The Most Flavorful Landmarks & Historical Buildings in Virginia Beach

Jamestown Settlement

★★★★☆ 4.2 (197)

"Fantastic! It's a beautiful spot to visit. My friends and family have enjoyed the Jamestown Settlement. We've been here 3 times and it just never gets old. You will be walking. But, if walking is too much you can always stay inside and enjoy the museum, movies, eatery, and the gift store. The exterior has areas to explore. There is a village like setting, boats in the water and buildings to explore. If it's hot takeThat into consideration while visiting. This is definitely something to experience!"

Ghent Business District

★★★★★ 4.7 (3)

"**Okay, Ghent. You've been waiting long enough. I've used you over and over, but still no review. I apologize. It's not you, it's me. I hope this long overdue review will somehow make you forgive me.** I adore Ghent. Is there anyone out there who doesn't? Ghent Business District (GBD) reminds me of the Old Port in Portland, Maine. They don't look anything alike, but it's the wonderful feeling when I walk through the streets. There are certain cities lucky enough to have areas that allow people to walk around shop-to-shop; feel safe with their families; and have the opportunity to try almost every type of cuisine imagined. GBD is one of those places. I work very close to GBD, and because of that, I have been able to enjoy everything that Ghent has to offer. I'm lucky that I don't have to worry about parking, as that can be an issue here. Most places have a small parking lot or are close to a shopping center, but street parking is usually an option. Here is a short list of my favorites in GBD:* Fair Grounds (http://www.yelp.com/biz/fair-grounds-norfolk-2)My favorite coffee shop with an eclectic, cozy atmoshphere* Strawberry Fields (http://www.yelp.com/biz/strawberry-fields-norfolk)You can't miss out on homemade gelato!* Mr Shawarma (http://www.yelp.com/biz/mr-shawarma-norfolk)Amazing shawarma and falafel! You'll thank me later.* Azar's Natural Foods Market & Café (http://www.yelp.com/biz/azars-natural-foods-market-and-cafe-virginia-beach-2)I've only been there for their baklava, but it's delicious! They also sell raw, local honey in glass jars. * The Ten Top (http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-ten-top-norfolk)Their potato salad is to die for.* Kappo Nara Ramen (http://www.yelp.com/biz/kappo-nara-ramen-norfolk-2)Delicious! Make sure you bring your appetite. There ya go! That will get you started. As I visit "new" places, I will add them to this list. As you can see, I didn't add any shops--I'm not a shopper. I'm all about the food! However, there are lots of great shops in Ghent. If you're from out of town, and maybe getting ready to visit Hampton Roads, I strongly suggest you put Ghent on your list. I have only just begun with my very short list, and I am always looking for adventures in GBD. Park your car, walk around, and take in the fantastic community that is Ghent."

Yorktown Battlefield

★★★★★ 4.5 (112)

"Not to be confused with the museum. This is the national park site. The inside has a well done museum and great rangers to answer questions. Make sure your kiddo does the junior ranger badge activities. Outside, you can walk all over creation OR you can do the driving tour. We drove. There is a great app that tells you about each spot. It's also a lovely drive. We saw quiet a few deer out and about. As a note, please don't let your children approach the herds of deer. They are wild animals. SMDH. There is so much to learn it's almost overwhelming."

Historic Jamestowne

"Maybe this isn't for everyone, but personally I enjoyed visiting the "historic" island of Jamestowne where the original settlement was once based, versus the more touristy reenacted Jamestown (complete with ships) that is a short drive away. In many ways driving around this mostly deserted island has the feeling of being on hallowed ground. There are many places to stop here, but a huge portion of this island is pretty much a long looping drive (or a shorter version for those who are on a tight timeline) that takes you to various areas/parts of the island where notable events took place. But the real draw for me was always how you have to use your imagination to really think of what might have transpired back in the formative days when the English first settled these parts and the Native Americans who lived and walked into the woods. I don't know if this is a place you bring little kids to as they might not take to the idea of sitting through what feels like a patch of woods all day, but I do think there is SO much here that is fascinating and it's totally worth exploring for those who are really into history. There's a tranquility here that definitely takes you back to simpler times, when the origins of what we see today all first started. I also noticed many people riding bikes here, which is also another good way to enjoy the scenery."

Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Park

""A little rebellion now and then is a good thing." --Thomas JeffersonOne day when I was driving across the Deep Creek Bridge on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway in Chesapeake, I spotted a park. When I got home, I had to search for it because there wasn't much information about it on Yelp. It turns out there is wonderful, rich history at the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Park (GBBWP). The Battle of Great Bridge on December 9, 1775 played an important role in American independence--it was the first land battle of the American Revolution in Virginia, and America's first victory. That victory resulted in the Virginia Convention adopting their first public declaration expressing a spirit of independence. On December 9, 1999, The Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways History Foundation was formed by dedicated citizens who wanted to save this American history.The Foundation's main goal is to build a visitor's center here at the park and they are in the process of getting bids. The 12,000 square foot visitor center/museum will have permanent and changing exhibits. There is no timeframe for when the building will be open, but it's exciting to think about. It sounds amazing!Even though the visitor's center is not built yet, you can still go and enjoy:* A dock to watch the bridge and boats* View of the Albemarle & Chesapeake Canal * A large and very nice picnic table area* Memorial/historical walkthrough* Trail through the woods (approx. 2 miles)* Marsh Overlook/Eco Preservation Area* No restrooms but there is a port-a-pottieI love GBBWP because it's quiet--hardly anyone goes here. I'm sure that will change once they start building the visitor's center, but until then, you should check it out. Once you're done, stop by across the street at Great Bridge Locks Park--it's actually part of GBBWP. Great Bridge is one of my favorite areas in Hampton Roads. If you haven't been there before, I hope you will discover it for yourself."

Wright Brothers National Memorial

★★★★☆ 4.3 (292)

"A nice afternoon while in OBX. Quite informative and quick enough that it keeps attention of all ages."

Fort Huger

"Fort Huger (FH) was a strategic Civil War fort and was built to defend Confederates and Richmond. Six months ago, I tried to visit FH with my boys on our way home from another trip. We ended up turning back because they have one of the roads blocked. (Make sure you check out their website and get the alternate route: http://www.historicisleofwight.com/fort-huger.html.) We didn't feel like trying to find the alternate route, so I bookmarked it and knew I'd come back at some point. Today was that day. It was a gorgeous Monday, I packed a picnic lunch, and hit the road for an adventure. My first stop was Fort Boykins (FB)--I would definitely check that out since they're fairly close by (http://www.yelp.com/biz/fort-boykin-smithfield). When you walk in the parking lot, there are placards with information about FH. They even have brochures out for you to take along. However, there are no restrooms and no picnic tables. There is a short walk to the archaeological site, and there are more placards throughout the trail. At the top, there are cannons and the James River below, but you can't get too close or barely see the water because of the trees. There are some benches scattered around.Honestly, I would probably skip FH. You're really here for the idea of what took place all those years ago--not to see actual artifacts. Yes, there is some historical information here, but nothing you can't find online. If there was something else here to entice us, that might be different (like FB). I did find out that the Isle of County Museum offers free guided tours on FH. The information is available on the website and I posted a tip with the dates. If I were to return, I would do it for a free guided tour.Here are some websites mentioned at FH:Civil War Trailshttp://www.civilwartrails.org/Chesapeake Bay Gateways Networkhttp://www.baygateways.net/Captain John Smith's Trailhttp://www.smithtrail.net/National Register of Historic Placeshttp://www.nps.gov/nr/Virginia Landmarks Registerhttp://www.dhr.virginia.gov/registers/register.htm"

Whalehead In Historic Corolla

★★★★☆ 3.8 (31)

