Virginia students about their state's rich heritage. They create baseball-like cards with images and information about the personalities featured at the Walk, and distribute them to classes that are studying Virginia history. Visitors of the Walk love to come here to take a stroll through the pathways and learn about all of the fascinating people that have called Virginia home over the years. More »

Virginia Zoo

With over 400 animals on display, the Virginia Zoo is a great place to get up-close to some of the world's most exotic animals. The zoo is located west of Virginia Beach in Norfolk, and while it's a bit far from the beach, it's worth the trip and is a fun activity for the entire family. The largest expansion at the zoo includes the African exhibits where you'll see Siberian tigers, African elephants, Masai giraffe, white rhino, and more. There's also a number of gardens on display here, from the Butterfly Garden to the Virginia Barnyard Garden--each of which of which comprise the zoo's extensive horticulture collection. Spend a day at this beautifully landscaped zoo where you can meet a number of animals from around the world, all in one park. More »