Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center Tours and Activities

Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center showing interior views and signage
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Take the kids to this engaging, interactive science center dedicated to educating visitors on the protection and research of Virginia’s marine environment.

The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is an exciting, educational center featuring more than 300 hands-on exhibits. Encompassing over 800,000 gallons (3,000,000 liters) of aquariums and live animal habitats, the center offers visitors a chance to examine sea turtles, sharks and jellyfish, as well as dozens of other aquatic animals and birds. Handle horseshoe crabs in touch pools, use computers to predict the weather and see a compelling movie in the center’s IMAX theater.

View Malayan leaf frogs, tomistoma crocodiles, snakehead fish and other rare Southeast Asian animals at the Malaysian Peat Swamp. Look for scorpions, seahorses and cobras at the Mediterranean Sea exhibit, which recreates conditions similar to Virginia during the Silurian period. Head to the Chesapeake Bay Touch Pool to interact with horseshoe crabs, sea stars and whelks, while listening to docents explain their anatomy and behavior.

Watch a movie at the six-story National Geographic 3-D Movie Theater, which features a massive screen large enough to accurately depict a life-size whale. Shows range from educational movies to major Hollywood blockbusters.

As you exit the museum, stop at the salt marsh room, which provides an excellent introduction to the nature trail outside. Continue to this 0.3-mile (0.5-kilometer) hike, which runs along Owl Creek salt marsh. Head to the top of the 30-foot (9-meter) observation tower for wonderful views over the surrounding wetlands and creeks. Don’t miss the Adventure Park, which includes an aerial trail of bridges and zip lines.

The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) south of Virginia Beach’s resort area. The aquarium is open daily, with regular closures for Thanksgiving and Christmas. There is an admission fee. In the summer months, get here by taking advantage of the seasonal trolley service. Interact with Virginia’s diverse marine life at this engaging science center.

Compare 1,643 hotels close to Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center with room rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

Schooner Inn
Schooner Inn
2 out of 5
215 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA, 23451
The price is $59 per night from Mar 30 to Mar 31
$59
per night
Mar 30 - Mar 31
Stay at this beach hotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,778 reviews)
Great stay
"A pleasant stay. The front desk was very helpful and our room was comfortable. It is a great hotel for the price. More than I could have hoped for. Nice location too."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2023

Schooner Inn
Beach Quarters Resort
Beach Quarters Resort
2.5 out of 5
501 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA, 23451
The price is $136 per night from Mar 30 to Mar 31
$136
per night
Mar 30 - Mar 31
Stay at this beach hotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,018 reviews)
"Construction and lack of onsite parking, I reserved this room 6 months ahead"

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2023

Beach Quarters Resort
Turtle Cay Resort
Turtle Cay Resort
2.5 out of 5
600 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA, 23451
The price is $99 per night from Mar 30 to Mar 31
$99
per night
Mar 30 - Mar 31
Stay at this hotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,014 reviews)
"Feels safe. Always immaculate! Great location to be just off the boardwalk. Wish the garage had to elevator locations but still easy accessible and safe."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2023

Turtle Cay Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Best Lodging Options Near Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center

Schooner Inn
Schooner Inn
2 out of 5
215 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA, 23451
Schooner Inn
Beach Quarters Resort
Beach Quarters Resort
2.5 out of 5
501 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA, 23451
Beach Quarters Resort
Turtle Cay Resort
Turtle Cay Resort
2.5 out of 5
600 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA, 23451
Turtle Cay Resort
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront
3 out of 5
901 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA, 23451
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront
The Ocean Key Resort by VSA Resorts
The Ocean Key Resort by VSA Resorts
3 out of 5
424 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA, 23451
The Ocean Key Resort by VSA Resorts
Boardwalk Resort and Villas
Boardwalk Resort and Villas
3 out of 5
1601 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA, 23451
Boardwalk Resort and Villas
Sandcastle Resort On The Beach
Sandcastle Resort On The Beach
3 out of 5
1307 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA, 23451
Sandcastle Resort On The Beach
Coastal Hotel and Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Coastal Hotel and Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront
2.5 out of 5
2015 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA, 23451
Coastal Hotel and Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Days Inn by Wyndham Virginia Beach At The Beach
Days Inn by Wyndham Virginia Beach At The Beach
2 out of 5
1000 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA, 23451
Days Inn by Wyndham Virginia Beach At The Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.