"Bottom Line: A very interesting museum house that showcases the history and culture of Currituck and 1920s America but interruptions distracted from the overall experience.I love the Whalehead Club, as the Corolla Island mansion is commonly known, and I am so grateful it has been restored to its former glory and is open to the public for tours. Not only has the 21,000 square foot home been beautifully restored but many of the original furnishing have been located and reclaimed for the home which is quite a feat. Although I have toured the home previously I was equally enthusiastic to tour it again. The tour is only $7 and it takes you through most of the house which is awesome but I found the format of the tour to be a bit clumsy. It is an audio tour so initially I was expecting the audio would be through a personal headset but instead when you enter a room you hit play on an iPod that amplifies the narrative through a speaker. The content of the narrative was great and I believe it was fairly recently recorded, perhaps last year, so it has relatable references like that to the popular TV show Dowton Abbey. But at times it was a tad difficult to hear the audio when docents were chatting amongst themselves in quiet voices or when the audio was playing in an adjacent room so for that reason I would have preferred a headset. But overall, the audio was very interesting, informative and thoughtfully done.When the audio recording was complete for each room we were quickly ushered to the next listening station which is one of my biggest disappointments. Sometimes I wanted to take a second look at a photo, admire the view out the window or imagine what life was like in the home but there was not much of a chance to immerse myself in the experience even though I think there was only one other couple in the home (I could see that on the surveillance monitor when we paid and I wondered to myself why it wasn't busier.) My other disappointment is that the enthusiastic staff often interjected like when I was admiring Tiffany lamps in the dining room or artifacts in the basement. It was kinda like going to the movies with someone who wants to commentate through the movie and although I know it came from a good place it was distracting. I saw other reviewers noting they felt rushed and micromanaged too.Anyway, the home tells a wonderful story about the Knights, their circa 1920s winter home and the waterfowl hunting culture of Currituck. I enjoy American history, architecture and the Outer Banks so I was in heaven touring the Arts Noveau mansion nestled between the sound and ocean. I really appreciate the details of the house like the duck bill doorknobs and the Pullman Car playing cards on display and that you get to see the majority of the home. I also enjoyed the exhibits in the basement. It was fun to see the roaring 1920s attire and learn about the home's history after the Knight's death. A short film related to the house would have been an added bonus.The home is a museum and for me one of the hallmarks of a good museum is to inspire additional learning which the Whalehead Club certainly does. I have since enjoyed several books and documentaries on historic Currituck and the Whalehead Club. This is a fabulous landmark that has been painstaking restored by the utmost dedicated individuals and I encourage everyone to support this amazing museum."

On the Hill Gallery

★★★★★ 4.5 (2) • $

"While walking around Historic Yorktown, we checkout out the On the Hill Gallery. I enjoyed looking at the Christmas and wreath wall quilt, hand painted Yorktown onion ornaments, holiday kindness rocks, framed photograph of crab pot, Celebrate Autumn acrylic painting, holiday themed soap, Ike at Piva Yoke oil painting, photograph at Heart Nebula, digital line art, and most of all the framed encaustic wax painted ornaments!"

Hampton Carousel

★★★★★ 4.9 (8)

"Hampton Carousel (HC) is ready for Halloween! I had read about HC from another Yelper and bookmarked it for a day we found ourselves in Hampton and whaddya know, we found ourselves in Hampton last weekend, a lot sooner than I thought so this bookmark came in handy. Our kids love carousels so I knew this would be the perfect little pit stop before we made our way back to the other side.HC is located right next to the Virginia Air and Space Science Center. - Parking -There was not a dedicated parking lot for the HC that we could see, so luckily we found street parking nearby and it was free.- TLC -Two staff members were running the place. One by the admissions desk and one operating the carousel. The woman by the admissions started her spiel like a seasoned actress rehearsing her lines for the next blockbuster movie. She did not skip a beat. She told us that the HC turns 101 years old this year! Wow, pretty neat that they have kept this piece of history well maintained. - Pricing and Ride - The cost is one whole dollar. Cash only. And you get your dollar's worth too. The ride seemed quite long, like a good 5 minutes, but maybe that's just me. I was riding the sleigh (that doesn't even move!) and I was feeling a little queasy by the end LOL. Our kids on the other hand, couldn't get enough.HC was decorated for Halloween. The women encouraged the kids to make their way around the carousel to the different spooky and ghoulish figures to nab some candy before it spooked them. The kids had fun doing that! Well worth the visit to witness a bit of history and super cheap entertainment for the kids. Ride $1, smiles priceless.Stay safe, Friends!"

