Programs & Tours - Group Tours

Regular Group Tour: Wrecks and Rescues

Guided tour of the Old Coast Guard Station. Hear stories of shipwrecks along the Virginia Coast and how the men of the Life-Saving Service (predecessor of today's US Coast Guard) helped those in distress. All Ages, 60-90 minutes.

Group Admission Rates:
$2.50 Adult
$2.00 Child (ages 6 - 15)
Complimentary admission for 2 group leaders.

Shipwrecks & Ghost Lore:
A Virginia Beach Ghostwalk

Stroll along the boardwalk and hear stories of tragic shipwrecks, pirates who plundered the coast, and other eerie tales. Ages 6+, 60-90 minutes.

Group Admission Rates:
$8.00 Adult
$5.00 Child (ages 6 - 15)
Complimentary admission for 2 group leaders.
$50 minimum for private tour

Simple Machines Save Lives Tour

This Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program allows students to explore the history of the station through a scientific lens. Students will identify and differentiate the simple machines used by surfmen and sailors, examining the ways these tools aided their work.

School-age groups of ten or more may book the program as a field trip. Individual students visiting with their families, may request program materials at the admissions desk for a self-guided program included with regular admission.

This program is made possible by a grant from the Youth Foundation of Virginia Beach, Inc.

Group Admission Rates:
$2.50 Adult Chaperones
$2.50 Child (ages 3-15)
Complimentary admission for 2 group leaders.

Story Time

Bring the kids to meet a costumed storyteller for a book reading, activities, and fun! Ages 3-9, 45 minutes.

Group Admission Rates:
$2.50 Adult Chaperones
$2.00 Child (ages 3-15)
Complimentary admission for 2 group leaders.

Scout Tours

GENERAL INFORMATION
All scout tours include the Wrecks and Rescues tour as part of the experience.

Scout Admission Rates
Adults - $2.50
Scouts- $2.00
Complimentary admission for 2 group leaders

GIRL SCOUTS
We are proud to offer a badge for Girl Scouts. Scouts are able to work together with a guide on a fact-finding mission around the museum to learn about some of the incredible feats and accomplishments of the Life-Saving Service and Coast Guard. Girls of all ages can earn the "Explore The Old Coast Guard Station" patch at the museum. The requirements can be done either entirely self-led or in conjunction with the Wrecks and Rescues guided tour (above). Once accomplished, scouts will quality to earn their "Explore the Old Coast Guard Station" badge, which can be purchased from the Girl Scouts of Colonial Coast shop. Packets for badge requirements can be downloaded through the Girl Scouts of Colonial Coast or by emailing [email protected]. All ages, 1 hour.

Information for all group tours:

Group Size:
10 minimum
60 maximum

Accessibility:
* No handicap access to museum upper gallery.
** Approximately 3 blocks worth of walking involved in Shipwrecks & Ghost Lore program.

Availability:
Year round (during normal operating hours only)
Monday* - Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday