Honor our nation’s heroes this Veterans Day in Virginia Beach. From parades and celebrations to museums and memorials, there are many ways to pay your respects and join the festivities. Read on to discover the best things to do in Virginia Beach this Veterans Day.
Veterans Day Events
Iron Valley Real Estate Annual Veterans Day Event
November 7, 5-8 p.m.
Raise a glass to those who served at the Iron Valley Real Estate Annual Veterans Day Event, held at New Realm Brewing Company. The evening brings the community together for food, drinks, raffles and a silent auction, all while supporting a great cause. Proceeds benefit Irreverent Warriors, an organization that brings veterans together through humor, camaraderie and connection to help improve mental health and prevent veteran suicide. Purchase tickets in advance and spend the evening supporting local veterans.
Tidewater Veterans Day Parade
November 11, 9 a.m.
Pay your respects to our nation’s great veterans at the annual Tidewater Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony, a beloved Virginia Beach tradition. The parade steps off at the Oceanfront at 16th Street and Atlantic Avenue, with veterans groups, military units and other organizations making their way through Virginia Beach before reaching the Tidewater Veterans Memorial.
Following the parade, gather at the Tidewater Veterans Memorial for a special ceremony honoring the service and sacrifice of U.S. military veterans. The parade and ceremony are free and open to the public, with a veterans luncheon following the ceremony. After the Ceremony, a luncheon will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton. Reservations are required.
Museums, Monuments and Memorials
Explore the area’s military- and veteran-focused museums, monuments and memorials to learn more about the rich history of the military in Virginia Beach — on land, air and water.
Military Aviation Museum
Get up close and personal with aviation history at the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach. Home to one of the world’s largest collections of vintage military aircraft — many of which are still in flying condition — this attraction draws in aeronautic and military fans alike. Add the museum’s bomber jacket exhibit, history of flight display and nearby plane-filled Navy Hangar to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a Veterans Day well spent.
Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum
Dive into the history of coastal heroism at the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum. Located in a former U.S. Coast Guard station, this Oceanfront museum holds a host of fascinating exhibits that showcase daring rescues, fascinating shipwrecks and historic nautical equipment. The century-old artifacts and displays tell inspiring stories of those who have bravely protected the Virginia Beach shores.
Naval Aviation Monument Park and The Norwegian Lady Statue
Settled at the center of Naval Aviation Monument Park, the nine-foot-tall bronze statue known as the Norwegian Lady certainly catches the eye, but there’s a sad story behind this piece of art. In March 1891, a Norwegian ship called Dictator sank off of the Virginia Beach coast, causing seven of the seventeen people aboard to lose their lives. The Norwegian Lady sculpture was built in their memory, where she continues to look out to sea to encourage the safe return of all those who sail away.
Navy SEAL Monument
Pay your respects to the hard-working Navy SEALs at the city’s Navy SEAL Monument. Settled on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, this impressive statue features the iconic Naked Warrior statue, symbolizing all the “frogmen” who tirelessly serve or have served our country through underwater military missions. Don’t forget to take a peek at the plaques around the statue, which share the history of SEAL operations, along with the gold stars and paw prints of local SEALs and SEAL K-9s killed in the line of duty.
Tidewater Veterans Memorial
Tidewater Veterans Memorial Park is a small greenspace dedicated to William “Billy” Myers Sr., a Virginia Beach native and veteran who served in World War II and the Korean War. The highlight of this memorial is the contemporary, student-designed sculpture. Made up of two dozen or so bisected, white circles connected with a small waterfall, this thoughtful piece symbolizes how a world divided by war can come together.
Tours and Breweries
Looking to do something a little different for Veterans Day? Support local veterans while also learning about military operations on these unique Virginia Beach tours and breweries.
Patriotic Excursions
Unleash your inner hero with Patriotic Excursions. Forget ordinary boat tours — become part of a thrilling military-style simulation aboard authentic U.S. Navy RHIBs (rigid-hulled inflatable boats.) Gear up for a 2.5-hour adrenaline rush as you tackle water-based challenges inspired by real-life special ops missions, including recon, rescue and tactical maneuvers.
Young Veterans Brewing Company
Young Veterans Brewing Company in Virginia Beach is a unique craft brewery founded by veterans, blending a love for beer with a deep commitment to honoring military service. Each brew reflects a touch of military-inspired flair, from bold IPAs to refreshing lagers, making it a popular destination for locals and guests alike. On Veterans Day, the brewery becomes a community hub, welcoming patrons to raise a glass to support those who have served.
Looking for a brew with a salute? Check out these other veteran-owned spots around Virginia Beach — because freedom tastes better with a cold one.
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Written by Sarah Etinas
As a full-time freelance travel writer and editor, Sarah Etinas is always on the lookout for her next adventure. With a passion for exploring new destinations, she's covered everything from the vibrant food scene in Hawaii to the stunning outdoor landscapes of Florida. Her work has been featured in renowned publications like TimeOut, TripAdvisor, Thrillist, and Lonely Planet. When she's not writing, Sarah practices what she preaches by hiking to beautiful waterfalls, visiting local markets, and dining on the most unique dishes she can find.