Cape Henry Memorial

★★★★☆ 4.2 (5)

"Whether or not you're into Colonial history you probably have heard about or know a little something about the events regarding Philadelphia, 1776 or Boston. Maybe even Yorktown or Williamsburg. But all those cats had to get their start somewhere, right? Indeed they did and this is the spot where it all happened in April of 1607.After a four plus month journey the initial group of 144 landed here then placed a wooden cross in the ground (exact spot unknown) to mark their landfall calling the spot Cape Henry. Approximately three weeks after those events the group settled in what is now Jamestown and the rest as is said, is history.So if you come here what are you going to see? To be honest, not much.The first order of business is getting to the site which means you need to enter the Fort Story Naval Base. While not horribly difficult, it is a process and you need to be prepared. I'm not going to go thru the steps but in review of the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse I lay it out step by step from my most recent visit. www.yelp.com/biz/cape-henry-lighthouse-fort-storyAfter getting on the base you drive about a mile and a half on Atlantic Avenue then you'll see a brown NPS (this site is part of the Colonial National Historical Park) sign on the right marked Cape Henry Memorial with a small parking lot.On the site, which is only 1/4 acre, you'll see the stone cross which was set up by the Daughters of the American Colonists in 1935 to mark the approximate spot where the wooden cross was placed from the first landing in 1607. Two large placards noting area marine life. A few placards noting the 1781 Battle of the Capes which was an important French Naval victory that helped to cut supplies off from Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown and a large statue to Admiral Comte de Grasse who commanded the French Fleet in that battle.There is also a short walkway leading to the top of the dunes where you can see the ocean or for a closer look take the walkway just to the south of the Cape Henry Memorial and go down to the beach. The site is open year round and while there are no formal hours for visitation the NPS recommends the safe bet of sunrise to dusk. If you've come this far you might as well go across Atlantic Avenue and visit/climb the Old Fort Story Lighthouse. It's an easy climb and the site is regularly on Groupon which makes the price very agreeable.This isn't an A-list stop by any means but if you like history and/or you're in the VA Beach and want to see/do something different, this is a neat spot that offers an experience you can't see anywhere else."

Fort Boykin

"Long overdue review! I went to Fort Boykin (FB) for the first time about a year ago. I didn't even know it existed until Amber D. posted a review (thanks Amber!). I don't think most people know about this place except for locals. FB is a historical site, and they believe it dates back to 1623, when the colonists built a fort to protect themselves. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 for its archaeological potential (Wikipedia). The first time I visited FB, I took some pictures of some ruins, but they completely took it away. It's covered by grass now. It's a wonderful spot and lots to do. Check this out:* Home to the Commonwealth's 2nd oldest Black Walnut Tree, over 200 years old, and has been named to the Remarkable Trees of Virginia Project. * Part of Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, America's first national water trail. (www.nps.gov/cajo)* Also part of the Civil War Trails, Chesapeake Bay Gateway Network, Star-Spangled Banner Geotrail and Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail. It is part of the eBird System, the bird database run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society (http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/vbwt/).* Restrooms* Small, dirt parking lot, but it's usually not busy.* Pavilion with picnic tables and grills* Dogs allowed (on a leash)* Beach Access--This is the best part of FB! My son came with me last time and we had a ball walking up and down the beach. You can swim, but no fishing. The water is calm because it's on the James River."

Chesapeake Bay Bridge -Tunnel

"The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel was a wonderful and scary trip over the waterThe tunnels were a little nerve wrecking since the lanes inside the tunnel are oncoming and when you pass a big rig in there, it seems to shake but that again could be my nervesThere is no where to pull over out there if needed but there is police presence out there so that made me feel somewhat saferThe average speed is 50 but it should be a little slower maybe 40 but hey don't make the rules.It was $14 one way on the toll. Definitely would do again. It was opened in 1964, the year I was born do we are both 57 years old."

Virginia Legends Walk

"This is a very small plaza area that features a gazebo with a bunch of cement benches in front of it. It is reminiscent of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but instead of stars on the ground, there are granite plaques on tall brick pillars. It is a self guided tour, whose honorees are Virginians, by birth or residence, who have made a significant contribution to the nation and the world. Some of the honorees include Woodrow Wilson, Edgar Allen Poe, Ella Fitzgerald, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Pearl Bailey, Booker T. Washington, Arthur Ashe, Patsy Cline, Thomas Jefferson, Pocahontas and Captain John Smith. Inductees can be nominated by anyone, but are officially chosen by judges from various backgrounds such as the heads of various historical societies, college presidents , and the heads of public libraries. There is an annual event to announce the newest additions to the Legends Walk.Be sure to check both sides of the pillars. That is where you will find plaques. This is a living attraction, with lots of room for expansion. (just see that spaces available to place a plaque on the pillar). Oceanographer Mathew Fontaine Maury and bluegrass musician Ralph Stanley were inducted as the Class of 2019.It is relatively easy to get to and is marked with a huge archway on each side of it. There is metered street parking and a few commercial lots within walking distance that you can park at to visit here. The meters cost about $2/ hour and the lots vary in price depending on what is going on and the season.There were a few urban campers taking a nap and hanging out while I was there. And the place could be a bit cleaner and maybe a little maintenance. The bronze plaques could also use some periodic polishing. All in all, it is still an attraction to see in Virginia Beach. It is not a destination spot though and would be best if it was visited during a trip to the boardwalk or one of the other local attractions."

South Norfolk Jordan Bridge

"Took this bridge for the first time and I was a bit surprised of it's beautiful views. I didn't even realize it was going to be so high! Everyone is talking about the cardio workout you can get walking/running on it, I'm not there yet (LOL) but I'm sure it's a workout!"

St. Luke's Historic Church & Museum

★★★★★ 4.6 (27)

"St. Luke's may have been built as early as 1632 and is a gorgeous example of an English rural church and has both Gothic & Jacobean features. The interior is a must to tour.A majority of funding is through their on site gift store which is fabulous! The items are eclectic and prices fair. The staff is friendly and ready to assist Tour tickets for the church are obtained in the gift store. Adults are $8, students $5 and 6 and under FREE. If you think the exterior resembles Historic Jamestowne Church your right, but this church may be even older. Most experts now believe the building to have been constructed 50-75 years later than 1632 as originally thought.Once inside you will view the stain glass windows to the rear. The glass was installed in the 1950's during a major renovation. The windows were retrieved from a European church that closely dates St. Luke's. There is also a one of a kind parlor organ from 1600's the foundation purchased in the 1950's from an estate sale. It was later found out a family Norfolk England owned.There is so much more that could be written about the stunning property, but why not discover for yourself. On occasion Episcopal services are held, look for dates on their website, or Facebook page. The trip is not far for anyone in Hampton Roads. I would recommend a visit to see this beautiful piece of local history."

Cape Henry Lighthouse

"What's not to love about a lighthouse? Nothing! AND, this is the first lighthouse that is a federally funded public works project of the newly formed United States government. It was authorized by George Washington and overseen by Alexander Hamilton.I visited this lighthouse once when I lived in Virginia Beach and it was a nice experience! I don't recall boarding a bus or passing a background check. This would have been the mid-late 90s and things have likely changed regarding security here. I also don't recall paying an entrance fee. If you are in the area and looking for something historical and not touristy/crowded, I highly recommend the Cape Henry Lighthouse. Commit to the 190 steps to the top and enjoy the view!"

