Military Attractions in Hampton Roads
Coastal Virginia has a rich military history, going as far back as the Revolutionary War, which means there are several local attractions that both residents and tourists will enjoy! Learn about various branches of the military, and why Hampton Roads has historically been a key location for significant military achievements. You can plan a trip from Williamsburg to Virginia Beach that will take you from past to present, honoring the soldiers who fought for our country and telling their stories.
Norfolk
MacArthur Memorial
198 Bank Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
www.macarthurmemorial.com
Visit this museum and research center dedicated to preserving the memory of General Douglas MacArthur, and pay tribute to the men and women who served with him in WWI, WWII and the Korean War.
Nauticus & Battleship Wisconsin
One Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510
https://nauticus.org/
Nauticus teaches visitors everything you need to know about the natural environment of the Coastal Virginia coastline, as well as significant Naval history. Battleship Wisconsin is a real decommissioned battleship that visitors can tour! See how sailors live and work at sea.
Virginia Beach
Military Aviation Museum
1341 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23457
www.militaryaviationmuseum.org
Actual vintage aircraft are on display, and visitors can learn about airmen and how they got the job done. Check the website for scheduled flight demonstrations and air shows featuring their collection of vintage aircraft!
Navy Seal Monument
Virginia Beach Boardwalk, 38th Street
https://www.navysealmuseum.org
This statue at the Virginia Beach oceanfront depicts a life-size WWII-era Navy SEAL demolition swimmer, and honors the rich history of Navy SEALs.
Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum
2401 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
www.vbsurfrescuemuseum.org
Learn about the history of the United States Lifesaving Service, the United States Coast Guard, and Virginia’s coastal communities.
Hampton
Fort Monroe/Casemate Museum
Building 83
20 Ingalls Road, Fort Monroe, VA 23651
https://fortmonroe.org/
Completed in 1834, Fort Monroe is the largest stone fort in the United States. The Casemate Museum chronicles the military history of Fort Monroe from the first defensive fortification at the site in 1609, through the last major command to be headquartered at Fort Monroe, the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command. See the room where Jefferson Davis was briefly held prisoner after the Civil War. Visitors can also learn about Old Point Comfort, where the first Africans were brought to North America. After the Emancipation Proclamation, it became known as Freedom Fort.
Virginia Air & Space Center
600 Settlers Landing Rd, Hampton, VA 23669
www.vasc.org
Models and artifacts from America’s Air Force are on display at this museum that explores the sky and beyond, with special exhibits about Tuskeegee Airmen as well as space travel.
Newport News
Virginia War Museum
9285 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA 23607
www.warmuseum.org
This museum houses a collection of personal artifacts, weapons, vehicles, uniforms, posters and much more trace the development of the U.S. military from 1775 through the present.
Army Transportation Museum
300 Washington Blvd, Fort Eustis, VA 23604
https://transportation.army.mil/museum/
From the wagons of the Revolutionary War to the armored vehicles used today, this museum has more than 7,000 artifacts relating to Army Transportation. This vast collection includes indoor and outdoor exhibits.
Mariner’s Museum
100 Museum Dr, Newport News, VA 23606
www.marinersmuseum.org
Explore America’s rich Naval history, and tour replicas of the Monitor and Merrimac, the first “Ironclad” naval vessels utilized during the Civil War. The Mariner’s Museum is also restoring a portion of the Monitor which was recovered from the floor of the Chesapeake Bay!
Newport News Victory Arch
West Ave, Newport News, VA 23607
https://www.newport-news.org/visitors/things-to-do/outdoors-and-recreation/14/victory-arch/
Originally built in 1919, the Victory Arch originally served as a ceremonial passageway for WWI troops disembarking from ships. Troops also marched through the arch during victory parades. Today it serves as a memorial to the men and women of the armed forces, and if you’re visiting on Memorial Day or Veteran’s Day you can attend ceremonies hosted by the City of Newport News.
Yorktown
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
200 Water St, Yorktown, VA 23690
https://www.historyisfun.org/yorktown-victory-center/
Visit an army encampment and see how soldiers lived during the Revoluntionary War. Check out the museum and see artifacts from soldiers and nearby battlefields.
Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg
101 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23185
www.colonialwilliamsburg.org
Meet General Washington and the Marquis De Lafayette, who were critical to America’s victory during the Revolutionary War. Visit the Magazine in Colonial Williamsburg and learn about colonial artillery.
