VIRGINIA BEACH
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VIRGINIA BEACH
Military Aviation Museum
VISIT VIRGINIA BEACH
The Virginia Beach area is known for its rich military and maritime history . Those two aspects of its culture can be explored at the Military Aviation Museum and Cape Henry Lighthouse .
Boasting one of the largest private collections of its kind in the world , the museum covers the first 50 years of military aviation history and houses nearly 70 planes , many of which have been restored to their original flying condition . A range of educational programming helps provide real-world examples of science , math and history in action .
As part of guided tours through the hangar , docents discuss how gravity , motion , and kinetic and potential energy factor into how planes fly and how they were designed . Groups can discuss topics such as whether two wings are better or worse than one and how a larger surface area affects a plane ’ s ability to overcome gravity .
Travel planners also can book sessions with a veteran pilot or a Rosie the Riveter impersonator . These programs give students a chance to find out more about the contributions across different periods of time of the men and women involved with military aviation .
Built in 1792 , the Cape Henry Lighthouse stands along the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean . Visitors can climb the 191 steps to the top of the original 90-foot tan structure to take in sweeping views of the coast . Tours of the structure and the on-site museum are available , and officials tailor programs to curriculum needs . Nearby is a newer black and white lighthouse , which replaced the original as the area ’ s beacon in 1881 . It is not open to the public .
For more information , contact Jim Coggin of Visit Virginia Beach at jcoggin @ visitvirginiabeach . com or go to visitvirginiabeach . com .
In Norfolk , hands-on learning means more than hands-on fun . That ’ s why so many student groups visit Norfolk to explore the Chesapeake Bay and delve into wetlands preservation , oyster restoration , maritime sciences , animal wellness and beyond . Contact Melissa Hopper , Associate Director of Tour & Travel , to learn more .
Discover all the details at visitnorfolk . com .
1-800-368-3097
TOP EDUCATIONAL ATTRACTIONS Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center ( dolphin-watching tours available ), False Cape State Park
TOP RECREATIONAL ATTRACTIONS Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium , Ocean Breeze Waterpark
TOP LOCAL FESTIVALS Virginia International PanFest ( May ), Virginia Arts Festival ( performance options available for bands and choir groups throughout the spring event )
24 NTA Trip Planner for Student Travel