We know it can feel like a bummer to be on a beach vacation when the weather isn’t all that beach-friendly, but trust us, the temperature may be dropping, but the winter fun is just now beginning! That’s because in VB, colder months dress up with plentiful opportunities to enjoy some of our favorite indoor family-friendly activities.
These spots are sure to entertain and inspire you and may even warm up your brain with some fascinating facts about everything from the area’s marine life and history to modern art and aviation.
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Whether you’re an avid marine lover or just enjoy exploring under-the-sea, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center will delight you with more than 800,000 gallons of breathtaking exhibits, including hands-on opportunities and a National Geographic 3D Theater. Keep your eyes on their events calendar for special holiday offerings like their Holi-Rays winter wonderland.
Military Aviation Museum
Drive through Pungo to make a memorable trip out to the Military Aviation Museum, which allows guests to get up-close-and-personal with the largest private collection of planes from the first 50 years of military aviation – each restored to their original flying condition! A fun place to visit year-round, the museum dresses up for the holidays with a special Museum, Planes, Trains & Santa event.
Cape Henry Lighthouse
An invigorating climb up 191 historic steps will surely warm you up at the Cape Henry Lighthouse. Take in stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay while you absorb a history lesson atop the first federal construction project under the new government after the Revolutionary War. The winter months are a great time to sign up for one of the lighthouse’s many themed tours suitable for everyone in your party.
The Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum
Did somebody say Gingerbread House Display? The Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum did! Located in the historic de Witt Cottage built in 1895, the museum is a treasure trove of the evolution of the art of decoy. In addition to displays of memorabilia, artwork, carvings and primitive tools, you’ll also find interactive educational and artistic exhibits – and, during the holiday months, a full display of gingerbread houses!
Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
Inspire your inner artist at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art! The thoughtfully curated exhibitions of painting, sculpture, photography, glass video and other visual media from an array of regional, national and international artists are regularly changing – making each visit a distinct one. Be sure to mark your calendar for the museum’s array of special events, including ones with families in mind, like Art & Storytime,
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- Indoor Activities
- Luxury
- Winter
Written by Valeria L. Palmertree
Valeria has cultivated her passion for storytelling throughout a 20-year communications career that has granted her the opportunity to find, write and tell stories on behalf of a variety of brands, including destinations across the country. A native of Buenos Aires and raised in Miami Beach, Valeria has called Virginia Beach home since 2014. At first unsure of what she’d find here, she quickly grew fond of our coastal city’s laidback style and learned that everything she thought she knew about seafood and farm-fresh ingredients wasn’t enough. Over the past decade, she has had a front-row seat to seeing some of her favorite restaurants emerge, alongside a collective of local artisans who have provided VB with its distinctly vibrant vibe. A lover of food culture, some of Valeria’s go-to spots include Commune, Prosperity Kitchen, Hearth and the newly opened Nami Nori at Atlantic Park. When she’s not savoring the local dining scene, Valeria can be found chasing sunsets over the Chesapeake Bay, writing, reading, cooking, traveling, listening to live music and taking in the outdoors with her husband and young daughter – First Landing State Park is one of their most beloved spots! As a full-time communications consultant, Valeria helps clients unearth, craft and share their stories through a portfolio of strategic communications services. Learn more about Valeria’s work – and read her musings on food, travel and more – at ThePalmTreeType.com
