Exploring Virginia: From National Landmarks to Coastal Wonders

This itinerary delivers five days of discovery, adventure, and interactive learning across Virginia. Students honor American heroes in Arlington, step into Revolutionary‑era life in Yorktown, explore the Great Dismal Swamp’s hidden histories, and enjoy unforgettable coastal and wildlife experiences in Virginia Beach and Chincoteague. It’s the perfect mix of education, exploration, and fun.

Day 1: Arlington, VA

 Start the day at the Arlington National Cemetery. The historic grounds honor those who have served our nation while offering a serene and reflective environment. Highlights include the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier where visitors can witness the solemn Changing of the Guard ceremony performed by the U.S. Honor Guard. Other notable sites include the Challenger Space Shuttle Memorial, and the grave sites of John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy. (1.5-hour tram tour)

Following the tram tour, walk to The Military Women’s Memorial, located at the cemetery entrance. This unique memorial is the only major site of its kind in the United States (and the world!) to showcase the service of women in the military, preserving moments and stories of military women from the Revolutionary War through the present. (45-minute guided tour)

Continue to the US Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima) for a group photo. One of Arlington’s most photographed memorials, the Marine Corps War Memorial is one of the largest cast bronze sculptures in the world with its 32-foot-high ­figures sitting atop gilded granite base. The magni­ficent memorial was based on an iconic, Pulitzer Prize winning photo of the second flag-raising on the island of Iwo Jima during World War II. The memorial is dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives in defense of the United States in 1775. (30 minutes)

Next, visit the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Museum. Located inside DEA headquarters, the museum features content for any group, from history and culture to science and technology. Visitors learn about the history of drug use in America, drug trends, and the work of DEA. (1-hour)

Note: If requested early and upon availability, a DEA agent may be available to speak to the group. All visitors must present a valid government issued REAL ID.

Located just across from the DEA Museum, head to Fashion Centre at Pentagon City for lunch.  The mall offers a world-class shopping, dining and hospitality experience. Its lively food court features a wide range of options, from familiar favorites to global flavors, making it an ideal spot for groups of all ages. (1 hour)

Set in the dynamic hub of National Landing, Metropolitan Park is more than just a green oasis, it’s a destination where art and nature blend seamlessly, offering visitors a uniquely enriching experience. Don’t miss Queen City, a towering brick sculpture from renowned public artist Nekisha Durrett that pays homage to the former Arlington neighborhood of the same name. This working-class Black community was displaced for construction of the Pentagon, and today the brick exterior gives way to an interior display of 903 ceramic orbs that represent the 903 individuals who were part of the historic community. (30 minutes)

End the day with dinner and great fun at Lucky Strike, the family-friendly entertainment destination offering bowling, great food and a lively atmosphere. With 32 high-quality bowling lanes, Lucky Strike welcomes guests of all ages and skill levels.  Beyond the strikes, groups can enjoy an action-packed arcade and delicious food options. (2 hours)

Day 2: York County, VA

Begin at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, where interactive galleries, films like “The Siege of Yorktown,” and a ranger-led tour introduce the story of America’s founding. Outside, students can explore a Continental Army encampment with live demonstrations, like flintlock musket firings, and a working Revolution-era farm where daily life comes into focus. (9 a.m. - 12 p.m.)

Grab lunch at the on-site 1781 Café by Aromas before heading to the Colonial National Historical Park Visitor Center and Yorktown Battlefield. Start with the orientation film and exhibits, then explore the battlefield’s siege lines, earthworks, and historic buildings through ranger-led or self-guided tours.

Stop at key sites that tell the full story of the American victory, including Moore House, Nelson House, Yorktown Victory Monument, Cornwallis’ Cave, and the Poor Potter Archaeological Site. (12:15 p.m. - 4 p.m.)

After 5 p.m., unwind with a walk along Yorktown Beach, where interpretive signage adds even more historical context. (4:45 p.m. - 6 p.m.)

End the day with a dinner at Riverwalk Restaurant, featuring a menu that encourages students to try local seafood favorites like fish tacos, crab cakes, and salmon. (6:15 p.m. - 8 p.m.)

