Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Discover Virginia's marine life past and present, with interactive exhibits, a scenic nature trail, and an IMAX theater.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Virginia's marine life past and present, with interactive exhibits, a scenic nature trail, and an IMAX theater.
"A charming and family-friendly spot perfect for a day out with kids, offering hands-on experiences."
🚶♀️ Scenic Nature Walk
Don't miss the 10-13 min walk to the South Building; it's a highlight for many visitors! :walking:
🅿️ Parking Meter Issues
Be patient with parking meters; some may not work. Have a backup plan or try multiple spots. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Touch Tanks & Stingrays
Main Building
Get hands-on with marine life! Touching stingrays is a major highlight for all ages, offering an unforgettable interactive experience.
Ocean Discovery & Shark Tank
Main Building
Marvel at the impressive shark tank and the mesmerizing fish walkway, where sea turtles often steal the show.
Nature Trail & South Building
Between Buildings
Enjoy a pleasant walk through a scenic nature trail connecting to the South Building, home to otters and jellyfish.
Reptile Exhibits
Main Building
A surprising and pleasant addition, these exhibits showcase a variety of fascinating reptiles alongside marine life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Two Buildings
Parking and Ticketing Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Scenic Nature Walk
Don't miss the 10-13 min walk to the South Building; it's a highlight for many visitors! :walking:
🅿️ Parking Meter Issues
Be patient with parking meters; some may not work. Have a backup plan or try multiple spots. :car:
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time by purchasing tickets in advance to avoid potential queues. :ticket:
⏱️ Allow Plenty of Time
You might spend longer than planned, especially with kids and the nature walk. :clock_in:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Scenic Nature Walk
Don't miss the 10-13 min walk to the South Building; it's a highlight for many visitors! :walking:
🅿️ Parking Meter Issues
Be patient with parking meters; some may not work. Have a backup plan or try multiple spots. :car:
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time by purchasing tickets in advance to avoid potential queues. :ticket:
⏱️ Allow Plenty of Time
You might spend longer than planned, especially with kids and the nature walk. :clock_in:
💰 Gift Shop Prices
Be aware that gift shop prices are quite high; consider budgeting or skipping. :moneybag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center to be a well-organized and enjoyable experience, particularly for families. Highlights include the interactive touch tanks, impressive shark exhibits, and the scenic nature trail. Some guests noted that the aquarium can be explored relatively quickly, and the gift shop prices are quite high.
"Nice Aquarium we came from up north.
Love the seal right outside before you get it very unique touch. I was very surprised to see reptiles but the surprise was pleasant. We did go on a Saturday which was crowded but organized. Only negative was the parking meters had to go to multiple before we found one that actually worked so that definitely needs to be fixed it was a bit of a hassle.
Make sure you take the walk on the scenic nature route the the south building where the otter and jelly fish are. Be warned the walk is about 13 minutes from one building to the other then you have to walk the same way back. They also have zip lining you can pay to do in that area a bit pricey but looked fun.
Overall it is worth it if you take the scenic walk as well. They did have a theater but they said it was not ready and it was well into the afternoon so that was disappointing. But overall I recommend and it’s worth price ended up spending 2.5 hours which is way more than we planned but fun"
Cici C
"My family and I had a nice visit to the Virginia Beach Aquarium, a charming and family-friendly spot that’s perfect for a day out with kids. This cute little aquarium is split into two buildings, connected by a scenic 10-minute trail walk (or a quick 2-minute drive), which adds a nice touch of adventure to the experience. We explored the building housing the sharks and sea turtles, and it was a hit, especially with the kiddos!
The aquarium offers plenty to see, do, and—most importantly for my kids—touch. For children who thrive on hands-on experiences, this place delivers with numerous interactive touch exhibits that kept my little ones engaged and excited. The fish walkway was favorite, with cute fish swimming all around us. We had a blast using a chart to identify different species, turning it into a fun family game. The shark tank was another highlight, with a sea turtle stealing the show whenever it made an appearance. Sitting and watching the sharks glide by was nice.
I loved how the aquarium seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor elements. You can step outside for stunning scenic views or take a leisurely stroll along the nature trail, which adds a refreshing break from the exhibits. The outdoor areas are thoughtfully incorporated, with spots to sit and soak in the surroundings.
The café was cute, though it can get hectic during peak lunch hours, so plan accordingly. Overall, the Virginia Beach Aquarium is a fantastic destination for families. With interactive exhibits, engaging displays, and a perfect mix of indoor and outdoor experiences, it’s a great museum that left us all smiling. Highly recommend for a fun, hands-on adventure!"
Dominique B
"Nicely organized, friendly staff, and interesting exhibits. My son enjoyed the touch tanks and submarine control room, but it didn’t take long to get through the entire aquarium (about 2 hours moving pretty slowly). Could use something inside that’s more interactive like the seals at the entrance. Penguins would be a great addition. Not sure if the $35+/ticket is justified for another trip if in the area. Not disappointed in our trip, but not sure I would visit again. The gift shop prices are also insane. $70 for a long sleeve shirt tops all prices for gift shops I’ve been in before, and we’ve been to 10+ aquariums. Left without buying anything from the gift shop for the first time."
Danielle Lovejoy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is located at 717 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA. It's easily accessible by car. Parking is available on-site, though some meters may require troubleshooting. If using ride-sharing, confirm the drop-off point with your driver.
Public transportation options to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center can be limited depending on your starting point in Virginia Beach. It's best to check local bus routes or consider ride-sharing services for convenience.
