Virginia Beach :: Things To Do

A.R.E. Health Center & Spa

A.R.E. Health Center & Spa, the ground level of the historic Edgar Cayce Hospital building at Atlantic Avenue & 67^th St, is Virginia’s holistic health leader. Clients from around the world come for half-day or express spa packages, the signature Cayce/Reilly® massage, colon hydrotherapy, cedar cabinet steams, Cayce wellness techniques, and much more in the restful atmosphere of this Virginia Beach Oceanfront landmark.

Area: Resort Area

A.R.E. Health Center & Spa
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Phone:
(757) 437 - 7202

• Handicap Accessible

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

Adam Thoroughgood House

Nestled near the bank of the Lynnhaven River, the Thoroughgood House was built circa 1680 and is one of the oldest brick homes in America. Its spectacular collection of late 17th- and early 18th-century English furniture and newly-restored gardens offer visitors a view of the lifestyle of a wealthy Virginia colonist. Costumed historical interpreters conduct guided tours of the structure and the surrounding grounds.
Museum closed for renovations until March 31, 2010.

Area: Bayside

1636 Parish Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Phone:
(757) 460 - 7588

• Admission Fee

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

Association for Research & Enlightenment

Begin your journey to personal empowerment and healing at all levels–body, mind, and spirit. Explore the work of Edgar Cayce, one of the most documented psychics of all time and the father of holistic medicine. Founded in 1931 to research and explore trans-personal subjects such as holistic health, ancient mysteries, spirituality, dreams, intuition, and more.

In addition to study groups and local activities, A.R.E. offers membership benefits and services, a quarterly body-mind-spirit member magazine, a member newsletter covering topics including ancient mysteries, personal spirituality, and holistic health, publications, conferences, international tours, a massage school curriculum, a retreat-type camp for children and adults, an impressive volunteer network, and A.R.E. contacts across the globe.

Area: Resort Area

215 67th Street at Atlantic Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Phone:
(757) 428 - 3588
(800) 333 - 4499

• Admission Fee
• Handicap Accessible

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum

The Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum is located in a historically registered and last remaining Virginia Beach Boardwalk cottage, de Witt Cottage, which was built in 1895. The theme of the museum is two-fold: First, the preservation, promotion, perpetuation and exhibition of wildfowl artifacts and contemporary wildfowl art forms. Secondly, provide an accurate representation of the early history of Virginia Beach captured through pictures, oral reports, and the physical presence of the de Witt Cottage admist the oceanfront. Free Admission.

Area: Resort Area

1113 Atlantic Avenue
Virginina Beach, VA 23451

Phone:
(757) 437 - 8432

• Admission Fee
• Kid / Family Friendly
• Handicap Accessible

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

Battle off the Capes Monument

In 1781, during the Revolutionary War, a French fleet of 24 ships stood off an attack by 19 British ships. The victory ensured the capture of General Cornwallis and 7,500 troops at Yorktown.

Area: Resort Area

Fort Story
Virginia Beach, VA 23459

Phone:
(757) 422 - 9421

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

Cape Henry Lighthouse

Today, the old Cape Henry Lighthouse silently guards the entry way into the Chesapeake Bay. The Cape Henry Lighthouse is the first lighthouse structure authorized, fully completed, and lighted by the federal government. It is an octagonal stone structure and the first of three lighthouses to be built by John McComb, Jr. The tower was completed in October, 1792, and it was lighted in that same month. Gift shop open during regular hours. Parking is free. Adults 18 years and older must present photo identification at Fort Story Main Gate.
Hours: March 16-October 31 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. November 1-March 15 10 a.m. -4 p.m.

Area: Resort Area

Fort Story
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Phone:
(757) 422 - 9421

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

Contemporary Art Center of Virginia

The Contemporary Art Center of Virginia is a nonprofit, non-collecting institution founded in 1952 to foster awareness, exploration and understanding of the significant art of our time. Regularly changing exhibitions feature painting, sculpture, photography, glass, video and other visual media from internationally acclaimed artists as well as artists of national and regional renown. By balancing its four primary activities--gallery exhibitions, studio art classes, educational outreach programs and outdoor art shows--the Contemporary Art Center of Virginia seeks to involve a diverse regional public in the rich and active language of contemporary visual art. GALLERY HOURS: Tuesday-Friday: 10am-5pm, Saturday: 10am-4pm, Sunday: noon-4pm, Monday: closed. Certified &quotVirginia Green."

Area: Resort Area

2200 Parks Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Phone:
(757) 425 - 0000

• Admission Fee

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

Courthouse Galleries

The Courthouse Galleries, housed in the 1846 Courthouse, is devoted to offering quality educational, cultural and aesthetic experiences in the arts through rotating visual art exhibits, lectures, classes and performances. SUMMER HOURS: Memorial Day to Labor Day, Monday - Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. WINTER HOURS: Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Closed Mondays except observed holidays.

Area: Beyond The Beach

Corner of High and Court Streets
Portsmouth, VA 23704

Phone:
(757) 393 - 8543

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

de Witt Cottage

The Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum, located in the de Witt Cottage was built in 1895. Today, inside the Museum, the visitor can view examples of the evolution of the art of decoy carving using primitive tools to the more elaborate and expressive contemporary carvings and artwork of today. Memorabilia of the old hunt clubs adorns shelving throughout the Museum. The Museum has two interactive computer exhibits which provide educational and artistic programs. The Museum houses an excellent variety of original oil and watercolor paintings, along with its award-winning contemporary carvings by nationally known artists.
Hours: Memorial Day Weekend-Labor Day Weekend Monday-Saturday 10a.m.-5p.m. Sunday Noon-5p.m. Labor Day Weekend to Memorial Day Weekend Tuesday-Saturday 10a.m.-5p.m. Sunday Noon-5p.m. Closed Monday

Area: Resort Area

1113 Atlantic Avenue
Virginina Beach, VA 23451

Phone:
(757) 437 - 8432

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

Ferry Plantation House

The Ferry Plantation dates back to 1642 when the "ferry" service was started by Adam Thoroughgood to connect plantations by the waterway. The 3rd Princess Anne Courthousebuilt in 1735 including stock and pillory once stood on this site. The House that is visited today replaced the Walke Manor house that was built in 1740 and was later destroyed by fire. Ferry's dig site exposes the original brick floor. The good bricks salvaged from the ruins were used to build this 1830 dwelling. It is a ten room, central passage plan Federal farm house facing the Western Branch of the Lynnhaven River. Near this site was the famous trial of Virginia's only convicted witch, Grace Sherwood. Grace was tried by water in 1706. This property has a very rich past.
Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 10 a.m. -4p.m. (Last tour starts at 3:30 p.m.)

Area: Little Neck

4130 Cheswick Lane
Virginia Beach, VA

Phone:
(757) 473 - 5182

• Admission Fee

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

First Landing Cross

Upon touching the shore of the New World on April 26, 1607 (13 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock) the first permanent English settlers from the London Company set up a cross on the newly named Cape Henry shore in gratitude to God and to affirm England's claim to the site. These settlers later traveled up the James River to Jamestown. Each year a pilgrimage is organized by the Order of Cape Henry to celebrate this milestone. The present-day granite cross was erected in 1935 and is a national landmark.

Area: Chesapeake Bay

Fort Story
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Phone:

• Kid / Family Friendly
• Handicap Accessible

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

Francis Land House Historic Site

The Francis Land House is a 200 year old plantation home that is open for guided tours and special events/programs. The house features period rooms furnished with antiques and reproductions that are representative of the gentry class lifestyle of the 18th and early 19th centuries. The site features herb, formal, and vegetable gardens. The Francis Land History Park includes a constructed trail in a wooded wetland with interpretive sign exhibits. Museum shop open during regular hours. Parking on site is free.
Hours: Saturday- 9 am - 5 pm; Sunday- Noon - 5 pm. Last tour at 4:30 pm.

Area: Lynnhaven

3131 Virginia Beach Boulevard
Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Phone:
(757) 431 - 4000

• Admission Fee

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

Fresnel Lens

Having begun service in 1896 as part of the Hog Island Light off the Great Machipongo Inlet on the Eastern Shore, today this first order Fresnel lens is valued between $750,000 and $1 million. It stands about 10 feet high, weighs 2,500 pounds and is among the largest and brightest of its kind, with more than 250 prisms of optical glass. Housed in a 16-foot-wide pavilion, this lens is the only one displayed outside of a museum setting.

