Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center

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Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center

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VIRGINIA BEACH ATTRACTION

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

Two aquarium buildings, a nature trail, and a close look at the marine life and habitats of coastal Virginia.

Location
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Address
717 General Booth Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Hours
Typically 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; check before visiting

Opened
1986

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center makes a strong rainy-day or family outing in Virginia Beach, Virginia, but it is more than a walk through tanks. Its North and South buildings pair animal exhibits with interactive displays and learning spaces, while an outdoor nature trail offers a change of pace between galleries. The aquarium’s mission centers on connecting people with the marine environment through education, research, and conservation.

Plan time for both buildings rather than treating the visit as a quick stop: the aquarium suggests about 1.5 hours for the North Building, roughly 45 minutes for the South Building, and additional time for its half-mile nature trail. Hours, tickets, parking fees, and exhibit availability can change, so check the official visitor guide and renovation updates before setting out.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Plan a trip to Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center

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Why visit the Virginia Aquarium?

The aquarium gives visitors a way to explore coastal habitats and marine animals without leaving the city. Larger animals—including sea turtles, sharks, harbor seals, and Komodo dragons—are among the North Building’s draws, while the South Building focuses on jellies, interactive exhibits, play areas, and sea creatures with distinctive adaptations. The mix makes the visit appealing to curious adults as well as children who benefit from hands-on stops along the way.

There is also a local conservation story behind the exhibits. Aquarium staff and volunteers began responding to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles in 1989; the organization later formed a formal Stranding Response Team and opened the Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center to support animal care and rehabilitation work.

Start here

If you have limited time, begin in the North Building, the aquarium’s main building, where many of its larger animals are housed. Continue to the South Building for interactive displays and play spaces, then take the nature trail if weather and energy allow. The aquarium’s suggested visit times are a useful starting point, but the trail can make the outing longer.

Before you go, check which galleries are open. Renovation work can affect individual exhibits and routes through the buildings; the aquarium posts updates on its official renovation page.

What to see and do

Explore the North Building

Start with the main building’s larger animals, including sea turtles, sharks, harbor seals, and Komodo dragons. Check the current exhibit list before your visit because some galleries may be temporarily affected by renovation work.

Continue to the South Building

The South Building features jellies, interactive displays, and play areas. It offers a change of pace from the larger-animal exhibits in the North Building.

Walk the nature trail

The half-mile trail adds an outdoor stretch to the aquarium visit. Allow extra time, and check conditions if weather is unsettled.

Look for hands-on learning

Touch pools, interactive exhibits, and water-quality displays make room for active exploration. The aquarium also lists gallery programs included with admission; check its visitor information for the current schedule.

Ask about boat tours

The aquarium has offered dolphin- and whale-watching trips from its on-site dock. Tour schedules and availability vary, so consult the official boat-tour information before making plans.

History and significance

The aquarium opened to the public on June 14, 1986, as the Virginia Marine Science Museum. Its early focus on the marine environment of Virginia grew into a larger institution with a second building, expanded exhibits, education programs, research, and conservation work. In 2004, the Virginia Beach City Council endorsed the name change to Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center.

Its growth has included dedicated facilities for animal care and rehabilitation. The Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center opened in 2021, with pools and animal-care space for sea turtles and seals, as well as examination rooms and laboratories supporting work with stranded animals.

Planning a visit

The aquarium lists daily hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with general-admission last entry at 3:30 p.m. Its visitor guide says the aquarium closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and during inclement weather. Hours and entry policies can change; confirm details and reserve tickets through the official site before traveling.

The North Building is at 717 General Booth Boulevard, and the South Building is at 801 General Booth Boulevard. Parking is available at both buildings, with additional lots described in the visitor guide. The City of Virginia Beach charges a daily parking fee in aquarium lots from April 1 through October 31; parking is free from November through March, according to the current guide. Check the official page for up-to-date rates, lot directions, accessibility information, and ticketing details.

The aquarium describes its facilities as accessible and provides accessible parking. Its visitor guide also notes that the North Building’s main entrance is the accessible entrance. For specific access needs or current accommodations, contact the aquarium before your visit.

Nearby attractions

The aquarium is a convenient stop while exploring the Virginia Beach area. For a beach-and-coast itinerary, consider pairing it with First Landing State Park or the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. For a wider look at local trip ideas, see the Virginia Beach travel guide.

First Landing State Park
Trails and coastal landscapes on the north end of Virginia Beach.

Virginia Beach Boardwalk
An oceanfront promenade and a classic stop for a beach-centered day in Virginia Beach.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
A protected coastal landscape in the southern part of Virginia Beach.

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References

External links

• Official Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center website
• Official visitor guide
• Exhibit renovation updates
• Aquarium history