The Coastal Virginia Tourism Alliance welcomes you to one of America’s most scenic and historic travel destinations.
SPONSORED CONTENT
The Coastal Virginia region is comprised of the cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Smithfield/Isle of Wight, Suffolk, Yorktown, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, and Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
All are accessible by major interstate highway systems, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, and two major airports in Norfolk and Newport News, both served by low fare airlines. Coastal Virginia makes a perfect vacation destination for those seeking clean beaches, outdoor recreation, fascinating history, fine arts culture, thrilling events and festivals, exciting theme parks, abundant shopping, world-class fishing and coastal cuisine.
We offer an experience for every kind of traveler. Beach lovers revel on the Virginia Beach oceanfront. History buffs are inspired by the past in Williamsburg, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News and Smithfield/Isle of Wight. Chesapeake and Suffolk are both entry points to the vast nature of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Virginia’s Eastern Shore offers pristine coastal plains perfect for bird-watching as well as NASA rocket launches. In addition, museums and the arts abound throughout the region, and we are home to the world-renowned Virginia Arts Festival.
You’ll also have a chance to “salute” our military. We are the home of the world’s largest naval base! This just touches on what you can see and do in Coastal Virginia. We hope you get a chance to experience it all.
iFLY Virginia Beach
Have you ever wanted to experience the dream of flight? At iFLY Va Beach Indoor Skydiving, the whole family can feel the thrill without having to jump out of an airplane! iFLY’s vertical wind tunnel generates wind from 4 powerful fans, creating a wall-to-wall cushion of air on which you can safely experience true free fall simulation with assistance of an instructor.
There’s no parachute, no jumping, and nothing attaching you to planet Earth. It’s just you and the air, and it’s the most INCREDIBLE adrenaline rush! There’s no experience necessary and is perfect for thrill seekers of all ages, starting from 3 to 103!
Indoor skydiving at iFLY Va Beach is a great activity for family and friends, corporate customers looking for a unique team outing, educators interested in innovative science field trips for students and competitive skydiving athletes. Just about anyone can fly, including those with physical disabilities. iFLY offers group rates for 6 or more as well as Student, Senior Citizen, Military & First Responder discounts.
iFLY Va Beach Indoor Skydiving is located at 2412 Pacific Ave. Virginia Beach, VA 23451. For more information or to make reservations, call (757) 754-4359 or email info@iflyvabeach.com
Walk in the footsteps of American history in Hampton, Virginia.
With a legacy that stretches back centuries, Hampton, Virginia, was there for every chapter of America’s story, playing pivotal roles along the way.
Fort Monroe National Monument was the site where enslaved Africans first landed on English North American shores in 1619. It earned its famous moniker “Freedom’s Fortress” by serving as sanctuary for escaped enslaved people during the Civil War, and later as the place women first became full members of the military during World War II.
Hampton was where the Revolutionary War started in the South, with the Battle of Hampton being the first conflict in the War for American Independence to take place outside New England.
In 1863, the Emancipation Oak became the site for the first Southern reading of President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Today, it continues to stand tall on Hampton University’s beautiful campus, welcoming all to this hallowed ground.
Hampton’s role in American history even stretches beyond the bonds of gravity. Discover our space heritage at one of the most popular attractions in the region, the Virginia Air & Space Science Center. Go behind-the-scenes on our journey to outer space, from the training of the first astronauts, to the heroes of Hidden Figures, to the many unsung pioneers who sent America blazing past the finish line of the space race.
The story of Hampton is the story of America, but it’s only just beginning. With a vibrant culinary, arts, and cultural scene, and a commitment to hospitality that is simply second to none, our All-American city embodies our nation’s best. Now we invite you to honor America’s birth, and the many roles Hampton has played in her story, with a full calendar-year of celebrations, events, initiatives, and stories. Go Beyond Familiar in Hampton, Virginia, and see our upcoming events at VisitHampton.com/hampton-va-250/
Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
At Jamestown Settlement, explore the compelling story of our nation’s beginnings.Experience immersive gallery exhibits while getting hands-on with reproduction artifacts and outdoor re-creations near the site of America’s first permanent English colony. You’ll learn about the Virginia Indians who occupied the region for centuries, the arrival of European colonists to Jamestown in 1607 and the first documented arrival of West Central Africans in 1619. History comes to life as you learn how these three cultures planted the seeds of a new nation.
Just a short drive away, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown tells the story of America’s fight for independence and the formation of a new nation. Join Continental Army soldiers for military drills at the re-created encampment and tackle daily chores at the Revolution-era farm. Inside, dynamic gallery exhibits and the stirring “Siege of Yorktown” 4D film put you at the heart of revolutionary moments in our nation’s history.