Area: Beyond The Beach

Portsmouth Seawall
Portsmouth, VA 23704

Phone:
(757) 393 - 8591

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

Hampton Roads Naval Museum/Battleship Wisconsin

Dedicated to naval history, specifically around Hampton Roads, the museum also oversees USS Wisconsin. As the largest artifact for the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, USS Wisconsin provides a unique opportunity for you to explore this historic warship. Come aboard and walk her majestic teak deck, stand beneath her towering 16-inch guns, meet an active duty sailor and hear sea stories from docents Also, see Civil War artifacts from the shipwrecks USS Cumberland and CSS Florida and learn why Naval Station Norfolk is the world's largest naval base. Hours of operation: Open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day 10a.m to 6p.m The remainder of the year the museum and ship are closed on Mondays, open Tuesday through Saturday 10a.m. to 5p.m., and open Sunday noon to 5p.m.. Admission to the museum and the ship are free.

Area: Beyond The Beach

One Waterside Drive
Norfolk, VA 23510

Phone:
(757) 444 - 8971

• Kid / Family Friendly
• Handicap Accessible

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

Helicopter Tours

Tour Virginia Beach from the Oceanfront to Town Center and the surrounding cities of Hampton Roads by helicopter. See submarines, destroyers and aircraft carriers at Naval Station Norfolk. Flying along the Elizabeth River you'll see Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin. There's historic Ft. Monroe, Ft. Wool, Ft. Story, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and the Great Dismal Swamp. Maybe you'll catch a glimpse of Navy and Air Force fighters in flight. See the shipyards and major east coast shipping ports of Norfolk and Newport News.

Area: Beyond The Beach

Suffolk Executive Airport
Suffolk, VA 23434

Phone:
(757) 925 - 0040
(757) 532 - 6914

• Kid / Family Friendly

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

Historic Hill House

A four-story 1825 English basement home furnished entirely with original family belongings. The house remains in its original condition, with limited renovation through the years. Located in Old Towne Portsmouth. Please call for hours and admission prices.

Area: Beyond The Beach

221 North Street
Portsmouth, VA 23704

Phone:
(757) 393 - 0241

• Kid / Family Friendly

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

Historic Villages at Cape Henry

Thurs through Sunday and take a picturesque stroll back in time. Tour the authentic 17th century colonial outpost, complete with watchtower, palisade, church, general store, trading post and more, plus walk the winding paths of historical trails within the American Indian village as our docents describe tribal practices, such as building canoes, curing meats and story-telling.

Area: Resort Area

Fort Story
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Phone:
(757) 417 - 7012

• Admission Fee
• Kid / Family Friendly

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

Histories and Haunts

Enjoy a 90 minute walking tour through the very heart of the resort area. Hear tales of tragic shipwrecks, haunted hotels and much more. Fun for the entire family! Entertainment, education and exercise all in one. Join us for a 90 minute walking tour of the resort area. Your talented and knowledgeable "scaryteller" will tell you the hisotries and haunts of the Virginia Beach oceanfront. You'll hear about a haunted firehouse, the ghosts at a local hotel, a tragic shipwreck and a spirit who is still on duty at the old coast guard station.

Area: Resort Area

Courtyard by Marriott Hotel
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Phone:
(757) 498 - 2127

• Admission Fee
• Kid / Family Friendly

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

King Neptune

He stands 26 feet tall, sun reflecting off his frame, wave-inspired curls cast in bronze. He is the son of Saturn, Lord of the Sea. He is King Neptune, and with a majestic presence only he can muster, he presides over Virginia Beach’s newest oceanfront park. Located at 31st and Atlantic, Neptune’s Park is the third venue of its kind along the resort strip. Like its sisters at 17th and 24th Streets, it’s a setting for entertainment, as well as a place for people to congregate, to stroll, or to stop and enjoy the view. And what a view it is.

Area: Resort Area

Netptune's Park at 31 Ocean
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Phone:

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

Lightship PORTSMOUTH

Commissioned in 1915 and restored to its original condition, the Lightship PORTSMOUTH was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989. Visitors can board the vessel and see how the men of the Lightship Service lived during their many months at sea. Summer Hours: Open 10-5 Monday through Saturday; 1-5 Sunday. Winter Hours: 10-5 Saturday and 1-5 Sunday; open on Mondays that fall on a holiday. Closed December through February. Admission: $3.00 admission fee covers both the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum and the Lightship Portsmouth Museum.