You can walk the scenic nature trail, which takes about 10-13 minutes, or opt for a short drive. The walk is highly recommended by visitors for its beauty and the chance to see wildlife.
Parking at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is typically managed by meters. Visitors have reported issues with some meters not working, so be prepared for that possibility.
Yes, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is located in Virginia Beach, offering proximity to other attractions like the beach itself, boardwalk, and various dining and entertainment options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center can vary, with general admission often around $35+ per person. It's recommended to check their official website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts or package deals.
Yes, purchasing Virginia Aquarium tickets online is highly recommended. This often helps you skip the ticket line and ensures you have your admission secured, especially during busy periods.
Operating hours for the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours of operation before your visit, as they can change.
While specific promo codes aren't always advertised, look for potential discounts through local partnerships, military rates, or special event promotions on the Virginia Aquarium's official website.
The IMAX theater at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center may not always be operational or showing films. Visitors have reported it being closed or not ready during their visits, so it's advisable to check its status beforehand if it's a priority.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors rave about the stingray touch tanks, the impressive shark tank with its fish walkway, and the scenic nature trail connecting to the South Building's exhibits like otters and jellyfish. The reptile exhibits are also a pleasant surprise.
Absolutely! The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is very family-friendly, with numerous interactive touch exhibits, including the popular stingray touch tank, that keep children engaged and excited.
Most visitors spend around 2 to 2.5 hours at the Virginia Aquarium, especially if they take their time, enjoy the nature walk, and engage with the interactive exhibits. Some may spend longer if they plan to visit the IMAX theater or explore thoroughly.
Yes, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center offers several interactive exhibits, most notably the stingray touch tanks. Kids also enjoy areas like the submarine control room.
The nature trail is a scenic 10-13 minute walk connecting the two main buildings. It's a pleasant outdoor experience, offering a break from the indoor exhibits and a chance to enjoy the surroundings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center has a cafe. However, it can get quite hectic during peak lunch hours, so planning your mealtime accordingly is advised.
The cafe offers typical casual dining options suitable for a quick bite. While described as 'cute,' it can be busy, so be prepared for potential waits during peak times.
Information on bringing outside food is not explicitly detailed, but typically, large outside food items are discouraged in indoor dining areas of attractions. It's best to check the aquarium's specific policy.
Yes, being in Virginia Beach, there are numerous restaurants and dining options available near the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, ranging from casual to more upscale establishments.
While not explicitly stated as expensive, the cafe can get busy, suggesting it's a popular option. It's always a good idea to compare prices or consider dining outside the aquarium if budget is a primary concern.
📸 📸 Photography
The shark tank with its fish walkway, the vibrant jellyfish exhibits, and the playful otters in the South Building offer fantastic photo opportunities. The scenic nature trail also provides beautiful shots.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the animals.
The shark tank, especially when a sea turtle swims by, is a crowd-pleaser for photos. The colorful jellyfish displays and the seals outside the main entrance are also very photogenic.
Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, allowing for more unobstructed shots. However, the lighting inside the aquarium is generally consistent, so any time can yield good results.
While general photography is permitted, it's always wise to be mindful of signs regarding flash photography, especially around sensitive exhibits or during shows. Tripods might also be restricted during peak hours.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Plan for at least 2-3 hours to allow ample time for exploration without rushing. The cafe can get busy during lunch, so consider an earlier or later mealtime. While the gift shop prices are high, the overall experience is highly recommended for a fun, engaging, and educational day out.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for potential discounts or package deals on their official website. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly marine experience, consider focusing on the main exhibits and the free nature walk, rather than adding on extra activities like boat tours or ziplining.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Two Buildings
Connecting these two structures is a scenic nature trail, a highlight for many visitors. This approximately 10-13 minute walk is more than just a transit path; it's an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and observe the local environment. The South Building at the end of the trail features exhibits like playful otters and captivating jellyfish. While a walk is recommended, a short drive is also an option if time or mobility is a concern.
Planning your visit to account for the movement between buildings is key. Whether you choose to stroll the trail or drive, factor in this transition time to fully enjoy both parts of the aquarium. The outdoor element of the nature trail adds a refreshing dimension to the typical aquarium visit, making it a more comprehensive experience.
Interactive Experiences for All Ages
Beyond the stingrays, the aquarium offers other engaging elements. Children often enjoy exploring areas like the submarine control room, sparking their imagination about ocean exploration. The fish walkway provides an immersive experience, with marine life swimming all around you, making you feel like you're truly underwater. These interactive opportunities are designed to educate and entertain, ensuring that visitors of all ages leave with a greater appreciation for the ocean's wonders.
While the aquarium offers a wealth of visual displays, these tactile and imaginative experiences elevate the visit. They transform a passive viewing into an active exploration, which is particularly valuable for younger visitors who learn best through doing. The blend of observation and interaction is a key reason why the Virginia Aquarium is a recommended destination.
Beyond the Exhibits: Boat Tours & Ziplining
Additionally, the area around the South Building features ziplining opportunities. While this is an optional, often pricey, activity, it's noted by visitors as looking fun and adding an element of thrill to the visit. It caters to those looking for an adrenaline rush alongside their marine exploration. It's worth noting that these activities are separate from general admission and require additional booking and payment.
These additional offerings, like the boat tours and ziplining, enhance the overall visitor experience by providing diverse ways to engage with the environment and enjoy the Virginia Beach area. They cater to different interests and can make a day trip even more exciting and memorable.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit