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The Virginia Beach area is a family vacation getaway paradise...beaches, science museums, aquariums, theme parks, historic sites...the list of Virginia Beach attractions goes on and on. But since you want to maximize your travel dollar, which attractions are right for you? To help you plan your visit, we've personally reviewed most of the top attractions in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, the Hampton Roads area, Williamsburg, and beyond...and added tips for making your trip as fun and inexpensive as possible.
Before we get to that, if you want to know how to get discount tickets and travel deals to make a more affordable family vacation, go to our Discount Travel Deals page. And if you looking for Virginia Beach attractions for a cheap family vacation, go to our Cheap & Inexpensive Fun page.
There are so many fun things to do in Virginia Beach itself that you can't possibly do them all...even after multiple trips. In fact, there's so much to do that we've devoted a dedicated page to Planning Your Virginia Beach Vacation, and another page dedicated to Virginia Beach attractions near the oceanfront, attractions like |
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For our dedicated "Virginia Beach Attractions Near the Resort Area" page, click here.
Looking for a great deal on a hotel in Virginia? Here's one of my favorite ways to get the best, deepest discounts on hotels. HotelsCombined lets you search hotel rates from multiple online booking sites at the same time. Just type in the city where you want to stay--Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, Washington, DC, etc.--and click "GO." It's easy!
The Cousteau Society Who (or what) is Allison the shark?
Virginia Air and Space Museum
How can you crash and burn at this fantastic space museum?
Mariner's MuseumIt's the ultimate sea-faring museum, including the turret from the USS Monitor!
The Virginia ZooOne of our favorite family-friendly Virginia Beach attractions. What twin cubs do you HAVE to see at the zoo?
NauticusWhat has touch tanks, sharks, computer simulation games, tornadoes, subs, and a battleship? What profession gets you in for free?
Chrysler Museum of ArtWhy are Wednesdays the best day at this art spot?
Rowena's Tea Room and ShopWhy is this our #1 spot for a Girls' Day Out?
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| Alex captains a vessel at Nauticus |
Bakers Crust Crepes More than just a restaurant...Watching them make a chocolate and hazelnut Crepe Noisette here (and then savoring every mouthful) is an event in and of itself.
Doumar's Drive-InSo much more than just great shakes, burgers and fries--it's like going back 50 years in time! A restaurant that's a classic among Virginia Beach attractions.
Norfolk HarborfestIt only comes once a year, but it's a spectacular parade of tall ships, pirates and more!
Love to cruise? Norfolk is on its way to becoming a major cruise embarkation point for Caribbean cruises. Here's what you need to know about Norfolk cruise deals.
Portsmouth Childrens' Museum
Hands-On Heaven for Kids of All Ages
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| Shirley Plantation |
Jamestown Settlement Defend the fort from attackers...talk with a colonist...and how did they fit so many people on such a tiny ship?
Jamestown Childrens Memorial This special memorial, located on a historic James River plantation, puts "God" back in Jamestown
The James River Plantations Hob-nob with the rich and famous. By the way, what is a "dovecote?"
The Jamestown-Scotland Ferry
A free and fun excursion on the James River.
Williamsburg AttractionsA comprehensive overview of all the many attractions in Williamsburg.
Colonial WilliamsburgHere are our top 5 favorite things to see at Colonial Williamsburg (and one to avoid!), plus our trick for seeing it for free!
Ghost Tours of WilliamsburgThese ghost tours show you the spooky side of history...pirates, tavern "wench" ghosts, and more.
Williamsburg Haunted Dinner TheaterThis interactive experience combines a live version of "Clue" with a 71-item buffet, so you can figure out "whodunit" over jumbo shrimp and cheesecake!
Busch Gardens WilliamsburgGriffon! The tallest, fastest, drop coaster in the world is now open. Let us show you tips for getting discount tickets!
Water Country USAWanna get wet? Check out this gnarly family water park!
Paramount's Kings DominionAre you an adrenaline-loving coaster junkie?
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| Colonial Williamsburg |
Kingsmill Resort The ULTIMATE in pampering. Read our insider review of this deliciously decadent spa.
Prime Outlets WilliamsburgWhich shops offer free chocolate samples? Why should you count cows here?
Williamsburg PotteryWhy is staying at their campground a great deal for Busch Gardens visitors?
Virginia Shakespeare FestivalSee fabulous Shakespeare productions (like Romeo and Juliet) at this world-famous summer festival.
Yankee Candle FactoryWhy do our kids insist on stopping here to see the free show?
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| Yorktown Battlefield |
Yorktown Battlefield Why is this historic attraction is so much fun...and such a bargain?
Yorktown's Carrot Tree Kitchens
Read about our family reunion dinner at this historic cottage...and their fabulous carrot cake!
Best Washington DC sights for less!How we planned a three day Washington, DC vacation for 5 for about $500!
National Air & Space MuseumTouch Moon and Mars Rocks, Fly a Plane, See a Space Shuttle -- All for Free!
Washington MonumentWhat you need to know before you go...
In Richmond...
Science Museum of Virginia - Basketball-playing rats, cool science experiments, and an IMAX!
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts - One of the largest collections of Faberge Eggs in the World
Maymont Maymont is the best kept secret in Richmond! A historic house, bears, secret gardens, a nature center, and more...
In Charlottesville...
Charlottesville Overview - The best sights, restaurants, and family fun in beautiful Charlottesville
Monticello - The amazing home of Thomas Jefferson
James Monroe's Ash Lawn-Highland - The pleasantly surprising home of our 5th President
Michie Tavern Authentic colonial food, a fascinating tour, and punch served by tavern "wenches."
Carter's Mountain Orchard Enjoy a breath-taking view of Charlottesville and the Blue Ridge Mountains while picking delicious apples and peaches.
In the Shenandoah Valley...
Luray Caverns Simply the largest and most popular cavern in the eastern United States. Listen to their stalagpipe organ play...
Check back for more reviews of Virginia Beach attractions!
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