Area: Beyond The Beach

at Water and London Streets on the Portsmouth Waterfront
Portsmouth, VA 23704

Phone:
(757) 393 - 8591

• Admission Fee
• Kid / Family Friendly

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

Lynnhaven House

The Lynnhave House is located on five and a half acres of land which includes a small woods and gardens of herbs, vegetables, flax, cotton, peanuts, and tobacco. Based on dendrochronology testing, the wood for the house was cut in the fall of 1724, thus the house was probably constructed in 1725. The house was restored in the 1970's and is 80-85% original. Lynnhave House offers its guests much more than a display of architecture and decorative arts. Within its walls and on its grounds, household skills and the various crafts that produced the early lifestye are still practiced; creating an atmosphere that transforms your visit into a truly colonial experience. Docents dressed in 18th century attire provide 45-60 minute tours of the furnished home.
Hours: Saturday- 10 am - 4 pm; Sunday- Noon - 4 pm. Last tour at 3:30 pm.

Area: Little Neck

4405 Wishart Road (Location)
Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Phone:
(757) 460 - 7109

• Admission Fee
• Kid / Family Friendly

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

Military Aviation Museum

One of the largest collections of flying World War II airplanes is located in the southern portion of Virginia Beach at the Virginia Beach Airport. Aircraft from the times of the First and Second World Wars through the Korean War era are on display and occasionally flown from this unique airport. Go back in time and view American, British and German airplanes that flew during the war years. Wander around such aircraft as the Mustang, Corsair, Spitfire, and many more (www.FighterFactory.com). They are often pulled outside the art deco hangar museum and taken up for a spin by many of the local volunteer pilots. Special events are often held on the weekends. Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Area: Sandbridge / Pungo

1341 Princess Anne Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23457

Phone:
(757) 721 - 7767

• Admission Fee
• Kid / Family Friendly
• Handicap Accessible

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

Monster Madness

Monster Madness at the Virginia Aquarium

Friday, October 29, 6 - 9 p.m.

$7 for members, $10 for non-members*

Area: Resort Area

717 General Booth Boulevard
Virginia Beach , VA 23451

Phone:
(757) 385 - 3474

• Admission Fee
• Kid / Family Friendly
• Handicap Accessible

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

Morning Star Baptist Church

Open by appointment for group tours only

This African-American church was founded in 1892 by several members of Ebenezer Baptist Church. It is one of the oldest African-American churches still standing in Virginia Beach, or what was once known as Princess Anne County. Church members are currently in the process of collecting memorabilia and artifacts that depict the lives of African Americans in Princess Anne County from 1892 to the late 1950s.

Area: Bayside

4780 First Court Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Phone:
(757) 464 - 3663

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

Naval Air Station OCEANA Tours

Visit the Navy's east coast Master Jet Base, NAS OCEANA, home to almost 300 Strike Fighter Jets, the F/A 18 Hornet and Super Hornet. Watch the awesome power of our military as these jets streak across the sky.

All tours depart from the Information kiosk at Atlantic Avenue & 24th Street
June 22 - September 4, 2009 (Monday - Friday, except for federal holidays)
Two tours - departing at 9:00am and 11:30am (The 11:30am tour will include a stop at the Oceana Officer's Club for lunch - additional fee.)
Tour prices - $11.00 for adults; $9.00 for Seniors over 60 and Children 3 to 11.
Photo ID is required for persons 16 and older. Backpacks are not permitted on base.
Guides supplied by Association of Naval Aviation
Operated by Carey Transportation

Area: Resort Area

2400 Atlantic Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Phone:
(757) 719 - 3886

• Admission Fee
• Kid / Family Friendly

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

Naval Aviation Monument Park

The monument represents the culmination of an eight-year undertaking by NAF's Hampton Roads Squadron, supported by the City of Virginia Beach. View the six larger-than-life bronze sculptures with action-oriented presentations depicting three historic eras in naval aviation. The Monument graces a plaza encompassing 16,000 square feet at the intersection of 25th Street and Atlantic Avenue, adjacent to the Norwegian Lady monument, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Area: Resort Area

25th Street and Atlantic Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Phone:
(800) 822 - 3224

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

Nimmo United Methodist Church

The oldest surviving Methodist Church in continuous use in Virginia.

Area: Sandbridge / Pungo

2200 Princess Anne Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Phone:
(757) 427 - 1765

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

Norwegian Lady Statue

After the fatal wreck of the Norwegian bark "Dictator" on March 28, 1891, its wooden figurehead, which washed ashore in the ship's wreckage, stood at the oceanfront as a memorial for sixty years. The city of Moss, Norway commissioned a nine-foot bronze replica of the original figurehead and presented the gift to Virginia Beach in 1962 to commemorate the tragic loss. An exact duplicate was erected in Moss to unite the two sister cities.

Area: Resort Area

25th Street & Oceanfront
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Phone:

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

Oceana Naval Air Station

One of the Navy's four master jet bases, it is home to 19 aviation squadrons, including the FA-18 Hornet and the F-14 Tomcat fighter planes. It encompasses almost 6,000 acres and is the host to Commander, Strike Fighter Wing, Atlantic and five Carrier Air Wings.

Check out the Military Tours that are offered at OCEANA with pick up and drop off at the 24th Street Kiosk at the Oceanfront.

Area: Lynnhaven

Oceana Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23460

Phone:
(757) 433 - 3131

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

Old Coast Guard Station

Housed in a 1903 former Life-Saving Station, the museum tells the story of the men who served in the US Life-Saving Service and the US Coast Guard. Visitors to the museum galleries are given an insight into the early days of shipwrecks along the Virginia coast and the efforts of the life-savers at the stations. Our interactive tower camera enables the visitor to view vessels entering the port of Hampton Roads as well and scan the new boardwalk and beach. The Museum Store offers a wide varirty of maritime and other items.
Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday Noon - 5 p.m.

Area: Resort Area

24th Street & Atlantic Ave
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Phone:
(757) 422 - 1587

• Admission Fee

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

Old Donation Episcopal Church

Third Lynnhaven parish church dating back to 1736. It was destroyed by fire and later rebuilt in 1916.

Area: Centerville / Kempsville

4449 North Witchduck Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Phone:
(757) 497 - 0563

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

Pleasant Hall

Site where the first African-Americans participated in the Civil War. Throughout the city lie several graveyards that are the final resting place of black Civil War soldiers.

Area: Centerville / Kempsville

Kempsville Road and Withduck Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Phone:

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

Sensible Seafood Fest

Sensible Seafood Fest at the Virginia Aquarium
Thursday, September 30, 2010 6 – 9 p.m.
Presented by the Virginia Aquarium and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation is the first Sensible Seafood Fest: A Celebration of Sustainable Foods, Thursday, September 30, 6 - 9 p.m. Located on the Aquarium’s Nature Trail and in the Bay & Ocean Pavilion, this unique festival celebrates foods prepared with regionally-sourced, sustainable ingredients from more than 20 Sensible Seafood partner restaurants.

Guests can sample foods, visit the new Restless Planet exhibits, and learn about regional restoration, sustainability, and environmental stewardship from event.

Area: Resort Area

717 General Booth Boulevard
Virginia Beach , VA 23451

Phone:
(757) 385 - 3474

View On Map | Add To Trip Planner |

The Virginia Beach CVB	Plan Your Vacation to Virginia Beach		Media and Business Support
• Leisure Visitors • Meetings & Convention Center • Group & Travel Trade • Sports Marketing	• Vacation & Travel Information • International Visitor Guide • Request A Visitor Guide • Directions • Contact the Visitor's Center	• The Beaches • Things To Do • Accommodations • Dining Guide • Entertainment & Events	• Business Extranet • Submit Listings • Press Room • Sitemap • Privacy Policy
vbfun.com is the official website for the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau Copyright © 2010 Virginia Beach CVB

REFINE SEARCH:

Battle off the Capes Monument

First Landing Cross

Francis Land House Historic Site

Fresnel Lens

Historic Hill House

Morning Star Baptist Church

Naval Aviation Monument Park

Norwegian Lady Statue

Pleasant Hall