Say goodbye to the boring weekends and routine birthday parties. Think outside the box and dare to try something new. Take a look at what your city has to offer – all within driving distance of your location. You might be surprised!
(757) 301-7329
4005 Sandpiper RdVirginia Beach, VA 23451 Directions Website
Seeing some of the area's wildlife in a controlled environment like a zoo or aquarium is one thing, but experiencing them in their natural habitat is something that is truly special. That unique opportunity is what awaits you when you visit the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. This natural attraction boasts a staggering 7,700 acres of beach woodland marsh that features such visually captivating creatures as loggerhead turtles, red foxes, marsh hawks, migratory birds, snow geese, and American Bald Eagles. Plus, you can also enjoy hiking, biking and camping here as well.
(757) 422-9421
583 Atlantic AveFort Story, VA 23459 Directions Website
History and nature come together in a truly memorable way at the Cape Henry Lighthouse. This lighthouse, established in 1791, has the distinction of being one of the country's oldest government-built lighthouses. The historic attraction played a key role in the commercial development of the area as well as a dramatically historic one–it is located near where the English settlers arrived in 1607. Even though it sustained damage during the Civil War, it was restored and promises a truly breathtaking view when you ascend to its top lookout point. Tours are available. The lighthouse is open all year except from December 1st to January 5.
(757) 393-5258
221 High StPortsmouth, VA 23704 Directions Website
So many times, kids are used to hearing commands to keep their hands off of things and not to touch various items. That is the complete opposite of what they will hear when they step into the Children's Museum of Virginia. Touching, holding and interacting with the various attractions and exhibits is highly encouraged by everyone. Kids can get up close and learn about such fascinating subjects as ocean science, technology, and other various science-related subjects. During your visit, don't forget to stop by the excellent gift shop that features t-shirts, souvenirs and more.
(757) 412-2300
2500 Shore DrVirginia Beach, VA 23451 Directions Website
Without a doubt, the First Landing/Seashore State Park is Virginia Beach's crown jewel attraction. This National Natural Landmark draws more than a million visitors a year, and with good reason. As the state's most popular state park, the area features facilities for such fun activities as hiking, biking, camping, fishing, boating, crabbing and swimming. The facilities for camping are top notch as they include a camp store and laundry facilities. The park was established in the 1930s, and also is noted for being the northernmost point at which temperate and subtropical plants coexist. The park also features handicap accessibility and offer cabin rentals.
(757) 460-1688
4409 Wishart RdVirginia Beach, VA 23455 Directions Website
It is not often that you get to see a relatively untouched piece of the past. Fortunately, that is what you will get to experience when you tour the Lynnhaven House in Virginia Beach. The structure features nearly 90% of its original structure, and this colonial home built in 1725 stands as one of the country's best-preserved 18th-century buildings. Listed on the National Register of Historic Houses, this one-and-a-half story home is situated in an equally historic setting that features a garden and a Revolutionary War family cemetery. The guided tour will offer you the chance to learn even more about colonial family life as well as specific information about the home. There is also a gift shop on the property that is worth visiting before you conclude your visit.
(757) 422-6419
700 S Birdneck RdVirginia Beach, VA 23451 Directions Website
Rev it up for a good time with the family when you make Virginia Beach's Motor World part of your plans. This is most definitely your attraction for racing, as this go-kart raceway and fun center features 11 race tracks as well as a staggering 250 karts from which to choose. Of course, safety is the top priority, but so is having a lot of memorable motorized fun. The park also features a plentiful concession stand and an area where mom and dad can relax while the kids go karting around the track!
(757) 473-5237
310 Edwin DrVirginia Beach, VA 23462 Directions Website
Spending a day in the great outdoors of Virginia Beach wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Mount Trashmore Park. Amazingly, this popular park was once a landfill, but since its reconstruction, it now features 165 acres of children's playgrounds and recreational facilities. One of the more popular features is a state-of-the-art skateboard park, but there are also more conventional amenities available like basketball and volleyball courts, two lakes, picnic facilities and trails. Plus, the park is the site of various special events, concerts, and attractions throughout the year.
(757) 422-1587
24th Street and BoardwalkVirginia Beach, VA 23451 Directions Website
Virginia Beach's Old Coast Guard Station has an interesting past. It was founded as a Life Saving Station in 1903 and then became a Coast Guard Station from 1915 until 1969. The structure sat idle for ten years and faced demolition but was rescued by financial backers who then turned it into the historic facility that it is today. This fascinating maritime museum not only chronicles its own history with various presentations about the Coast Guard, but it also offers many interactive exhibits and attractions that detail the mission of the brave men and women whose job it was to protect, serve and search and rescue those in distress.
(757) 385-3474
717 General Booth BlvdVirginia Beach, VA 23451 Directions Website
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center offers visitors not only a chance to get familiar with some of the ocean's most amazing creatures, but to also get closer to them. In addition to offering various seasonal whale and dolphin watching tours, the facility also provides something even more unique. When the aquarium's researchers bring back the assorted haul of various fish and invertebrates from their latest deep sea collection trips, you can be there to see what unusual creatures they have brought back for further study. There is also an opportunity to take a pontoon trip around the Owls Creek Salt Marsh.
(757) 463-4500
484 Viking DrVirginia Beach, VA 23452 Directions Website
Get a totally different perspective of some of Virginia's most notable natives when you experience the Virginia Legends Walk. This unique walkway commemorates the work of some of the most influential Virginians like Ella Fitzgerald, Patsy Cline, Edgar Allan Poe, Douglas MacArthur, Robert E. Lee, and Arthur Ashe, just to name a few. It was inaugurated in 1999 and new names are regularly added to this fitting and entertaining tribute.
