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The Beach Life - History & Museums

Summer History Tours



Make your getaway a historic one with a Summer History Tour of Virginia Beach. Walk in bravery’s footsteps with early American settlers, climb aboard memorable maritime traditions or reach new heights by soaring through aviation’s history. There’s plenty to explore and something for everyone.

Whether you want to beat the heat or make the most of a rainy day, your Virginia Beach vacation wouldn’t be complete without a side-trip to the past.

Delve into maritime traditions at the Old Coast Guard Station or set your course for one of our two historic Virginia Beach lighthouses. You can even see the display of modern US Naval air power at Oceana Naval Air Station or choose to soar through aviation history the Military Aviation Museum.

Summer History Tours of Virginia Beach makes it easy to visit the time period of your choice with our luxury coaches and convenient 24th Street ticketing kiosk & departure point…at prices that are reminiscent of days gone by.

Our tour schedule will allow you to experience whichever historical adventure you choose…without missing too much fun in the sun. So brush off the sand and give your swimsuit a rest while you explore all we have to offer beyond surf and sand.

The beach will be here when you get back. We promise.
 
 

The Historic Villages At Cape Henry

1. Summer History Tour

Travel back in time to America’s beginnings…without leaving Virginia Beach! This full-day tour will start with a visit to two of the four historic homes listed below. Following the historic homes tour you will visit the Historic Villages of Cape Henry*, where docent lead tours will take you through an authentic Native American Indian village and a replica outpost used by the settlers who went on to found Jamestown. You’ll see the First Landing Cross* and both lighthouses before heading back to the 24th Street kiosk. *Riders 16 and older need a photo ID to see the Villages at Cape Henry and the First Landing Cross.

Virginia Beach Historic Homes

Francis Land House – Built around 1804, this Georgian styled house was home to six generations of the Francis Land family. The grounds include a period vegetable and “pleasure” garden.

Lynnhaven House – Built around 1725, Lynnhaven House is an example of period architecture and features 18th century decorative arts. It is located on a finger of land near the Lynnhaven River and was built on part of a 250-acre plantation.

Ferry Plantation House – Built in 1830, this Federal style house has three stories and functioned as a plantation, courthouse, tavern and school.

Adam Thoroughgood House – Thought to be built around 1719, this is one of the oldest houses from the early colonial period and provides insight into the lifestyle of local gentry.

A guide will provide narrative between stops and a visit to the Old Coast Guard Station will round out the day. **The coach tour will visit the Francis Land House on Wednesday and the Ferry Plantation House on Thursday and will also visit either the Lynnhaven House or the Adam Thoroughgood House.

Tour Days: Wednesdays and Thursdays, from June 24th - September 3rd
Departure Time: 10:00am
Ticket Prices:
Adults – $10
Children – $7
Children under 3 are free.

Tours depart from and return to the 24th Street Kiosk at 24th & Pacific.
Tickets are available daily at the 24th Street Kiosk.

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Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana Tour

NAS Oceana

Enjoy a memorable, close-up tour of the US Navy's Master Jet Base, NAS Oceana, home to almost 300 F/A 18 Hornet and Super Hornet strikefighter jets. Watch the awesome power of our military as these jets streak across the sky! And while on the NAS Oceana bases tour, you'll also have the unique opportunity to tour the Aviation Historical Park and see the jets that have been proud to call NAS Oceana their home base for more than 60 years. Get up-close and see the Tomcats, Panthers, Banshees and more… the aircraft that helped make US Naval aviation history!

*Photo id's required for all passengers over age 16. No backpacks allowed.

Tour Days: Monday – Friday, from June 14th - September 4th

Tours departs from and return to the 24th Street Kiosk at 24th & Pacific.
Tickets are available daily at the 24th Street Kiosk.

Departure Time: 10:30am (returns at 1pm)

Ticket Prices:
Adults – $12
Seniors (60+) – $10
Children (3 to 11) – $10
Children under 3 are free.

Option: Lunch at The Officer's Club: $8.50

Military Aviation Museum Tour

Military Aviation Museum

See the “warbirds” that our WWII vets fought and flew! The Military Aviation Museum hosts one of the largest private collections of WWII and Korean War era military aircraft in the world. The Military Aviation Museum is also home to the Fighter Factory, where historical aircraft are restored and preserved for future generations. This amazing collection of fighters, bombers, trainers and seaplanes is not to be missed and the gift shop is full of unique souvenirs and collectibles, perfect for aviation enthusiasts.

Departures:
24th street: Monday – Friday. Departs at 1:30pm (returns at 5:30pm)
TravelPark: Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Departs at 2:00pm (returns at 5:00pm)
KOA Campground: Tuesday, Thursday. Departs at 2:00pm (returns at 5:00pm)

Days: Monday – Friday
Departure Times: Daily at 10:15am, 12:15pm and 2:15pm
Tour departs from the 24th Street Kiosk at 24th & Pacific.
Tickets are available daily at the 24th Street Kiosk.
 
--> Ticket Prices: The bus ride is free and there is an admission charge for the museum Adults – $15, Children $7.50.