Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

Virginia Beach, Virginia · Museum · Accessibility score 1.3/5

Address: Virginia Beach, VA

Phone: (757) 385-3474

About

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is one of the top aquariums on the East Coast, bringing visitors face-to-face with sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, harbor seals, and hundreds of other marine species. Located in Virginia Beach, the facility spans two main buildings connected by a nature trail, offering a full day of discovery for families, couples, and solo explorers alike.

With more than 300 hands-on exhibits, the Aquarium encourages visitors of all ages to touch, explore, and learn. You'll find immersive galleries showcasing the ecosystems of the Chesapeake Bay and the open Atlantic, from coastal marshlands to deep ocean habitats. Live animal presentations and feeding demonstrations happen throughout the day, giving you a chance to see staff interact with the animals up close.

Beyond the indoor exhibits, the Aquarium offers seasonal boat tours aboard the Atlantic Explorer, where you can spot dolphins, whales, and seabirds in their natural habitat. The surrounding grounds include a nature trail that winds through maritime forest and marsh, adding an outdoor element that sets this aquarium apart from many others.

Practical details make planning easy. The Aquarium has on-site parking, two gift shops, and a cafe for a quick bite between exhibits. It's located just minutes from the Virginia Beach oceanfront, so you can easily pair your visit with a beach day or dinner along the coast.

Whether you're watching a sea turtle glide through a massive tank or feeling the texture of a horseshoe crab in the touch pool, the Virginia Aquarium offers a rich, sensory experience that connects you to the marine world in a way that's both fun and meaningful.

Accessibility

The Virginia Aquarium is committed to welcoming guests of all ability levels. Both main buildings are wheelchair accessible, and the facility provides 6 designated wheelchair-accessible parking spaces located near the entrances of each building.

For guests interested in boat tours aboard the Atlantic Explorer, the boat dock and vessel are accessible for manual wheelchairs only. If you use a motorized or power-driven mobility device, the captain and crew are happy to assist with transferring to a manual wheelchair for the duration of the tour.

The Aquarium welcomes service animals on the premises. Many of the indoor exhibits feature hands-on, multi-sensory elements that can be enjoyed by visitors with varying abilities, including tactile touch pools and close-up animal encounters.

For specific questions about mobility access along the outdoor nature trail, availability of loaner wheelchairs, sensory accommodations, or assistive devices, contact the Virginia Aquarium directly before your visit. Staff can help you plan a route and experience that works for your needs. You can reach them through the contact information on their official website at virginiaaquarium.com.

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