10 Amazing Things to Do in Hampton Roads
by PCSgrades Staff - March 30th, 2022
Military families PCSing to eastern Virginia will have no shortage of things to do and places to go. There are many amazing things to do in Hampton Roads, Newport News, or the Norfolk areas.
Here are 10 suggestions for creating some great family memories on Virginia’s eastern shore.
10 amazing things to do in Hampton Roads, Virginia
There are several military bases near Virginia's eastern shore, making areas like Hampton Roads, Newport News, and Norfolk popular destinations for military families.
If you're PCSing to Virginia (or if you're already here), start by reading the area guide for your installation. Then, add these adventures to your bucket list!
#1 Tour a battleship
1 Waterside Dr, Norfolk
The Battleship Wisconsin is one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy. This majestic ship earned five battle stars during WW II. The Wisconsin served in Operation Desert Storm through February of 1991. This marked the last time that a United States battleship ever actively participated in a foreign war. With 40,820 tons of weight, this Iowa Class battleship is worth either a self-guided or formal tour.
Find more information about visiting hours, entry fees, and special exhibitions on the Battleship Wisconsin's website.
#2 Have a sleepover on a battleship
1 Waterside Dr, Norfolk
Yes! You read that right! For a truly memorable experience, you can book an overnight trip aboard the Battleship Wisconsin and sleep in one of the areas the sailors did. Put this on your Hampton Roads bucket list. It's one of the most amazing things to do in Hampton Roads (and all of Virginia, for that matter) and is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
#3 The Odditorium, perfect for oddballs
1735 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg
There is a little something for everyone at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Williamsburg, VA. The Odditorium has over 350 exhibits showcasing odd, rare, and mind-undoing world records, people, and animals in 11 themed galleries. Exhibits range from an 8’ tall car part robot and a 900-pound Millennium Falcon made from car parts to a two-headed cow and a genuine shrunken head. The Laser Race is a challenge requiring cat-like balance and the ability to weave through light beams.
The action is complemented by the in-house 4-D theater. You can watch the shows with 3D glasses while being blasted with air, misted with water, have your legs tickled, and a host of other sensory experiences. Tickets prices and more info can be found at Ripleys.com.
#4 Get your thrills (and see some cute animals)
1 Busch Gardens Blvd, Williamsburg
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is the perfect place for the thrill-seekers in your life! And if you don't live the heart-pumping roller coasters, there are plenty of beautiful gardens to enjoy and fun animals to watch. Check out the Highland Stables to see Scottish Highland cattle, sheep, and working Border Collies!
Busch Gardens is one of the most popular things to do in Hampton Roads as the park offers military discounts. Find out more about pricing and hours here.
#5 Attend a high-flying prom
1341 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach
With over 100 acres and 70 vintage aircraft, the Military Aviation Museum is home to one of the world’s largest collections of privately-owned WW1 and WW2 aircraft. Most have been restored to flying condition. Although the museum is open year-round, the annual “Flying Proms” are not to be missed. Rooted in U.K. tradition, this event takes place one night a year and is a symphony airshow. Pack a picnic basket and prepare to watch a ballet in the sky evoking a bygone era. Certainly one of the most memorable and unique things to do in Hampton Roads; you won’t see this anywhere else in the U.S.
#6 Read with Pearl S. Bailey
2510 Wickham Ave, Newport News
Technically, you can’t read with the Tony and Emmy Award-winning entertainer because she passed away in 1990. But you can read one of six books she wrote in the library named for this native daughter. From an early age, Pearl sang, performed, entertained, and captivated her audiences throughout the world. She was the United States Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations and worked tirelessly on behalf of literacy and AIDS prevention/awareness. In 1988 Newport News named its Wickham Avenue Library in honor of Ms. Bailey.
#7 A nature lover's dream
524 J Clyde Morris Blvd, Newport News
Often called the “crown jewel of Virginia,” the Virginia Living Museum showcases local flora and fauna and diverse species like such as bald eagles, red wolves, and sea turtles. There is an observatory on site as well as a planetarium where you can learn all about the night sky. Other attractions include self-guided tours of the nature gardens as well as a boardwalk and a greenhouse.
#8 Chrysler Museum of Art
1 Memorial Pl, Norfolk
Home to over 30,000 objects that span thousands of years of world history, the Chrysler Museum of Art is a “must-see” while stationed at one of the many military bases in Virginia. One of the major art museums in the Southeastern United States, it was originally founded as the Norfolk Museum of Arts and Sciences in 1933. The museum grew into what it is today through a large donation of art by automotive heir Walter Chrysler.
#9 See a show
2410 Wickham Avenue, Newport News
The Ella Fitzgerald Theater, a 276-seat venue named for the “First Lady of Song” hosts a wide variety of shows throughout the year. It is part of the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, a multi-purpose cultural space in southeast Newport News. The historic building was originally built as the Walter Reed School, and has been restored and is now owned and operated by the City of Newport News, Parks, Recreation, and Tourism department.
#10 Experience history
Finally, those stationed at any of the military bases in Virginia should check out these next American treasures. Colonial America comes alive in nearby Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. Jamestown has two areas, the archaeological site and Jamestown settlement which is a living museum interpretive site. Williamsburg is a seven-mile drive from Jamestown and is another living-history museum. Don’t miss Yorktown with its waterfront charm and historic battlefields.
Even more amazing things to do in Hampton Roads
Looking for more amazing things to do in Hampton Roads, Norfolk, or Newport News? Want to know about nearby military installations, read reviews about housing and neighborhoods, or leave a review (good or bad) to help other military families? PCSgrades is here to make your military experience better. Check out our online resources written by military families, for military families.