An array of special exhibitions, events and programs are presented throughout the year, including programs commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Both museums welcome guests daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days. Start planning your adventure today at jyfmuseums.org
Newport News
Discover an engaging arts and culture scene waiting for you in Newport News! Enjoy concerts, comedy, and Broadway-style shows at the Ferguson Center for the Arts or catch charming productions for all ages at the Peninsula Community Theatre. The Ella Fitzgerald Theater at Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center offers intimate performances in a setting that pays tribute to the “First Lady of Song,” a Newport News native. Don’t miss the Torggler Fine Arts Center, where past exhibitions have showcased legends like Ansel Adams and Pablo Picasso. Check out visitnewportnews.com for details.
Norfolk
How do you say, “Virginia’s waterfront city”? Norfolk of course! Like its 144 miles of shoreline, Norfolk welcomes visitors with an unmatched energy and one-of-a-kind charm you’ll only find on our coast. Whether it’s catching world-class performances at the historic Attucks Theatre or dinner on the Ocean View Fishing Pier, grabbing a bite at one of Norfolk’s 600+ independently-owned restaurants or making the Norfolk Botanical Garden, Virginia Zoo, Battleship Wisconsin, and Chrysler Museum of Art your vacation’s main attractions, Norfolk’s got the best of all worlds wrapped up in one welcoming waterfront city visitnorfolk.com
Rover Cruises & Tours
American Rover Sailing Cruises
This graceful sailing ship is the ideal way to explore the history and sights of the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads Harbor. Narrated sightseeing tours and sunset cruises depart from Waterside Marina. Plenty of shade and comfortable seating topside with air-conditioned below deck lounges, snack bar and restrooms. Sunset cruises feature live acoustic music. Private Charters and Special Event Cruises are also available. 757-627-7245 www.americanrover.com
Victory Rover Naval Base Cruises
See the World’s Largest Naval Base and the Port of Virginia. Two-hour cruises depart daily from Nauticus, home of the Battleship Wisconsin, in Downtown Norfolk. Cruise past the vessels that ensure our freedom—destroyers, cruisers, submarines, aircraft carriers and more. A fascinating fact and fun-filled narration is provided. Snack Bar and restrooms on board. 757-627-7406 www.navalbasecruises.com
Take a 1 hour guided bus tour of Naval Station Norfolk. 757-444-7955 www.navalstationbustours.com
Smithfield Isle of Wight
No Coastal Virginia trip is complete without a visit to the most charming small town that’s within an hour of Williamsburg, Virginia Beach and Norfolk. Whether you’re a history lover, looking for boutique shopping, an outdoor enthusiast, or want to explore some great food and drink, Smithfield is the perfect place for your next trip.
Known for deep roots in the ham industry, Smithfield mixes history and modern relevance. The area beckons with several museums, the oldest church building in Virginia, a historic courthouse built in 1750, one-of-a-kind lodging, and breathtaking architecture. Our vibrant Main St. has dozens of small businesses including unique restaurants, shops and more. If you’re a nature lover, you can enjoy river kayaking, trails and biking steps from downtown, or in more secluded parks in the area.
We’d love to have you in Smithfield as part of your next coastal Virginia adventure, genuinesmithfieldva.com
Suffolk
Experience the other side of Coastal Virginia in Suffolk’s 430 square miles. Wander nature trails, ride forested paths on horseback, or soar sky-high with a thrilling skydive. Craving chills? Join a spine-tingling ghost tour. Or slow down and sip locally-crafted brews, savor farm-to-table flavors, and explore vibrant art and history. Celebrate every season with family-friendly festivals and soon you’ll discover why Suffolk is where unforgettable adventures begin. VisitSuffolkVa.com
The Virginia Zoo
Looking for a wild, family-friendly experience in Hampton Roads? Discover African lions, Malayan tigers, Masai giraffes, Bornean orangutans and over 700 rare species at the Virginia Zoo! Have an immersive petting zoo experience at the Goat Yard, and walk the hall of giants in the World of Reptiles. Take a journey across 53 beautifully landscaped acres on the electric Virginia Zoo Express. Ready to go deeper? Dive into education programs and entertainment for people of all ages. For more info, visit www.virginiazoo.org
Historic Yorktown
Travel back in time and savor the present at Historic Yorktown, a year-round destination rich in history, shopping, outdoor fun, dining, and special events. Relive the pivotal moments of the American Revolution as you explore historic homes, museums, and battlefields on a walking tour, or take a guided tour through the battlefields aboard a captivating Stanley Steamer Wagon. For an unforgettable adventure, set sail on the home-ported schooner Alliance II, or let the kids embark on a swashbuckling pirate cruise!
Looking for action? Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the great outdoors, then unwind at specialty shops and live events like festivals, concerts, and outdoor markets. You can even soak up the sun at the beach. When it’s time to refuel, treat yourself to one-of-a-kind dining at riverfront restaurants. With so much to see and do, why not stay a while? Enjoy a waterfront hotel, quaint bed-and-breakfasts, or a private cottage for a memorable getaway. www.visityorktown.org
Author: VisitVirginia
