Welcoming groups to “live the life” is a long-practiced tradition in Virginia Beach. Students have a chance to experience the genuine hospitality of a city with a lot to share. From exploring our beaches or the canopied forest of our state parks, there’s an open invitation to paddle, bike, hike, surf and swim your way to your best group adventure yet.
Whether you’re an outdoors enthusiast or just looking for a breath of fresh air, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the great outdoors in our coastal city. From legendary landmarks to countless trails and waterways, our coastal city awaits. Student groups should arrive ready to discover. The coastal environment here rolls out a big welcome, and invites exploration like no other terrain. These adventures give you a new appreciation for nature’s secrets.
ASK
Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau
757-385-6642
visitvirginiabeach.com/groups
SEE
The Military Aviation Museum, located in the historic Pungo district of Virginia Beach, holds the largest private collection of 65 WWI and WWII vintage aircraft from the first 50 years of military aviation, most of which have amazingly been restored to their original flying condition.
For both the thrill of flying in one of these beautiful vintage aircraft and an unbeatable view of modern day Virginia Beach, guests can take to the skies themselves in a vintage 1941 Boeing Stearman open-cockpit biplane.
TREK
The Cape Henry Lighthouse, located within the active Fort Story military base, was the first lighthouse authorized by the U.S. government, dating from 1792. Also the first federal construction project under the Constitution, it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964.
Today, the lighthouse is open to the public. A breathtaking view of both the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean can be enjoyed from its observation platform at the top.
DISCOVER
The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, featuring more than 800,000 gallons of aquariums and live animal habitats, as well as 300 different animal species, provides the perfect opportunity to dive in and learn more about our local marine habitat. Enjoy a feature movie in the six-story 3D theatre and learn about the aquarium’s renowned stranding response team.
Guests can also hop aboard a whale watching or dolphin watching cruise, operated by the Aquarium. Because whales migrate based on water and air temperatures, it’s difficult to determine the best time for whale-watching. The prime months for sightings are typically January and February, but whales have been spotted in large numbers as early as December. Dolphins can be seen year-round.
EXPLORE
The Brock Environmental Center, home to the world-famous Chesapeake Bay Foundation, offers tours of their facility, one of the most environmentally smart, energy–efficient buildings in the world. After the tour, participate in a canoe program and learn about the importance of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Lunch can also be included, and programs can be customizable to tailor the groups’ needs.
