Student Attractions in Virginia Beach

Explore and learn in Virginia Beach!

Virginia Beach is a vibrant, coastal city that offers students a perfect blend of adventure, history and culture. With 38 miles of picturesque coastline, a rich historical background, thrilling marine attractions, and a vibrant art scene, the city offers countless opportunities for students to learn and explore outside the classroom, no matter their interests.

Discover safety tips, sample trips, and planning tools inside the Student Travel Planning Guide.

Military Aviation Museum

The Military Aviation Museum offers a unique opportunity for students eager to explore the rich history of aviation. A visit provides an immersive experience with one of the largest private collections of fully restored and operational World War I and World War II aircraft.

Students have the opportunity to see vintage planes up close while learning about their engineering, historical significance, and roles in military conflicts. Guided tours, led by knowledgeable docents, offer engaging stories and insights into aviation history, making the experience both educational and interactive. In fact, several aircraft on display are still in flying condition, and students may even witness live flight demonstrations on special event days.

The museum also features educational programs tailored to various age groups, covering topics such as aerodynamics, military strategy, and the evolution of aviation technology. Hands-on activities, including flight simulators and interactive exhibits, allow students to gain a deeper appreciation of aviation’s role in shaping history.

Whether exploring aircraft hangars, viewing rare warbirds, or engaging in discussions with veterans, students leave with a greater understanding of aviation’s impact on both military and civilian life.

The Virginia Aquarium and Adventure Park

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and the adjacent Adventure Park offer students an exciting and educational experience that blends marine science with outdoor adventure. Students will have hands-on learning opportunities, encouraging curiosity about marine life, conservation and ecology.

At the Virginia Aquarium, diverse exhibits feature thousands of marine animals, including sea turtles, stingrays, sharks, and otters. The aquarium’s interactive touch pools allow students to get up close with creatures such as horseshoe crabs and starfish. The aquarium also offers immersive experiences such as a state-of-the-art 3D theater and guided tours through its marshlands and nature trails. These experiences help students understand marine ecosystems, environmental conservation, and the importance of protecting aquatic habitats.

For a more adventurous experience, students can visit the Adventure Park, a thrilling outdoor ropes course and zip line park located near the aquarium. This aerial adventure park challenges students with tree-top obstacle courses of varying difficulty levels, promoting teamwork, problem-solving and physical fitness. Students love the fun and active way to build confidence and resilience while enjoying nature.

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First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach offers a unique educational experience, blending history, ecology and outdoor exploration. As the site where English settlers first landed in 1607 before continuing to Jamestown, the park provides rich historical insights and stunning natural landscapes.

During a visit, students can learn about the park’s historical significance through guided tours and interpretive programs. Rangers share stories about the arrival of the first English colonists, the Native American tribes that lived in the region, and how centuries of human and natural activity have shaped the land. The park’s visitor center features exhibits on early colonial history and coastal ecosystems, enhancing the educational experience.

Beyond history, First Landing State Park is an outdoor classroom for students studying science and the environment. The park’s 2,888 acres include diverse ecosystems such as maritime forests, freshwater ponds, salt marshes, and dunes. Students can explore over 19 miles of trails, observing wildlife such as osprey, herons, foxes, and even occasional dolphins near the shoreline. Educational programs focus on conservation, local flora and fauna, and the impact of climate change on coastal environments.

Field trips to First Landing State Park often include hands-on activities such as nature hikes, water quality testing and scavenger hunts, making learning interactive and engaging.

Cape Henry Lighthouse

Visiting the Cape Henry Lighthouse in Virginia Beach offers students a unique blend of history, maritime heritage and breathtaking coastal views. Located within Fort Story, this historic site provides an educational experience that connects students to America’s early colonial and military past.

Built in 1792, the original Cape Henry Lighthouse was the first federally funded public works project in the United States, authorized by George Washington. Students visiting the site can explore the original lighthouse, which played a crucial role in guiding ships safely into the Chesapeake Bay, as well as the newer 1896 Cape Henry Lighthouse, which remains active today. Climbing the original lighthouse’s 191 steps offers an immersive way of experiencing history while being rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the coastline.

Guided tours and educational programs at Cape Henry Lighthouse introduce students to topics such as early American engineering, maritime navigation and coastal defense. The site also highlights the significance of the Battle of the Capes (1781), a naval conflict that helped secure American victory in the Revolutionary War. Since the lighthouse is located on an active military base, students also gain insight into modern military operations and the ongoing importance of coastal security.

Brock Environmental Center

A visit to the Brock Environmental Center offers an eye-opening experience in sustainability, environmental conservation and ecological stewardship. Operated by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), this cutting-edge facility serves as a model for green building practices and environmental education.

Located along the shores of the Lynnhaven River, the Brock Environmental Center provides an immersive learning environment where students can explore topics including clean energy, water conservation and coastal ecosystem preservation. The center itself is a lesson in sustainability, as it is net-zero energy and net-zero water, meaning it generates its own electricity from solar panels and wind turbines while collecting and filtering rainwater for drinking.

During field trips, students participate in hands-on activities such as water quality testing, oyster restoration projects and shoreline habitat studies. These programs align with STEM and environmental science curricula, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. Guided tours also showcase eco-friendly building features, including composting toilets, geothermal heating and the use of reclaimed materials.

The center’s outdoor learning spaces, including nearby wetlands and coastal forests, provide opportunities to observe local wildlife, study native plants, and understand the impact of climate change on coastal environments.

A visit to the Brock Environmental Center inspires students to think critically about sustainability and environmental responsibility. By engaging with nature and innovative green technology, students leave with a deeper appreciation for conservation efforts and the role they can play in protecting the planet.

Organize smarter field trips with the help of our planning toolkit.

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