All maritime museums to visit in Virginia

Set sail on a journey through maritime history at 13 maritime museums in Virginia. These museums showcase the history of seafaring, shipbuilding, and naval exploration.

Are you fascinated by the sea and maritime history? These are the top maritime museums in Virginia

  1. Cape Henry Lighthouse1

    Cape Henry Lighthouse

     Fort Story, VA
    The Cape Henry Lighthouses are a significant landmark located at Cape Henry, which marks the southern entrance to the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. These two lighthouses have played a crucial role in guiding ocean-going shipping traffic for the harbors, its rivers, and shipping headed to ports on the bay. Their strategic location and historical significance make them an interesting site for visitors.
  2. Mariners' Museum and Park2

    Mariners' Museum and Park

     Newport News, VA
    The Mariners' Museum and Park, situated in Newport News, Virginia, holds the prestigious title of America’s National Maritime Museum, as designated by Congress. This recognition underscores the museum's significance in the realm of maritime history and culture, making it a noteworthy destination for those interested in exploring America's rich maritime heritage.
  3. Nauticus National Maritime Center3

    Nauticus National Maritime Center

     Norfolk, VA
    Nauticus, also known as the National Maritime Center, is a maritime-themed science center and museum. It is conveniently located on the downtown waterfront in Norfolk, Virginia. This location offers visitors easy access to the museum and its exhibits, as well as stunning views of the waterfront.
  4. Uss Wisconsin Bb-644

    Uss Wisconsin Bb-64

     Norfolk, VA
    The USS Wisconsin (BB-64), affectionately known as Wisky or WisKy, is an American battleship of the Iowa class. It is the second ship of the United States Navy to be named after the American state of Wisconsin. This historical vessel offers a unique insight into naval history and the strategic importance of naval warfare.
  5. United States Army Transportation Museum5

    United States Army Transportation Museum

     Newport News, VA
    The U.S. Army Transportation Museum, located on the grounds of Fort Eustis in Newport News, Virginia, is a unique destination that showcases a variety of vehicles and other transportation-related equipment and memorabilia. The museum offers a comprehensive look into the history of the United States Army, particularly the Transportation Corps, with a collection that includes nearly 100 military vehicles such as aircraft, wheeled vehicles, watercraft, and rolling stock.
  6. Uss Monitor Center6

    Uss Monitor Center

     Newport News, VA
    Astonishing museum dealing with the existence and technology of the USS Monitor. Great for fans of the theme!
  7. Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum7

    Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum

     Virginia Beach, VA
    The Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum is a significant institution that honors and preserves the rich maritime heritage of Virginia, its coastal communities, and the history of the United States Lifesaving Service and the United States Coast Guard along the Atlantic coast. The museum provides a deep dive into the past, showcasing the evolution of these services and their crucial role in the nation's history.
  8. Lightship Portsmouth Museum8

    Lightship Portsmouth Museum

     Portsmouth, VA
    The United States Lightship 101, now known as Portsmouth (LV-101), is a museum ship that was first stationed at Cape Charles in Virginia. Today, it is a significant part of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum in Portsmouth, Virginia. This historic ship offers a unique insight into the maritime history of the region and serves as a fascinating attraction for visitors.
  9. Hampton Roads Naval Museum9

    Hampton Roads Naval Museum

     Norfolk, VA
    The Hampton Roads Naval Museum, located in downtown Norfolk, Virginia, is one of ten Navy museums operated by the Naval History & Heritage Command. This museum celebrates the long history of the U.S. Navy in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. It is co-located with Nauticus, a maritime-themed science center and museum.
  10. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum10

    Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum

     Portsmouth, VA
    The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum, along with the associated Lightship Museum, is situated on the downtown waterfront of Portsmouth, Virginia, in the United States. These museums offer a unique insight into the rich maritime history of the region and are easily accessible due to their central location.
  11. Deltaville Maritime Museum & Holly Point Nature Park11

    Deltaville Maritime Museum & Holly Point Nature Park

     Deltaville, VA
    where maritime history comes to life. Peruse our website and then come to see our beautiful park and museum for yourself. Our exhibits reveal the maritime history of the Deltaville area beginning with the catastrophic impact of the Delmarva meteorite 35 million years ago and chronicle the more mode
  12. Air Power Park12

    Air Power Park

     Hampton, VA
    The Air Power Park, located in Hampton, Virginia, is an outdoor museum that pays tribute to the city's significant contribution to the early stages of space exploration and aircraft testing in the United States. This roadside attraction offers a unique opportunity to learn about the history of aviation and space exploration.
  13. 13

    Watermen's Museum

     Yorktown, VA
    The Watermen's Museum, located in Yorktown, Virginia, offers a comprehensive look into the history of Chesapeake Bay's 'watermen' from pre-colonial times to the present. The museum provides an in-depth exploration of the lives and work of these individuals, who have played a significant role in shaping the region's history and culture.