Things to Do at Military Aviation Museum

Complete Guide to Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach

About Military Aviation Museum

The Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach houses one of the world's largest collections of warbirds from the early 20th century through World War II, and what makes it genuinely special is that most of these aircraft actually fly. You're not just looking at static displays - you might catch a P-51 Mustang taxiing past or hear the distinctive rumble of a Corsair firing up. The museum sits on a working airfield, which gives the whole experience an authenticity that's hard to find elsewhere. What started as one collector's passion has grown into something that feels more like stepping back in time than visiting a typical museum. The aircraft are meticulously restored to flying condition, and the hangars have that lived-in feel of an active restoration shop. You'll find everything from a rare Sopwith Pup to multiple variants of the P-40 Warhawk, often with volunteers who actually work on these machines happy to share stories about the restoration process.

What to See & Do

Flying Aircraft Collection

The crown jewel here - dozens of airworthy warbirds including P-51 Mustangs, F4U Corsairs, and rare German aircraft like the Messerschmitt Bf 109. You might actually see them in action.

WWI Hangar

Houses an impressive collection of Great War aircraft including replicas and originals like the Sopwith Pup and Nieuport 28, giving you a sense of aviation's early military days.

WWII European Theater Exhibits

Features Allied and Axis aircraft side by side, including multiple P-40 variants, a Hurricane, and one of the few flying Stukas in the world.

Pacific Theater Collection

Home to Navy and Marine Corps aircraft like the F4U Corsair and SBD Dauntless, along with Japanese aircraft including a rare Mitsubishi Zero.

Active Restoration Areas

Peek into working restoration bays where volunteers are actively bringing warbirds back to life - you can often chat with the mechanics about their projects.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Generally open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM, but hours can vary seasonally and for special events. Worth checking their website before visiting as they sometimes close sections for aircraft maintenance.

Tickets & Pricing

Adult admission runs around $22-25, with discounts for military, seniors, and children. Annual memberships are available and might make sense if you're planning multiple visits or want to attend their airshows.

Best Time to Visit

Spring through fall offers the best weather and highest chance of seeing aircraft in operation. Weekends tend to have more volunteer docents available, but weekdays are less crowded.

Suggested Duration

Plan on 2-4 hours if you're genuinely interested in aviation history. Aircraft enthusiasts could easily spend a full day, especially if any planes are being prepped for flight.

Getting There

The museum sits at Virginia Beach Airport-20 minutes from the oceanfront crowds. You need a car. Public transit doesn't reach it. Take I-264 East to Newtown Road, then follow airport signs to find the clearly marked museum with free parking. The location works well. Modern military aircraft from nearby Oceana Naval Air Station often fly overhead while you're there.

Things to Do Nearby

Virginia Beach Oceanfront
The classic beach boardwalk scene about 20 minutes away - decent for combining a museum visit with some beach time if the weather cooperates.

First Landing State Park
Offers hiking trails and a more natural side of Virginia Beach, with some interesting history about the area's early colonial settlement.

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
A solid aquarium with local marine life exhibits and IMAX theater - good option if you're traveling with kids who might need a break from aircraft.

Edgar Cayce's A.R.E. Center
An interesting detour for those curious about the famous psychic who made Virginia Beach his home - completely different vibe from the aviation museum.

Tips & Advice

Check their event calendar - they host regular 'Dawn Patrol' breakfast fly-ins where you can see multiple aircraft start up and taxi around the field.

Bring a camera with a decent zoom lens - you'll want to capture details on the aircraft, and some might be roped off at a distance.

Chat with the volunteers if you see them working on aircraft - they're usually passionate about their projects and happy to share technical details.

The museum shop has some genuinely unique aviation books and memorabilia that you won't find at typical tourist stops - worth browsing even if you're not usually a museum shop person.