19 OF THE BEST NAS OCEANA THINGS TO DO

Introduction

After you settle into your role at NAS Oceana, you’ll probably want to find some things to do in the local area. Finding your new favorite places can take time, so we’ve made a list to get you started. Finding new places to spend quality time with family and friends is crucial to feeling comfortable at a new base. Explore these options and find what works best for you and your family. Don’t be afraid to ask friends and neighbors for their recommendations too! Know what you are looking for? Click the number(s) to go right to what you go: (1-5) Golfing (6-7) Bowling (8-12) Parks, Rivers, and Lakes (13) Skeet, Trap, and Archery Range (14-16) Gyms (17-19) Museums

COVID-19 Notice

Due to the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, many businesses, venues, and parks may be temporarily closed or operating under restricted hours. Many, if not all, of the ones listed here, are likely subject to such restrictions for the time being though new re-openings and closings occur all the time. Therefore, a place we mention here may not currently be open or available for the time being. Check individual websites provided in each section or call to find out each place’s current hours and situation.

20 NAS Oceana Things to Do

NAS Oceana MWR has an extensive network of establishments that offer most of what you’d like on-base. So make sure to check out their website for upcoming events. If you are looking to do something off base, there are a lot of options in Virginia Beach. NAS Oceana is conveniently located within the city limits, so getting to where you want to go should be easy. Check out the options below for some suggested activities on and off of the comforts of the base.

NAS Oceana Golf Course

Virginia Beach

1. Aeropines Golf Course

1001 G. Ave Bldg. 581 Virginia Beach, VA 23460

Phone:

1 (757) 433-2866 Aeropines Golf Club has two 18-hole courses: the Hornet Course and the Tomcat Course. Both are par 72 courses and each has four sets of tees, offering plenty of challenges for the advanced, intermediate or beginning golfer. The clubhouse has a fully stocked pro shop, a snack bar serving breakfast and lunch, a lounge area with a big-screen TV, and men's and ladies’ locker rooms. There’s also a practice area with a driving range, two putting greens, a chipping green, and a bunker green. Lessons are also available.

2. Virginia Beach National Golf Club

2500 Tournament Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23456

Phone:

1 (757) 563-9440 Virginia Beach National Golf Club offers challenging courses and a beautiful setting. There are 18 holes to play here, as well as a putting green and shop. Instruction is also available.

3. Heron Ridge Golf Club

2973 Heron Ridge Dr Virginia Beach, VA 23456

Phone:

1 (757) 426-3800 Heron Ridge’s 14 holes feature lakes, water hazards, and natural wetlands, in addition to several kinds of trees, natural depressions, elevation changes, and other topographic features that are uncommon in the area. This unique course also offers lessons and has an on-site shop.

4. Jungle Golf

302 23rd St. Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Phone:

1 (757) 425.7240 If mini golf is more your speed, Jungle Golf has an 18 hole course that should be a hit with both kids and adults. There’s also an arcade and a snack bar if you get hungry or want some variety.

5. King Neptune’s Indoor Blacklight 3-D Mini Golf

213 25th Street Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Phone:

1 (757) 422-1742 King Neptune’s is a smaller course with just ten holes, but its unique visual styling, challenging setup, and reasonable prices have made it a local favorite.

Oceana Bowling Alley

Virginia Beach

6. Freedom Lanes

911 E Ave. Bldg. 540 Virginia Beach, VA 23460

Phone:

1 (757) 433-2167 Open seven days a week, Freedom Lanes boasts 24 lanes, a full-service pro shop, and a fully-stocked snack bar with food that’s made to order. Their prices are also pretty fantastic.

7. Seaside Lanes

320 Talos St. Bldg. 194 Virginia Beach, VA 23461

Phone:

1 (757) 492-6341 Located in the Dam Neck Annex, Seaside Lanes is also open seven days a week and offers 12 lanes, as well as a private, four-lane, miniature bowling party area.

Parks, Rivers, and Lakes

Naval Air Station Oceana

8. Main Gate Park

Tomcat Blvd. Virginia Beach, VA 23460

Phone:

1 (757) 433-3215 Main Gate Park features three picnic areas that are open by reservation from April through October. All three areas have their own covered shelters, picnic tables, grills, ball fields, horseshoe pits, and bathroom facilities. Reservations are made in person at the Outdoor Equipment Rental facility.

Virginia Beach

9. False Cape State Park

4001 Sandpiper Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23456

Phone:

1 (757) 426-7128 With six miles of unspoiled beaches and 15.3 miles of trails, False Cape State Park has a little bit of everything. Whether you’re looking to camp in near-complete isolation right on the beach or hit one of their 15 trails, it’s got it. There’s no public vehicle access, so you’ll have to hike a bit to get here, but it’s more than worth it.

10 . First Landing State Park

2500 Shore Dr. Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Phone:

1 (757) 412-2300 First Landing is a 2,888-acre park that sits on the Chesapeake Bay and features 1.25 miles of beach and nearly 20 miles of hiking trails through protected salt marsh habitat, freshwater ponds, beach, dunes, forest, tidal marsh and cypress swamp. First Landing is a registered Natural Landmark and the most visited state park in Virginia. The park offers 200 campsites, as well as cabins for rent.

11. Black Bay Wildlife Refuge

4005 Sandpiper Road Virginia Beach, VA 23456 Black Bay covers more than 9,000 acres on a thin strip of barrier island coastline and is home to several species of waterfowl and many endangered species.

12. Mount Trashmore Park

310 Edwin Dr. Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Phone:

1 (706) 225-4658 Spanning more than 165 acres and featuring 2 mountains, a skatepark, two lakes, two playgrounds, a vert ramp, Mount Trashmore is a unique, man-made park that was made by compacting solid waste and clean soil.

Skeet, Trap, and Archery Range

Virginia Beach

13. Oceana Skeet and Trap

1951 Potters Rd. Bldg. SR-9 Virginia Beach, VA 23460

Phone:

1 (757) 433-2875 Oceana Skeet and Trap Range have three skeet fields, two of which have trap overlay, one wobble trap field, and a five-stand range. You can rent shotguns and ear protection and purchase ammunition on-site. There’s also a 10 stand flat archery range and a 3D archery range. There is on-site instruction as well.

NAS Oceana Gym

14. Flight Line Fitness Center

5th St. Bldg. 545 Virginia Beach, VA 23461

Phone:

1 (757) 433-2695 Amenities: Cardiovascular equipment, two strength circuits, free weights, basketball court, outdoor sports leagues.

15. Hornet’s Nest Gym

529 D Ave. Bldg. 529 Virginia Beach, VA 23461

Phone:

1 (757) 433-3928 Amenities: Cardiovascular equipment, two full selectorized strength circuits, a youth circuit, free weights, a group exercise room, spin room, basketball court, three racquetball courts, and a family fitness room.

16. The Iron Asylum

1832 Kempsville Road Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464

Phone:

1 (757) 227-4321 Amenities: Free weights, machines, personal trainers. Requires a membership fee.

Museums

These institutions preserve history and are a great learning opportunity for those new to the area. Many have programs and guided tours as well as activities for kids and all of them are a quick drive or even walk, from the base. Check out their websites for details on business hours and specific programs.

Virginia Beach

17. Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art

2200 Parks Avenue Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Phone:

1 (757) 425-0000 The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art offers group tours, classes, lectures, films, community outreach, and student and teacher-based programming. They also offer interactive areas that promote hands-on learning.

18. Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center

717 General Booth Blvd. Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Phone:

1 (757) 385-3474 The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center feature over 700 species of marine and freshwater animals. There are exhibits for rays, seals, turtles, tiger sharks, a touch pool, blue crabs, an aviary, and a deep-water canyon with sharks and rays.

19. Military Aviation Museum

1341 Princess Anne Road Virginia Beach, VA 23457

Phone:

1 (757) 721-7767 The Military Aviation Museum has one of the world’s largest collections of World War 1 and 2 aircraft, many of which are in flying shape. The museum also offers aircraft rides from April 6th - October 27th. There’s also a collection of dinosaur sculptures to walk through that’s free to the public.

Conclusion

Whether on or off base, Naval Air Station Oceana has many offerings to keep you and your family busy. Explore your options, and don’t be afraid to try out new things. Ask your new friends and neighbors for recommendations, especially when it comes to local attractions and outdoor parks and events. This list is just a taste of the offerings on and near the base. We hope it gives you a place to start as you get acquainted with the area around NAS Oceana.  

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.