Day 3:  Chesapeake, VA

Step into history with a guided tour of the new Historical Village at the Dismal Swamp. Enjoy breakouts to explore the four main gallery themes related to the Indigenous Peoples of the region, the Underground Railroad, hidden Maroon Communities within the Swamp, and the Dismal Swamp Canal’s role in in history. Next, engage in hands-on learning at our outdoor recreation of a maroon lumber camp lean-to, followed by an introspective experience through our Underground Railroad Pathway to Freedom installation. Students will then learn more about the native plants and trees found in the Dismal Swamp. They can walk to view the Dismal Swamp Canal and the historic Canal Superintendent’s house. Students will then be guided through the one-room schoolhouse, Cornland School Museum to explore the resilience of African American students during segregation.  Their visit concludes with a fun “wrapping the maypole” activity, a favorite pastime for Cornland students. (Time: 8:30am-10:30am)

History can make you hungry. Lunch at Bergey’s Breadbasket, a family owned and operated farm, bakery, deli and creamery. A locals’ favorite for more than 75 years, the made-from-scratch food is delicious! Enjoy sandwiches, chips, plus their legendary ice cream. After lunch, explore Bergey’s Barnyard to see adorable farm animals at the petting zoo. It’s fun at the farm for all ages. (Time: 11am – 1pm)

Next, it’s time to level up your stargazing skills at a Chesapeake Planetarium Sky Show. This show breaks down what’s happening in the Chesapeake sky - from spotting planets to connecting constellations, you’ll learn how to find stars in real time and hear the stories behind them. It’s a fun way to unlock your night sky and share in the stories of the stars. (Time: 1:30pm-2:15pm)

End your Chesapeake day with a high-energy, throwback skating adventure. At Greenbrier Family Skating Center, a local favorite for over 20 years, you’ll hit the rink with music and  snack or pizza options, in a state-of-the-art rink with classic roller-skating vibes. (Time: 3pm-5pm)

Day 4: Virginia Beach, VA

Kick off your Virginia Beach adventure at one of America’s most legendary landmarks. Stand where history began at the Cape Henry Lighthouse—Climb to the top of the nation’s first federally funded lighthouse and the very first U.S. public works project, authorized by George Washington and overseen by Alexander Hamilton. Just steps away, students can explore the First Landing Cross, marking the exact spot where English settlers arrived on April 26, 1607, before establishing Jamestown, setting the stage for the country’s earliest chapters.

Your journey continues at the Military Aviation Museum, home to one of the world’s largest flying collections of WWI and WWII aircraft. Docent-led tours cover over 100 acres of hangars, exhibits, an original WWII RAF Control Tower, and a WWI‑era hangar. You can arrange for your group to enjoy a thrilling mini air show where these historic planes roar to life, showing how aviation shaped the nation. A delicious BBQ lunch follows the show.

Next, head out on the water for an educational and unforgettable dolphin-watching cruise with the Virginia Aquarium. Students will venture into the Atlantic Ocean to observe bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat and learn about marine science, conservation, and coastal ecosystems.

Wrap up the day with pure excitement at Apex Entertainment, an 85,000‑square‑foot playground packed with bowling, go‑karts, laser tag, arcade games, escape rooms, mini golf, VR adventures, and more. With dining options on-site, it’s the perfect high‑energy finale to an action‑packed student trip

Day 5: Chincoteague Island, VA

 Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge – Meet your Park Ranger or step-on guide and wander through scenic marshes, maritime forests, and shoreline habitats. View or possibly climb the Assateague Lighthouse, discover native and migratory wildlife, and learn about the delicate ecosystems that make this coastal destination so unique. (1.5 hours)

Lunch at Don's Seafood Restaurant - Enjoy a delicious lunch as a local storyteller paints a picture of the Eastern Shore’s deep agricultural roots and the proud legacy behind its world-famous oysters and clams. (1 hour)

Hands-On Aquaculture or Marine Science Boat Tour - Get a true taste of life on the water in Chincoteague with an immersive aquaculture or marine science boat cruise. Step aboard with local experts and venture into the surrounding bays to learn how oysters and clams are raised, harvested, and sustain the island’s coastal economy or learn about our rich marine environment by seining the local waterways. (2 hours)

Museum of Chincoteague - Choose a self-guided experience or opt for a docent-led tour to take a deeper look into the island’s heritage—from watermen traditions to the story of the famous Chincoteague Pony, Misty, and her home at the Beebe Ranch. (1.5 hours) Service projects are available. (time is project dependent)

Guided walking tour through historic downtown - Learn about the island’s pirates, legends, and lore with a stop at our waterfront park featuring iconic LOVE chairs and sunset viewing. (1 hour)

NASA Wallops Visitor Center Tour- Learn about NASA’s 80-year history and current mission launching from the Eastern Shore and beyond (1 hour)

+ additional days if needed

CONTACTS: