Like the dramatic sweep of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel connecting the Hampton Roads region's northern and southern portions, attractions in the area span America's story from Colonial days to the modern marvels of technology and space travel. Along the northern shorelines, birdwatching, kayaking and bicycling draw visitors keen on nature's beauty. To the south, tanning, splashing in the sea and the rocking entertainment at Virginia Beach venues entice vacationers seeking leisure and pleasure. In between, Hampton Roads' big-name attractions and quiet corners welcome guests with warm Southern hospitality.
Colonial America Lives On
- Dressed in period costume, staffers and volunteers at Historic Jamestowne and the Yorktown Battlefield in Colonial National Historical Park bring history to life. Watch glassblowers create bottles with the same techniques settlers in the 17th century used, stroll through the woodlands and fields where Pocohontas met Capt. John Smith and listen for the echo of artillery re-creating skirmishes from the American Revolution. Visitors to Colonial Williamsburg rub elbows with actors depicting Native Americans, early colonists from Europe, and African-Americans who arrived in the New World as slaves and domestic servants, all engaged in everyday 18th century activities. For a touch of serenity while visiting these attractions, slip into one of Williamsburg's tidy gardens or meander along the Colonial Parkway and side roads between Jamestown and Yorktown.
Thrills, Slides and Rides
- Careening down a colossal water slide, holding on tight through the twists and turns of a breathtaking roller coaster ride and meeting exotic animals up close and personal draw family vacationers to Busch Gardens and Water Country USA in Williamsburg. On-site dining with food from different nations, music and theatrical productions, and the beautifully landscaped gardens keep visitors there, often for multiple days. More water slides, tubing on a man-made river and shaded cabanas await at Ocean Breeze Waterpark in Virginia Beach. Nearby, Motor World offers over 200 go-karts and 11 racetracks, paint ball courses and miniature golf for those who prefer to keep their adventures on dry land.
Into the Wild Blue Yonder
- Chances are you'll see and hear fighter jets roaring overhead on training missions sometime during your stay in Hampton Roads. Visit the Military Air Museum in Virginia Beach, next to Naval Air Station Oceana where the squadrons are based, for a closer look. On summer weekdays, bus tours around NAS Oceana take you around the base, but you can browse through the historic military aircraft on the museum grounds year round. In Hampton, Virginia, exhibits including the command module from Apollo 12, moon rocks and a massive 3-D IMAX screen engage young and old at the Virginia Air & Space Center, visitor center for Langley Air Force Base and the NASA Langley Research Center.
Over and Under the Sea
- Perched on the shores where three rivers join to enter Chesapeake Bay, and home to multiple seagoing military installations, the maritime vibe is strong in Hampton Roads. In Norfolk, Virginia, the strong bond to the sea can be seen at the Nauticus complex, where the Battleship Wisconsin is open for tours as part of the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. It's also the departure point for a guided tour of the world's largest naval base aboard the Victory Rover vessel. For a peek underwater, Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach separates you from sharks, rays and sea turtles with only a thick wall of glass.
