This massive, interactive, maritime-themed museum has exhibits on undersea exploration, aquatic life of the Chesapeake Bay and US Naval lore. The museum's highlight is clambering around the decks and inner corridors of the USS Wisconsin. Built in 1943, it was the largest (887ft long) and last battleship built by the US Navy.
Nauticus
Virginia
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
17.83 MILES
One of the biggest, most comprehensive maritime museums in the world. The on-site USS Monitor Center houses parts of the Civil War–era Monitor, one of the…
0.6 MILES
A glorious setting for an eclectic collection of artifacts from ancient Egypt to the present day, including works by Henri Matisse, Albert Bierstadt,…
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
17.36 MILES
If you want to see an aquarium done right, come here. In various habitats, you can see a great array of aquatic life, including sea turtles, river otters…
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
29.66 MILES
Formerly the Yorktown Victory Center, this expanded exhibition space and living history museum vividly describes the build-up to the Revolutionary War,…
28.78 MILES
Yorktown Battlefield, run by the NPS, is the site of the last major battle of the American Revolution. Start your tour at the visitor center and check out…
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
21.57 MILES
We reckon this 112,000-acre refuge deserves an award for best name in the country. Some 30 miles southwest of Virginia Beach, it straddles the North…
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
26.94 MILES
This 9250-acre wildlife and migratory-bird marshland habitat is most stunning during the December migration season. The refuge's visitor center is open…
6.36 MILES
The world's largest navy base, and one of the busiest airfields in the country. Hampton-based company Tidewater Touring works with the base to offer 45…
Nearby Virginia attractions
0.6 MILES
A glorious setting for an eclectic collection of artifacts from ancient Egypt to the present day, including works by Henri Matisse, Albert Bierstadt,…
6.36 MILES
The world's largest navy base, and one of the busiest airfields in the country. Hampton-based company Tidewater Touring works with the base to offer 45…
14.57 MILES
Shake off the Virginia Beach flash at this lower key 2888-acre woodland, which has 20 miles of hiking trails and 1.5 miles of beach, plus opportunities…
4. Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
17.05 MILES
Housed in an ultra-modern building, this museum has galleries hosting a rotating program of exhibitions by regional artists.
5. Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
17.36 MILES
If you want to see an aquarium done right, come here. In various habitats, you can see a great array of aquatic life, including sea turtles, river otters…
17.83 MILES
One of the biggest, most comprehensive maritime museums in the world. The on-site USS Monitor Center houses parts of the Civil War–era Monitor, one of the…
18.41 MILES
A fine introduction to Virginia's terrestrial and aquatic life, set in naturalistic ecosystems. The complex comprises open-air animal enclosures, an…
8. Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
21.57 MILES
We reckon this 112,000-acre refuge deserves an award for best name in the country. Some 30 miles southwest of Virginia Beach, it straddles the North…