Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is an aquarium and marine-science attraction at 717 General Booth Boulevard, Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States of America, in the resort area south of Rudee Inlet. Opened on June 14, 1986, as the Virginia Marine Science Museum, it connects Virginia’s waterways with the wider ocean through animal habitats, conservation education, and outdoor exploration. Travelers come for sharks, sea turtles, otters, and hands-on learning across two buildings linked by a nature trail.
What to Expect at Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
The North Building combines regional aquatic environments with animals from farther afield. Its named exhibits include the Chesapeake Bay Aquarium, Norfolk Canyon Aquarium, Light Tower Aquarium, and Red Sea Aquarium. Upland and Coastal River Rooms introduce freshwater and coastal habitats, while the Komodo and Tomistoma exhibits broaden the story beyond Virginia. The harbor seal exhibit and ray touch pool add different viewing experiences to the larger aquarium windows.
The South Building shifts attention toward animal abilities and the work behind their care. Look for the otter habitat, Jellies Gallery, Undersea Super Powers Gallery, Veterinary Care Center, and Water Quality Lab. The Watershed Play Area gives younger visitors another reason to linger. Between buildings, the half-mile Nature Trail introduces an outdoor interlude rather than another indoor gallery; check the aquarium’s renovation updates before booking around a particular exhibit.
- Regional habitats: Compare the Chesapeake Bay Aquarium with river environments and the Norfolk Canyon Aquarium.
- Reptile encounters: Find dedicated Komodo and Tomistoma exhibits in the North Building.
- Animal-care learning: Explore the South Building’s veterinary and water-quality displays.
- Nature Trail: Walk the half-mile connection between the two exhibit buildings.
- Boat excursions: Separately ticketed wildlife tours depart from the aquarium dock beside the North Building parking lot.
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 717 General Booth Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23451; South Building: 801 General Booth Boulevard. |
| Neighborhood / Area | South of Rudee Inlet, along the Owls Creek corridor. |
| Operating Hours | Daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; general-admission last entry 3:30 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and during inclement-weather closures. |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | Adults 18–69: $35; seniors 70+: $30; youth 5–17: $30; children 0–4: free. Reserve timed entry online. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | About 3 hours for both buildings and the trail; longer with programs. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | On-site lots at both buildings; additional East Lot opposite the North Building. Parking: $6 daily April 1–October 31; free November–March. |
| Official Website / Phone | Official visitor guide and tickets; 757-385-3474. |
Check the official visitor guide for admission, parking, and closure updates before setting out.
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve the earliest entry slot if you want maximum flexibility for both buildings and a leisurely trail walk. Weekends and rainy days attract heavier attendance; April and May weekdays also bring school groups, generally between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Buy online rather than relying on walk-in availability, and keep your ticket ready on your phone. Arrive within your reserved slot: admission is timed, but your visit afterward is not. Re-entry is not permitted, so plan meals and belongings accordingly.
Drivers can use either building’s adjacent parking; the North Building’s right-hand main entrance is the accessible entrance. Personal manual and powered wheelchairs are permitted inside and on the Nature Trail. For nearby pairings, allow roughly 10–15 minutes to walk toward The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium, or about five minutes to reach the aquarium boat dock for a separately reserved excursion. Boat passengers should check in 30 minutes before departure; the dock and Atlantic Explorer accommodate manual wheelchairs, not powered chairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours, and when should I visit?
Regular hours are 9 a.m.–5 p.m., with last general admission at 3:30 p.m. Choose opening time for a full visit; remember the Thanksgiving and Christmas Day closures.
How much are tickets, and are reservations necessary?
Admission is $35 for adults, $30 for seniors and youth, and free for children under five. Advance timed tickets are strongly recommended; walk-ins depend on capacity. Boat tours require separate reservations.
How long should I allow?
Budget approximately three hours. The aquarium suggests 1.5 hours for the North Building and 45 minutes for the South Building, plus time for the Nature Trail.
Is it suitable for strollers and wheelchair users?
Yes. Manual wheelchairs can be borrowed from Guest Services with photo ID. Strollers are allowed, although models wider than 36 inches may not fit some doorways. Both buildings provide private nursing spaces.
When planning your Virginia Beach travel guide or comparing verified attractions and wedding venue in Virginia Beach, pair this stop with standout local spots including First Landing State Park, Doc Taylor's Restaurant, Il Giardino Ristorante, and Virginia Aquarium Boat Tours (0.2 km away).
