With 38 miles of beaches, a lively 3-mile-long Boardwalk and an abundance of year-round outdoor activities, Virginia Beach already has plenty to get students excited about a trip. When they arrive, the vibrant coastline turns history, science, arts and nature into opportunities for hands-on learning.
For student groups, an itinerary can move seamlessly from marine biology and aviation to environmental exploration and team-building adventures — with plenty of fun along the way no matter their interests and trip goals.
Dive into Marine Science
At the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, students can discover the coastal ecosystems that make Virginia Beach a fascinating natural classroom. Marine life encounters and interactive exhibits bring biology, conservation and environmental stewardship to life.
Continue the adventure next door at The Adventure Park, where aerial ropes courses and ziplines challenge students to problem-solve, communicate and work together.
Explore Centuries of Coastal History
Virginia Beach gives students a chance to connect American history with the places where it unfolded. First Landing State Park, the most visited state park in Virginia, commemorates the 1607 arrival of English colonists before they continued to Jamestown, while trails through maritime forests, dunes and wetlands connect that history to the region’s natural environment.
The 1792 Cape Henry Lighthouse — the first lighthouse authorized by the new U.S. government — stands at the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay as a reminder of the region’s maritime importance.
Located at the Oceanfront, the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum adds another chapter, introducing students to the city’s maritime heritage through stories of shipwrecks, lifesaving and the evolution of the coastal community.
Watch History Take Flight
The Military Aviation Museum is home to one of the world’s largest private collections of World War I- and World War II-era military aircraft. Its restored planes and exhibits sparks conversations about history, engineering, technology and aviation, giving STEM-minded students another way to connect classroom subjects with the real world.
In fact, many of the museum’s historic aircraft remain airworthy, bringing aviation history to life through seasonal flight demonstrations and even the opportunity to fly aboard select aircraft for an unforgettable firsthand experience.
Turn Nature into a Classroom
At Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, protected marshes, dunes, beaches and forests create an immersive setting for exploring ecology. Wildlife observation and outdoor exploration introduces topics such as biodiversity, migration, conservation and coastal ecosystems.
Groups can also take to the water on dolphin-watching tours and other boat excursions, offering another perspective on the marine environment surrounding Virginia Beach.
Dig into Agriculture
Students can head inland to Pungo to discover another side of Virginia Beach. This rural community encompasses thousands of acres of farmland, where family farms grow strawberries, blueberries and other seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Depending on the time of year and group itinerary, a farm visit or pick-your-own experience can introduce students to agriculture, food systems and the connection between local farms and the food on their plates.
Make Waves at Atlantic Park Surf
Students will gain an unforgettable lesson at Atlantic Park Surf, where a 2.67-acre Wavegarden Cove surf lagoon brings a new dimension to the city’s long-standing surf culture. With waves designed for different skill levels, students can learn the fundamentals of the sport, build confidence and experience a signature activity in a controlled setting.
From catching a first wave and encountering marine life to exploring military history and discovering where local food grows, Virginia Beach turns learning into an adventure — and gives students plenty of stories to bring home.
Start planning at VisitVirginiaBeach.com/group-travel.
Courtesy of Visit Virginia Beach.
Photo courtesy of Virginia Beach CVB
