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 Photo © 2010-2011 Bob of LynchburgVirginia |
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.
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| Endview Plantation |
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.
Want to know how to get there (wherever "there" is)? Check out our links to great Maps of Virginia and information on local airports.
Virginia Beach Attractions
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- Ocean Breeze Water Park
- Rudee Inlet Parasailing
- Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel
- Virginia Aquarium
- False Cape State Park
- Back Bay Wildlife Refuge
- Cinema Cafe - $1 movies while you dine!
- Virginia Beach Wave Trolley
- Pieces of Eight Pirate Cruise
- Whale-Watching Excursions
- Jungle Golf, LaserWorld, and Motorworld...
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!
Hampton
Air Power ParkWhy will air and space enthusiasts love this park?
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?
Newport News
Virginia Living MuseumWhat's the "buzz" at this "touchy-feely" zoo/museum/aquarium?
Mariner's Museum
It's the ultimate sea-faring museum, including the turret from the USS Monitor!
Norfolk
Mermaids on ParadeEver hunted for mermaids? Now you can. It's a fun, free, and creative scavenger hunt!
The Virginia Zoo
One of our favorite family-friendly Virginia Beach attractions. What twin cubs do you HAVE to see at the zoo?
Nauticus
What has touch tanks, sharks, computer simulation games, tornadoes, subs, and a battleship? What profession gets you in for free?
Chrysler Museum of Art
What recent change made this hot art spot better than ever?
Rowena's Tea Room and Shop
Why 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-In
So 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 Harborfest
It 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
Commodore Dinner TheaterPretend you're a movie star at this Art Deco cinema cafe experience. Our favorite date spot! Will it become yours?
Portsmouth Childrens' Museum
Hands-On heaven for kids of all ages...especially if you like to crash planes!
Jamestown Area
Tips for Visiting JamestownWhich Jamestown is Right for You?
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| Shirley Plantation |
Historic Jamestowne
The real McCoy...Why do archaeology lovers "dig" this spot?
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
Williamsburg Attractions
A comprehensive overview of all the many attractions in Williamsburg.
Colonial Williamsburg
Here 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 Williamsburg
These ghost tours show you the spooky side of history...pirates, tavern "wench" ghosts, and more.
Williamsburg Haunted Dinner Theater
This 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 Williamsburg
Griffon! The tallest, fastest, drop coaster in the world. Let us show you tips for getting discount tickets!
Water Country USA
Wanna get wet? Check out this gnarly family water park!
Paramount's Kings Dominion
Are you an adrenaline-loving coaster junkie?
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| Colonial Williamsburg |
Want a waterpark where the weather's always perfect?
Kingsmill Resort
The ULTIMATE in pampering. Read our insider review of this deliciously decadent spa.
Prime Outlets Williamsburg
Which shops offer free chocolate samples? Why should you count cows here?
Williamsburg Pottery
Why is staying at their campground a great deal for Busch Gardens visitors?
Virginia Shakespeare Festival
See fabulous Shakespeare productions (like Romeo and Juliet) at this world-famous summer festival.
Yankee Candle Factory
Why do our kids insist on stopping here to see the free show?
Yorktown
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| Yorktown Battlefield |
Yorktown
Why is Yorktown a quaint and hidden jewel waiting to be discovered?
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!
Washington, DC, Richmond, Charlottesville, and Beyond
In Washington, DC...
Best Washington DC sights for less!
How we planned a three day Washington, DC vacation for 5 for about $500!
Free Washington DC things to do!
National Air & Space Museum
Touch Moon and Mars Rocks, Fly a Plane, See a Space Shuttle -- All for Free!
Washington Monument
What 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...plus an ant tunnel through George Washington's face!
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!
Looking for something specific? Use the Google Search below!
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