A merger of Virginia Beach with Princess Anne County created a city with a 29-mile-long coastline. The resort offers an excellent beach and 3 miles of boardwalk. Fishing is prime here, and the region is noted for seafood, especially the Lynnhaven oyster.
Things to do in Suffolk
Battleship Wisconsin
One of the last and largest battleships built by the U.S. Navy, this vessel was used in World War II, the Korean War and Operation Desert Storm. A self-guiding tour of the main deck includes interactive exhibits depicting the history of the ship and life on board. Call (757) 664-1000 for more information.
Waterside Dr. & Boush St., Norfolk, VA 23434
Fort Monroe and the Casemate Museum
Named in honor of President James Monroe, the fort has been continuously occupied since 1823. A water-filled moat surrounds the structure, which is shaped in a seven-point star. After the Civil War, Confederate President Jefferson Davis was confined here until 1867. Visitors can view his prison cell at the museum, which contains exhibits about the battle between the ironclads, other important events of the Civil War and army artillery memorabilia. Call (757) 788-3391 for more information.
20 Bernard Rd., Hampton, VA 23434
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
111,000 acres of forested wetlands surrounding Lake Drummond. Inhabitants include black bears, white-tailed deer, bobcats, otters and more than 200 recorded species of birds. Visitors to the refuge can hike or bicycle on several miles of unpaved trails. Interpretive boardwalks along the Washington and West ditches traverse a variety of swamp habitats. Boating, fishing and picnicking are permitted. Call (757) 986-3705 for more information.
3100 Desert Rd., Suffolk, VA 23434
Nauticus, The National Maritime Center
Nauticus, The National Maritime Center is at One Waterside Dr., downtown on the Elizabeth River. The Norfolk waterfront science center features more than 150 hands-on exhibits that explore the naval, economic and natural power of the sea. Visitors can feel the texture of a nurse shark's skin, touch a tornado, participate in a naval battle simulation and see digital high-definition films on a giant screen. Call (757) 664-1000 for more information.
1 Waterside Dr., Norfolk, VA 23434
Virginia Living Museum
Virginia's natural heritage is explored through indoor and outdoor exhibits that highlight regional geography, geology, ecosystems, plants and animals. An elevated boardwalk winds through a 10-acre nature area, offering views of red wolves, bobcats, eagles, deer and coyotes. Interactive discovery centers invite visitors to handle natural science specimens and live animals. The Coastal Plain Gallery presents marine life from the Chesapeake Bay estuary. Call (757) 595-1900 for more information.
524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, VA 23434