One of America’s Most Scenic and Historic Travel Destinations
The Coastal Virginia Tourism Alliance welcomes you to one of America’s most scenic and historic travel destinations. 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 is 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.
Rover Cruises, Norfolk
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, April through late October. 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
Experience the most popular way to 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. #1 tour in Norfolk on TripAdvisor. 757-627-7406 www.navalbasecruises.com
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.
Hampton, Virginia Invites Visitors to go Beyond the Familiar.
Intrepid travelers seeking inspiration and intrigue will be greeted with charming hospitality in the authentic city by the sea, Hampton, Virginia. With a history that begins before America’s birth, and adventures stretching from the open seas to the farthest reaches of outer space, Hampton boasts many spectacular experiences.
There’s “Freedom’s Fortress,” Fort Monroe National Monument, where enslaved Africans first landed on English North American shores, escaped enslaved people found sanctuary during the Civil War, women first became full members of the military during World War II, and American history buffs have found revelation for decades.
Founded in 1868, Hampton University Museum is a national treasure and includes art and artifacts from cultures around the world; African American, African, Native American, Asian, and Pacific Islander. While on campus, visit the Emancipation Oak, the site of the first Southern reading of President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.
History ventures far beyond Chesapeake Bay’s sandy shores, launching to infinity and beyond at the Virginia Air & Space Science Center. Homebase to the story of Hampton’s space heritage, Earthlings can gaze with awe and wonder at the majesty of the universe with their feet planted comfortably on our planet. Go behind-the-scenes on 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.
Bring your trip back to Earth, but beyond the expected, for a breathtaking trek to Buckroe Beach and Grandview Nature Preserve. Climb aboard the all-new Hampton Queen for a royal tour of the Hampton Roads harbor, and take a quiet stroll along the world’s greatest natural harbor. Wherever you come from, you will go beyond the familiar when you visit Hampton, Virginia. www.visithampton.com
Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Living-History Museums Offer an Escape to America’s Past
Time travel to two Williamsburg area museums to discover the stories of people and events that shaped early America in immersive galleries and interactive living history.
Jamestown Settlement explores the 17th-century Virginia history and culture of the Powhatan Indians, English and West Central Africans and historical interpretation in a Paspahegh town, 1607 ships and fort. Embrace the tumult and victory of the Revolution at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and wander through a Continental Army encampment and Revolution-era farm. Enjoy year-round programs spanning the centuries, including the “Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design” exhibit, May 11 through December 1. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Visit www.jyfmuseums.org or call (757) 253-4838.
Newport News
On the historic shores of the James River lies a city where breakthrough experiences await guests of all ages. From museums to parks, shopping to fine dining, new opportunities wait around every corner in Newport News, VA. Reconnect with nature at Newport News Park, one of the largest municipal parks east of the Mississippi. Explore more habitats and wildlife than you would in a lifetime of outdoor adventures in Virginia at the Virginia Living Museum. Enjoy incredible cuisine at local restaurants.
Expand your horizons through a variety of cultural experiences, from small art studios and nostalgic theater plays to off-Broadway performances, along with one of the newest and most unique arts facilities in Virginia, the Torggler Fine Arts Center. Whatever you want to experience – adventure, relaxation, culture, events, arts, nature, museums, cuisine, history – you can find it in Newport News. You bring your sense of adventure, and we’ll supply the breakthroughs! www.newport-news.org
Norfolk
Have Your Vacation and Eat It Too.
Like any good foodie, you know darn well that your vacation plans will, and must, revolve around the best and coolest spots to grab a bite and of course, a few Insta shots. Lucky for you, Norfolk’s City with Bite series is coming back for thirds and is primed to serve up plenty of food-spiration, entertainment, and plenty of must-try spots for your next trip to Norfolk.
Grab a seat at your favorite table, order up a third helping of www.citywithbite.com, and check out what Norfolk’s got cooking. No doubt, you’ll be hungry for more.
Virginia Living Museum
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or simply seeking an informative and entertaining outing, the Virginia Living Museum is a place where you can deepen your understanding and appreciation for Virginia’s natural heritage from the mountains to the sea. Experience more than 150 species of native Virginia mammals, plants, marine life, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. Learn about Species Survival Programs for endangered or threatened wildlife.
Explore the Conservation Command Center and discover how to actively engage in local conservation efforts. Visit a re-created Mountain Cove, Cypress Swamp, a Limestone Cave and explore a 3/4 mile outdoor boardwalk leading to a Dinosaur Discovery Trail with paleo camp and dig pits. Around every corner, interactive exhibits showcase the state’s diverse wildlife, native plants, night sky, and fossils. www.theVLM.org
Suffolk
With 430 square miles of dynamic Suffolk experiences, adventure awaits around every corner. Immerse yourself in the outdoors, whether by leisurely strolling through nature or by exploring forested trails on horseback. Craving an adrenaline rush?
Try skydiving or join a ghost tour for a spine-tingling excursion. Indulge your palate with locally-curated craft brews and farm-to-table delicacies. Maybe you’d prefer early morning kayaking or a concert beneath the stars? Whatever adventure you’re seeking, Suffolk is like no other. www.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, then savor the present at this year-round destination full of history, shopping, outdoor fun, dining and special events. Relive the pivotal battle of the Revolutionary War. Visit historic homes, museums and battlefields by foot or enjoy a guided Segway tour through town. Set sail aboard Yorktown’s home-ported schooners, the Alliance II and Serenity or take the kids on a pirate adventure cruise.
Work off your meals by renting bikes, kayaks or paddleboards. Shop in specialty stores and art galleries; enjoy live music, festivals and outdoor markets; swim and sunbathe at the beach; and dine in one-of-a-kind riverfront restaurants. With so much to see and do – we invite you to stay a while! Check into our waterfront hotel, quaint bed & breakfasts or even your own private cottage. www.visityorktown.org
Coastal Virginia offers an experience for every kind of traveler.
Author: VisitVirginia
