Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
More actions
Location
Virginia Beach
Address
717 General Booth Boulevard
What to expect
Two exhibit buildings and a nature trail
Plan ahead
Check current hours, tickets and exhibit updates
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center makes a visit to Virginia Beach about more than the shoreline: its exhibits introduce the wildlife of the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia’s coastal waters alongside animals and habitats from elsewhere. The North Building features larger species and ocean galleries; the renovated South Building adds touch pools, interactive exhibits, a jelly gallery and spaces for younger visitors. An outdoor nature trail offers another way to explore the setting. [1][2][3]
The attraction began as the Virginia Marine Science Museum, opening to the public on June 14, 1986. Today, its public exhibits sit alongside a broader mission of education, research and conservation, including a Stranding Response Program that coordinates responses to marine mammals and sea turtles found along Virginia’s coast. [4][5]
Plan a trip to Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Why visit the Virginia Aquarium?
The Aquarium offers an indoor, all-weather way to encounter local marine environments and learn how animals are cared for. Its two buildings have different emphases: the North Building includes sharks, sea turtles, harbor seals and exhibits connected to the Chesapeake Bay, while the South Building focuses on interactive experiences, jellies, touch pools and animal care. The nearby nature trail extends the visit outdoors. [6][7]
For families, the South Building’s play and water-focused features offer a hands-on change of pace; for visitors drawn to local ecology, the Chesapeake Bay exhibits and outdoor trail provide a closer look at regional habitats. Daily programs and special experiences may also be available, but schedules vary, so check the Aquarium’s current listings before planning around one. [8]
Start here
Begin at the North Building, the main building, where many of the Aquarium’s larger animals and major galleries are located. Then visit the South Building for its jellies, touch pools, play areas and animal-care viewing windows. The buildings are at separate addresses on General Booth Boulevard, so check the Aquarium’s maps and visitor guide to plan the order of your visit and movement between them. [9][10]
What to see and do
North Building galleries
Explore habitats and exhibits featuring Chesapeake Bay species, sharks, sea turtles, rays, harbor seals and other animals. Check the Aquarium’s current exhibit updates before you go, as individual galleries can close temporarily.
South Building
See the jellies gallery, touch pools, interactive exhibits and play areas. Windows into Animal Care offer views of aquarium staff working with animals and water samples; some features may be unavailable at times.
Chesapeake Bay and local waters
Look for exhibits that connect the animals on view to Virginia’s coastal waters, wetlands and watershed. They offer an accessible introduction to the region’s marine environments.
Nature trail
Add an outdoor walk to the indoor galleries. The Aquarium’s visitor guide describes a half-mile trail; check current conditions and access information before setting out.
Programs and animal care
Depending on the day, included gallery programs, keeper talks or other activities may add context to the exhibits. Check the official schedule for current offerings and times.
History and significance
The Virginia Marine Science Museum opened to the public on June 14, 1986. A decade later, a major expansion added a second building, the Ocean Pavilion and an expanded nature area. The institution adopted its current name, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, in 2004. [11]
The Aquarium’s work extends beyond its exhibit halls. Its Stranding Response Program responds to marine mammals and sea turtles that come ashore in Virginia, and the institution describes education, research and conservation as central parts of its mission. The Aquarium is operated through a public-private partnership between the City of Virginia Beach and the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation. [12][13]
Planning a visit
The Aquarium’s North Building is at 717 General Booth Boulevard, and its South Building is at 801 General Booth Boulevard in Virginia Beach. Parking is available at both buildings; parking fees and arrangements can vary by season. Review the official visitor guide for current directions, parking, accessibility information and building details. [14]
Hours, admission prices, ticket availability and exhibit access can change. The Aquarium recommends checking its current visitor information and reserving tickets ahead of time; some exhibits may be undergoing renovation or maintenance. Confirm current details on the official site before you travel. [15][16]
Allow time for both buildings if you want to see the full range of exhibits, and leave extra room in your schedule for programs or a walk on the nature trail. The Aquarium’s visitor guide provides suggested visit times for its buildings and trail; actual time depends on your pace and the day’s activities. [17]
Nearby attractions
Virginia Beach
Explore the coastal city surrounding the Aquarium, from its oceanfront to its neighborhoods and parks.
First Landing State Park
Walk, paddle or cycle among coastal forests, marshes and waterways at this state park in Virginia Beach.
Norfolk
Visit a neighboring waterfront city with museums, historic districts and cultural attractions.
Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon
References
- ↑ North Building Exhibits, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ South Building Exhibits, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Visitor Guide, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Our Story, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Stranding Response Program, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ North Building Exhibits, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ South Building Exhibits, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Included with Admission, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Aquarium Maps, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Visitor Guide, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Our Story, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Stranding Response Program, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Our Story, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Visitor Guide, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Visitor Guide, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Renovation Progress, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Visitor Guide, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Retrieved October 22, 2026.