Nestled along the picturesque coastline of Virginia, Hampton Roads offers a wealth of attractions and experiences for military families stationed in the area. From historic landmarks to outdoor adventures, there's no shortage of things to see and do.
Whether you're new to the region or a longtime resident, here are the top 10 must-do activities to add to your Hampton Roads bucket list. Many of them with Military Discounts :)
(1) Explore Colonial Williamsburg:
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of Colonial Williamsburg. Take a guided tour of the historic area, visit iconic landmarks such as the Governor's Palace and Capitol Building, and interact with costumed interpreters bringing history to life. Colonial Williamsburg offers several military discounts to include free admission surrounding Military Appreciation Month and Veterans Day. Learn more about that offer here.
(2) Visit Virginia Beach:
With miles of sandy beaches and a vibrant boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants, and entertainment, Virginia Beach is a must-visit destination for military families. Spend a day soaking up the sun, exploring the Virginia Aquarium, or taking a stroll along the iconic King Neptune statue. Virginia Beach has year-round activities and events from Whale Watching to the Neptune Festival to concerts. Stop by my favorite restaurant for panoramic views of the oceanfront at Orion's Roof.
(3) Tour the USS Wisconsin & Nauticus:
Embark on a journey through naval history with a tour of the USS Wisconsin, a majestic battleship docked at the Nauticus museum in Norfolk. Explore the ship's decks, learn about its storied past, and gain insight into the life of sailors at sea. For the month of April 2024, active military & veterans receive free admission plus discounts for family. Nauticus also offers a year-round military discount. Learn more here.
(4) Discover the Chrysler Museum of Art:
Immerse yourself in world-class art and culture at the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk. Browse an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts spanning thousands of years, and enjoy special exhibitions and events throughout the year.
(5) Go Wildlife Watching at the Norfolk Botanical Garden:
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. Explore over 175 acres of lush gardens, scenic trails, and tranquil waterways teeming with native flora and fauna. The Norfolk Botanical Garden does offer a military discount which you can find here.
(6) Enjoy Family Fun at Busch Gardens Williamsburg:
Thrill-seekers of all ages will delight in a day of adventure at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Experience adrenaline-pumping rides, live shows, and immersive themed areas inspired by Europe's most iconic destinations.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is named the most beautiful theme park and you can see why when you visit. Busch Gardens offers several different military offers from the Free admission Waves of Honor opportunity to the Military Pass offering unlimited admission to Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country. You can learn about all their offers for both active duty and veterans here.
(7) Attend a Norfolk Tides Baseball Game:
Cheer on the home team and enjoy America's favorite pastime at a Norfolk Tides baseball game. Grab a hot dog, root for the players, and soak in the lively atmosphere at Harbor Park Stadium. The Norfolk Tides have a couple Military Appreciation Events throughout the season. You can learn more about tickets and Military Appreciation Events here.
(8) Embark on a Foodie Adventure:
Indulge your taste buds with a culinary tour of Hampton Roads' diverse dining scene. From fresh seafood and southern comfort food to international cuisine and craft breweries, there's something to satisfy every palate. Some of my favorites include from Virginia Beach southside area: Tautog's Restaurant, Terrapin Restaurant, Orion's Roof, Chick's Oyster Bar. From Newport News peninsula area: Waterstreet Grill, York River Oyster Company, Circa 1918, Harpoon Larry's, Crab Shack on the James to name a few.
(9) Relax at the Virginia Living Museum:
Unleash your inner explorer at the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News. Encounter native wildlife, explore interactive exhibits, and delve into the wonders of the natural world through hands-on learning experiences. This is a great museum for the kiddos and nice to just escape the hustle and bustle and stroll around the musem. The VLM offers military discounts and special military appreciation events throughout the year. Learn more here.
(10) Plan a Weekend Getaway:
There are some awesome places to visit all within a couple of hours of Hampton Roads. Plan a weekend at one of the following areas:
- Outer Banks, North Carolina: You definitely want to visit OBX while you are stationed in Hampton Roads. There are wonderful restaurants, shops and miles of beach. It's a very popular tourist destination but it does book up rather quickly in the summers. My secret is plan to visit in September or October when the tourists have left but the weather is still warm. There are a couple of companies that offer military discounted rental homes. You can find those here and here.
- Wintergreen Resort: Neslted in the Blue Ridge Mountains about 45 minutes from Charlottesville, Wintergreen Resort sits at around 3500 feet elevation. The summers are a great escape from the heat in Hampton Roads where you can enjoy hiking, golf, wineries, breweries, cideries, orchards and more. Or, visit in the winter to enjoy skiing and tubing. Wintergreen does offer some generous military discounts which you can find here.
- Chincoteague: Located on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Chincoteague offers a great escape. The area is famous for their wild Chincoteague horses and beautiful water. Learn more here.
- Washington D.C.: Hampton Roads is only about 3-4 hours from Washington D.C. depending where you are coming from and traffic. While stationed in Hampton Roads this provides a great opportunity to make a weekend visit where there is a ton to do and see. Learn more here.
From historic landmarks to outdoor adventures, Hampton Roads offers a diverse array of attractions and activities for military families to enjoy, many with military discounts. I only touched on a couple of things to do in Hampton Roads. You also have so much more from historic Yorktown, Jamestown, local events, wineries, breweries, museums and more.
Whether you're seeking cultural enrichment, outdoor exploration, or family-friendly fun, there's something for everyone to discover in this vibrant region of Virginia.
So grab your calendar, plan your itinerary, and get ready to make lasting memories in Hampton Roads!
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