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  • Beyond The Beach
Visitors > Things to Do > Beyond the Beach

  • Surrounded by Excitement

    You don’t have to play in the sand and surf to have an unforgettable getaway to Virginia Beach. Beyond the waves, Hampton Roads offers a wide variety of destinations perfect for an outing of any length of time. Immerse yourself in the history of Colonial Williamsburg, scream in excitement for Busch Gardens, travel under the depths at Nauticus, or simply explore the many unique cities that call southeastern Virginia home. The roads all lead to fun.

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  • hampton roadsHampton Roads

    Virginia Beach is part of a larger area commonly referred to as Hampton Roads which is the name of both a body of water and the land areas which surround it in southeastern Virginia in the USA.

    busch gardensBusch Gardens

    Whether you're visiting for a three, four, or seven day beach vacation, consider adding Busch Gardens Williamsburg to your itinerary.

    nauticusNauticus

    Nauticus, on Norfolk's downtown waterfront, is a fun and exciting interactive science and technology center exploring the power of the sea.

  • plan your adventure

    • colonial williamsburg

      Colonial Williamsburg

      Step back in time to experience the ideas and dreams of both great and everyday people on the eve of the American Revolution. Located about one hour from Virginia Beach.

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    • wallops island

      Wallops Island

      Wallops Island, VA on the Eastern Shore is home to NASA's principal facility for suborbital research programs. Established in 1945, Wallops Flight Facility has launched more than 14,000 rockets!

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    • jamestown

      Jamestown

      Relive the adventure of 1607 when 104 Englishmen dropped anchor and began to build America’s first permanent English colony in Jamestown, Virginia. Explore life at the dawn of the 17th century inside the palisade of a re-created colonial fort.

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    • children's museum

      Children's Museum of VA

      This fantastically fun museum features hands-on exhibits for children of all ages, including the popular Antique Toy and Train Collection.

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    • eastern shore

      Virginia's Eastern Shore

      Accessible via the 17.5-mile Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, which is a wonder in itself, the drive from the resort area of Virginia Beach to the Eastern Shore takes about 20 minutes. Along the way, be sure to stop at Sea Gull Island located on the southernmost of the Bridge-Tunnel's four manmade islands, 3-1/2 miles from Virginia Beach. This island provides an opportunity to stop, stretch your legs, cast a line, bird watch, or just take in the natural beauty and sounds of the Chesapeake Bay.

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    • norfolk

      Norfolk

      Norfolk is a Southern seaport with a storied past that blends history and heritage with contemporary activities and attractions. Norfolk's waterfront location is showcased by an easily walkable downtown that offers eclectic dining, high-end shopping, a burgeoning arts scene, and year-round special events. Downtown Norfolk offers a working port complete with harbor and luxury cruises. Norfolk is a simple 20-minute drive from Virginia Beach on Interstate 264.

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    • regional visitor centers

      Regional Visitor Centers

      • Cheseapeake (888) 889-5551
      • Hampton (800) 800-2202
      • Newport News (888) 493-7386
      • Norfolk (800) 368-3097
      • Portsmouth (800) 767-8782
      • Suffolk (866) 733-7835
      • Virginia Tourism (800) 847-4882
      • Williamsburg Area (800) 368-6511
      • Colonial Williamsburg (800) 447-8679

    • regional airports

      Regional Airports

      Norfolk International Airport is 20 minutes from the resort area of Virginia Beach and is serviced by most U.S. Carriers.

      www.takeorf.com

      Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport is located nine miles northwest of Newport News and roughly 45 minutes from Virginia Beach.

      www.nnwairport.com

    • virginia is for lovers

      Virginia is for Lovers

      From the ocean to the mountains, historic urban centers to small town hideaways, Virginia is for Lovers. Experience the diversity of the Dominion state and rediscover the unique passion and unforgettable memories that come with a Virginia getaway. For comprehensive information about your next Virginia vacation, visit virginia.org.