Whether you are a history buff or love to spend time outdoors, there are many things to do in Virginia. Check out some of the most popular attractions in the area. These include the Nightmare Mansion, Cape Henry Lighthouse, Busch Gardens, and Assateague Island. There is truly something for everyone.
Nightmare Mansion
If you want to experience the thrills of the haunted house, you must visit the Nightmare Mansion in Virginia Beach, Virginia. This haunted attraction is one of the oldest and scariest in the country. It features multiple scares and is geared towards adults. You can also experience a movie night and join in a comedy club.
The mansion also has original furniture. For instance, the maroon upholstered seat in the Grand Parlor dates back to 1868. The mansion also contains dolls from the 1850s and a rocking horse from the Civil War era. You can even purchase scare packages that cost as much as $8.
Another attraction in Virginia is the Cape Henry Lighthouse, which stood watch over the site of First Landing for almost a century. There are tours available to explore the lighthouse, as well as a museum. After the lighthouse, visitors can visit the Nightmare Mansion, one of the most haunted homes in Virginia Beach.
Cape Henry Lighthouse
The Cape Henry Lighthouses are a pair of historic landmarks located at the southern entrance to the Chesapeake Bay. They have been a crucial landmark for shipping traffic for centuries, both from and to the ports along the bay. Located in Virginia, they have historical significance as points of interest.
You can tour the Cape Henry Lighthouse in Virginia, which is owned by Preservation Virginia. The lighthouse is open to the public and is located near the First Landing site, where English settlers first arrived in Virginia. While you’re here, you should also visit the Cape Henry Memorial, which has a statue of Admiral Comte deGrasse and a commemorative cross honoring the first English settlers to land in America.
A visit to the Cape Henry Lighthouse is not cheap. Admission is $10 for adults and $9 for students and military personnel. The ticket includes four hours of access to the lighthouse and free on-site parking. You can also purchase a combination ticket that includes the tour and a climb of the lighthouse tower.
While visiting Cape Henry Lighthouse, make sure to bring your photo ID. Guests must present a government-issued photo ID to enter. They must also show a REAL ID Act-compliant photo ID before being admitted.
Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens is a great place to spend a day with the family. The park features dozens of dining options, including full-service restaurants and quick-service kiosks. The park offers a variety of international foods, as well as traditional American favorites. The park also has an extensive food court with kid-friendly meals. Kids can also dine on the park’s signature kids meal, which includes entree, apple sauce, juicebox, and soda. There are also daily animal encounters and seasonal celebrations.
Busch Gardens is an old-world-themed amusement park in Virginia. The park is divided into different regions that are each based on a different country in Europe. Each area features themed rides, buildings, and shows. There is a special show at Busch Gardens that is one of the top attractions. Visitors can also enjoy rides such as the inverted Alpengeist and flying coaster Griffon.
The Rhinefeld section of Busch Gardens is a kid-friendly area with a variety of fun activities and attractions. Those looking for thrill rides can try the famous Mach Tower, which rises over 200 feet and offers spectacular views. Another great option for thrill seekers is the Tempesto, a ride themed after an Italian daredevil. The coaster defies gravity as riders speed through three launch elements and an inversion.
Busch Gardens in Virginia has a diverse selection of rides for the entire family. Younger children will enjoy the Bert and Ernie’s Loch Adventure and Grover’s Alpine Express, while older thrill-seekers can try the Verbolten or the Sesame Street Forest of Fun. The park also has a range of smaller rides for younger kids.
Assateague Island
There are many things to do on Assateague Island. There’s a visitor center, three nature trails, lifeguarded beaches, and a park headquarters, and you can also go kayaking or take a guided tour. Both the Virginia and Maryland districts have lifeguards on the beaches. You can hike, bike, or drive your Oversand Vehicle (OSV) over the bridge to the Virginia portion.
Visitors to the island can observe wild horses and other animals. In fact, wild ponies have inhabited the island for hundreds of years. The wild horses are descended from domestic horses that survived shipwrecks on the island. While viewing these animals is more popular in Maryland, horseback riding is allowed year-round in Virginia. Wildlife tours are also a great way to see the island’s wildlife.
Another popular attraction is the Assateague Lighthouse. This historic structure was built in 1867 to alert ships to shoals offshore. During the summer, the lighthouse is open to the public for tours from 9am-3pm. However, visitors should be aware that the island is known for its high UV rays and mosquitoes.
Whether you’re a nature lover or an avid kayaker, there’s no shortage of fun things to do on Assateague Island. The Assateague Island National Seashore is located about eight miles from Ocean City, Maryland and two miles from Chincoteague, Virginia. Visitors can drive to Assateague from either of these cities and begin exploring the area.
Museum of Contemporary Art
If you’re looking for contemporary art in the Virginia Beach area, head to the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (VMCA) at 2200 Parks Avenue. This museum is right near the oceanfront resort area. It has a large collection of modern art and will inspire you to explore your creativity.
The VMCA’s exhibits change often, so you’re bound to find something to spark your creative juices. The museum aims to educate and inspire local artists while presenting contemporary art from around the world. It also offers performing arts programs and family activities. It’s a great place for people of all ages, and it’s six blocks from the oceanfront.
The museum’s website also features online exhibitions and interactive exhibits. Guests can interact with museum tour guides and participate in a virtual tour of past exhibitions. Visitors can also download posters of current and past exhibits. Whether you’re a fan of contemporary art or simply want to learn more about the local radical history, the MOCA offers a unique experience.
Virginia MOCA presents ever-changing exhibitions exploring our shared humanity. While these exhibitions are regionally relevant, they also address the world’s issues. Virginia MOCA is also home to one of the oldest events in Virginia Beach, the Boardwalk Art Show. It is the only outdoor art show hosted by a museum and welcomes over 200 artists.
Natural Bridge of Virginia
The unincorporated community of Natural Bridge is located in Rockbridge County, Virginia. This small town is named for its famous natural arch. It is located near the intersection of State Route 130 and U.S. Route 11. You can find the town by driving down U.S. Route 11 to Natural Bridge. You’ll find a variety of hotels and restaurants in the area.
The natural bridge was surveyed by George Washington in 1750. Washington toured the area while he was surveying Lord Fairfax’s five-million-acre royal grant in western Virginia. The bridge’s southeast wall is adorned with a large rock bearing Washington’s initials and surveyor’s cross. This rock was discovered in 1927 under the bridge. Today, the Natural Bridge is an iconic symbol of Virginia.
The Natural Bridge of Virginia is located south of Interstate 81 in Virginia. It is a short drive from I-81 through the woods to reach the area. The park is open to visitors and the entrance fee is half of what it was when the park was privately owned. Visitors can enjoy the bridge from its walkway under the bridge, but be aware that there is a fee.
The Natural Bridge of Virginia has inspired countless artists since its construction. Herman Melville, an American author, made reference to it in his 1851 novel Moby Dick. The natural bridge, along with the 347-foot-deep Natural Bridge Caverns, are one of the area’s hidden wonders. It is located just 45 minutes south of Cabin Creekwood, and is accessible by Interstate 81 and US Highway 11.
