Military Aviation Museum
Explore a remarkable collection of WWI & WWII military aircraft, many in flying condition, with passionate guides.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Military Aviation Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a remarkable collection of WWI & WWII military aircraft, many in flying condition, with passionate guides.
"We LOVED this experience!!! The guided tour made it all worth it!!! He is amazing, so excited to teach, and knew everything about it all!!!"
🎯 Book a Guided Tour
Highly recommended! Guides like 'Flash' are amazing and make the experience unforgettable.
✈️ Arrive Early for Tours
Tours can fill up fast, especially on busy days. Aim for an early slot to secure your spot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic WWI & WWII Aircraft
Main Hangar
Marvel at meticulously restored vintage planes from pivotal historical conflicts, many still airworthy.
Knowledgeable Staff & Tours
Throughout the museum
Engage with passionate guides who share fascinating stories and technical details about the aircraft.
Upstairs Memorabilia Collection
Second Floor
Explore a curated collection of military artifacts and items, offering a glimpse into wartime life.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit
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Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book a Guided Tour
Highly recommended! Guides like 'Flash' are amazing and make the experience unforgettable.
✈️ Arrive Early for Tours
Tours can fill up fast, especially on busy days. Aim for an early slot to secure your spot.
💰 Great Value Admission
Tickets are a bargain at $17 for adults, with discounts for military, children, and seniors.
📸 Capture the History
The planes are immaculate and offer fantastic photo opportunities. Bring your camera!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book a Guided Tour
Highly recommended! Guides like 'Flash' are amazing and make the experience unforgettable.
✈️ Arrive Early for Tours
Tours can fill up fast, especially on busy days. Aim for an early slot to secure your spot.
💰 Great Value Admission
Tickets are a bargain at $17 for adults, with discounts for military, children, and seniors.
📸 Capture the History
The planes are immaculate and offer fantastic photo opportunities. Bring your camera!
🎁 Visit the Gift Shop
Find cool memorabilia and souvenirs to remember your visit. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Military Aviation Museum for its incredible collection of airworthy vintage aircraft and the exceptional knowledge and passion of its staff. Many highlight guided tours as a must-do, transforming the visit into an unforgettable historical journey. While admission is affordable, some may find the gift shop selection limited.
"We drove to VA Beach to check this Museum off our "adventure" list. So glad we did, the staff was great! The gentleman that greeted us was very knowledgeable and gave us a backstreet of some of the planes and history. They have quite a few planes there and upstairs is a cool collection of items. We definitely enjoyed our time there and the gift shop has alot if cool things as well!"
Cathy “Giggles” Alcantar
"We LOVED this experience!!! We went at 9:30 on a Wednesday morning. My brother & dad love this kind of stuff, but my mom & I were pleasantly surprised by how much WE enjoyed it! At 10:30 we did a guided tour with Flash - and that made it all worth it!!! He is amazing, so excited to teach, and knew everything about it all!!! He made our experience so great! I will be back to bring my husband! If you have the opportunity, go!"
Jess Kitchens
"I stay in Richmond, so more than two hours travel until this Museum. Nice location, very quiet and lot of green grass and tree around. If you want to spend a Sunday with you family or alone, this museum is the right place to visit. Recommended."
Romeo Chioreanu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Virginia Beach, VA. It's easily accessible by car and offers a peaceful setting surrounded by greenery.
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors.
While specific directions depend on your starting point, the museum is situated in a quiet area of Virginia Beach, often described as being 'more than two hours' from Richmond.
Absolutely! It's a perfect destination for a day trip, offering a full day of exploration and learning.
The museum is a standalone destination, offering a focused experience on military aviation history.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Adult admission is approximately $17, with reduced rates for military personnel, children, and seniors. The museum also operates on donations and grants, making it a great value.
While not always mandatory, purchasing tickets in advance, especially for special events like airshows, is recommended to guarantee entry.
Yes, the museum offers discounts for military personnel.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official website or call ahead. Weekday mornings are often recommended for fewer crowds.
Information on group rates is typically available on the museum's official website or by contacting them directly.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
The museum features a vast collection of vintage WWI and WWII military aircraft, many of which are in flying condition. There's also an upstairs collection of memorabilia and an operations tower. +1
Yes, guided tours are highly recommended and are often led by incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff who make the history come alive.
While many planes are in flying condition, actual flight demonstrations are typically part of special airshow events. Check the museum's schedule for these.
Absolutely! Kids, especially those interested in military planes, will be impressed by the quality and scale of the aircraft. The staff's enthusiasm is also engaging for younger visitors.
Many visitors recommend taking a guided tour to fully appreciate the history and details of the aircraft. Arriving early on a weekday also enhances the experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, and the well-maintained aircraft provide excellent subjects for your shots.
The main hangar with its array of aircraft, the detailed cockpits, and the memorabilia displays offer great photographic opportunities.
Yes, the intricate details of the aircraft engines are a highlight for many visitors and are perfect for close-up photography.
While generally permitted, it's always wise to be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography in areas where it might be disruptive. Check for any specific signage.
A camera with good low-light capabilities is beneficial for the hangar interiors. A zoom lens can be useful for capturing details on the aircraft.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the main exhibits, the upstairs memorabilia collection offers a different perspective that can capture children's imaginations. The museum's peaceful setting also makes it a pleasant place for a family outing. With discounted rates for children, it's an affordable way to spend a day learning and exploring together. Don't forget to check their schedule for potential airshow events, which are always a huge hit with families!
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
The guided tours are essential for enthusiasts, as the guides often possess deep technical knowledge and historical context that goes beyond standard museum information.
🇺🇸 History & Patriotism Buffs
The museum provides an immersive environment where history enthusiasts can connect with the past on a deep emotional level. The immaculate condition of the exhibits and the dedication of the 'men in blue' (staff) create an atmosphere of respect and admiration. It's a place that not only educates but also inspires, reinforcing the enduring spirit of American innovation and determination, especially relevant in today's world.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Aircraft Collection
Visitors often express awe at the quality and preservation of these historical machines. The museum's commitment to authenticity ensures that each aircraft tells a story. From the early biplanes of World War I to the powerful fighters and bombers of World War II, the sheer variety and condition of the planes are a major draw. The staff's deep knowledge further enhances the experience, providing context and fascinating anecdotes about each aircraft's operational history and significance.
Beyond the main hangar, the museum also houses a curated collection of memorabilia upstairs, offering a more intimate look at the human side of aviation history. This includes uniforms, personal effects, and artifacts that paint a vivid picture of the lives of the pilots and ground crews who served. The combination of impressive aircraft and personal historical items makes the Military Aviation Museum a comprehensive and moving tribute to military aviation.
The Guided Tour Experience
Travelers consistently emphasize that the guided tour is what elevates the visit from simply looking at planes to truly understanding their significance. The guides are adept at answering questions and sharing behind-the-scenes insights that you wouldn't get from reading display placards alone. This personalized interaction fosters a deeper appreciation for the engineering marvels and the bravery of those who operated them.
Given the popularity and value of these tours, it's advisable to book your tour in advance or arrive early to secure a spot, especially during peak times or special event days. The investment in a guided tour is consistently reported as being well worth the admission price, transforming a good visit into an exceptional one.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit