6 Best Sights in Virginia Beach, Williamsburg and Hampton Roads

Botanists will have a field day at First Landing State Park, which is inland from the Cape Henry lighthouses and near the army installation at Fort Story. Spanish moss grows no farther north than here, and blue spruce appears no farther south (and does not grow at First Landing). The park is a haven for red and gray foxes, raccoons, opossums, water snakes, and other denizens of swamp and dune. Boardwalks built just above the water level on the Bald Cypress Trail let you get close to flora and fauna while keeping your feet dry. There are cabins, campgrounds, picnic areas, and guided tours, plus supporting concessions and facilities.

On the northern edge of the city, this naval station is an impressive sight, home to more than 200 navy aircraft, including the F/A-18 Tomcat (the type of plane flown by the Blue Angels) and other planes assigned to the aircraft carriers of the Atlantic Fleet. From an observation park on Oceana Boulevard at the POW/MIA Flame of Hope Memorial Park, near the runways, you can watch aircraft take off and land. Non–Defense Department visitors can access the base only on the Hampton Roads Transit summer-only tours (photo ID required) or during the annual air show in September. Tours depart at 9:30 am and 11:30 am from the 24th Street transit kiosk on Atlantic Avenue in Virginia Beach and stop at an aviation historical park with 13 aircraft.

At the northeastern tip of Virginia Beach, on the cape where the mouth of the bay meets the ocean, the historic Old Cape Henry Lighthouse is near the site where the English landed on their way to Jamestown in 1607. This lighthouse, however, didn't light anyone's way until 1792. Across the street to seaward is the replacement to the old lighthouse, but it isn't open to visitors. Be prepared to show a photo ID at the military checkpoint at the Fort Story base entrance.

Along the oceanfront, the Old Coast Guard Station, a 1903 Lifesaving Station, contains photographic exhibits, examples of lifesaving equipment, and a gallery that depicts German U-boat activity off the coast during World War II. On the website there's current weather, tide charts, and a webcam.

The sea is the subject at the popular Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, a massive facility with more than 200 exhibits. This is no place for passive museumgoers; many exhibits require participation. You can use computers to predict the weather and solve the pollution crisis, watch the birds in the salt marsh through telescopes on a deck, handle horseshoe crabs, take a simulated journey to the bottom of the sea in a submarine, and study fish up close in tanks that re-create underwater environments. The museum is almost 2 miles inland from Rudee Inlet at the southern end of Virginia Beach. The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center has a nature trail—well worth it, but be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

The long boardwalk from 2nd to 33rd Street is considered one of the top beach destinations in the country, and past the boardwalk the sand goes on for miles more on both sides. The boardwalk is active with people-watching, food trailers, bicycles, and rollerblading (bikes have their own path). The beach can get crowded and the sand can get hot! Wear your flip-flops, sand is brown. Chair and umbrella rentals are everywhere, as are bikes and family-style bikes that seat four with canopies. The water is wavy, so bring boogie boards! Colorful statues on each block make for fun photography. Summer nights include fireworks and live concerts. A block back, the street is lined with bright shops and entertainment at night on many blocks, from mimes to music to acrobats. The nicest place to hang out, Hilton Resort has rocking chairs, fire pits, live music throughout the day, palm trees, and a view of the famous Neptune Statue. There are numerous public parking lots a block or two back from the beach. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; toilets. Best for: surfing; swimming; walking.