Located in nearby Chesapeake, the Virginia Zoo is an excellent way to experience some of the world's most amazing creatures without having to travel too far. This award-winning facility presents these fascinating creatures in their natural habitats that only add to the authenticity of your visit. Among the zoo's most popular residents are the monkeys, the elephants, the alligators and the many colorful birds to be found in the aviary. Special presentations, school trips and seasonal events make the Virginia Zoo a great place to visit year round.
Given the fact that Portsmouth is situated right on Virginia's coastline, it is little wonder that the city has been a key site in the history and development of the shipping industry. Learn about it all when you visit the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum. You will get the chance to see various exhibits that highlight the many aspects of naval and nautical history, plus see memorabilia that dates back to this centuries-old Southern port. The museum is a piece of history itself, as it was established in 1949 within the confines of the nation's oldest shipyard.