Giant sea turtle and children in mutual awe.     Virginia Beach CVB

“Spectacular” is a word made almost meaningless by Hollywood’s and TV’s constant use of it to describe entertainment that is too often pure drivel.  But we would have to increase that word by the power of ten to describe the Virginia Marine Science Museum. This is one of the top attractions in Virginia and not to be missed.

Imagine an aquarium bulging with 700,000 gallons of water, filled with five species of sharks.  Stop at an exhibit that shows tiny baby sharks just being born.  See the underbelly of a stingray pressed against glass - the spitting image of Casper the Ghost.  In one tank you can even put your hand in the water as almost petlike stingrays swim beneath your fingers. Their backs feel like grape jelly on toast.  Wander among 300 hands-on exhibits that let you touch all manner of ocean creatures, from starfish to crabs.

There’s more.  An outdoor aviary.  A 3-D IMAX theater. On Summer days you can cruise the creek to see native wildlife in their natural homes, or walk a wetlands nature trail to a smaller companion building, the Owls Creek Salt Marsh Pavilion where river otters and osprey watch you.

You can also book whale-watching (winter) and dolphin-watching (spring, summer) trips on the museum’s boats. The boat captain solemnly intones you may not see any whales (truth in advertising) but you will have a nice ocean excursion, brief talks by museum volunteers armed with whale jawbones, and great views of the shoreline including the Cape Henry Lighthouse.

For more information about the Aquarium visit www.vmsm.com .

General admission:  $11.95 adults, $10.95 senior (62+), $7.95 children (3-11).  IMAX tickets available in a “combo” ticket with the museum or for IMAX showings only.  Hours of operations: 9:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M. daily (Memorial Day to Labor Day).  Then hours change seasonally to 9 A.M. – 5 P.M. daily.  For more information call Guest Services at (757) 437-6000 Monday to Friday. 

Directions:  On General Booth Boulevard a short drive south of the tourist beachfront area. Parking can be bumper-to-bumper in the summer. Why not take a trolley that stops within sight of the outdoor seal tank? 

RETURN TO:  HOME PAGE     GUIDEBOOK DIRECTORY

TRAVELERS TALKBACK

Win a  a free copy of the new Williamsburg One-Day Trip Book with your picture and byline on the cover!

If you've visited Virginia  recently, give us your honest evaluation of your visit. Click here for details and the TRAVELERS TALKBACK form.

TRAVEL WRITERS WANTED

FREE  trial lesson in  new "WRITING TO  PUBLISH WORKSHOP."

 Send us an email for details. Publication is guaranteed for those accepted in program. Instructor is former president of the Society of American Travel Writers.

Visit the FREEDOM GALLERY to see scenes of Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown as magnificent works of photographic art.