Fort Monroe National Monument

"How has it taken me this long to visit beautiful Fort Monroe? I didn't have nearly enough time to really explore today. But I saw enough in the hour and a half we drove around and exploded. We saw the beach, the lighthouse, the old fortification and a few of the old buildings. I loved the old point comfort lighthouse. Although you couldn't go inside , it was super pretty to see in its well-maintained decay. The beach was busy and booming and the restaurant on base was also busy. We walked around the parade field and saw the old church and "Lincoln gun" canon. I was pleasantly surprised by this spot. It's very pretty and well-kept and organized and peaceful. They have a welcome center that was closed when we arrived but you can tour the on-site museum for free during business hours and can do a walking tour. I'm going to bring my dad next time he visits from out of town. He will love it."

Emancipation Oak

★★★★★ 5 (6)

"I wish I could say that this was the first time I was reviewing a tree on Yelp, but it turns out that I've actually reviewed the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York. Go figure. This historical tree has a historical marker to go with it that reads:"To the west, on the grounds of Hampton University, stands the Emancipation Oak. Under its sheltering limbs, protected and encouraged by the occupying Union army and prominent local church leaders, Mary Smith Kelsey Peake (1823-22 Feb. 1862) taught her fellow African Americans to read and write as the Civil War began. She founded the first black school in Hampton at Brown Cottage in September 1861; it was a forerunner of Hampton University. In 1863, following the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln, Hampton residents gathered beneath the oak to hear the text read aloud."There is a small parking lot here and the tree itself is surrounded by a low fence to protect it from people who would no doubt climb on it or carve initials or whatnot."

Rosewell Foundation

"This place is pretty amazing even if you're not a history buff. Kids enjoyed the place. There's unmark parking available. Picnic tables available for a luncheon. They have a visitor center for all your questions. They offer ghost tours as well! If you're in the area definitely stop by and check it out!"

Berkeley Plantation

"We added Berkeley Plantation to our list of historical sites to visit on a recent trip as we were stopping by several presidential homes and sites in VA--Washington, Madison, Monroe, Jefferson, Wilson...and here in and around Charles City are two (Tyler, and here at Berkeley, WH Harrison). We were unaware of how much history this location has been home to, however: home of a signer of the Declaration of Independence as well as his son a future president and grandson another future president; birthplace of "Taps"; site of the first Thanksgiving and a major scene in Indigenous-British settler disputes (to say the least); battles and events key to both the Revolutionary and Civil wars; and much more.Our tour guide was fantastic and taking that guided tour is highly recommended. Check out the grounds and exhibits, stroll through the gardens and along the river. Pick something up in the gift shop and while in the area take a quick tour of the Tyler estate as well (Sherwood Forest), just know that tours of that house are by appointment only and made well in advance as the home is still under Tyler family ownership."

1750 Isle Of Wight Courthouse

★★★★★ 4.7 (3)

"Pretty building, interesting court record saving history throughout wars, and Anna was super informative!"

Windsor Castle Park

★★★★★ 4.7 (41)

"I like Windsor Castle Park - it's a cute and well-maintained popular walking trail in Smithfield right across from Smithfield station. Smithfield station provides free parking in a gravel lot across the street from their main parking lot. This park has several nice wooden bridges over the water and is a peaceful quiet walk around for about 1.8 miles through the wooded/water park of Smithfield. It runs parallel to Main Street at some points and intersects with a few neighborhoods via wooden bridges. It's really cute and has a nice shaded wooded part of the path as well as some sunny uncovered spots and tons and tons of marsh and water that looks like a Nicholas Sparks movie - it has a little something for everyone!"

Colonial Williamsburg

★★★★☆ 3.9 (626)

"One of my favorite things to do in Virginia is tour Colonial Williamsburg. Time stands still as you walk down Duke of Gloucester and see the many actors portraying life in the 1700's. This is a family fun adventure that you will return to. I have been coming to CW for over 30 years. Cannot recommend enough."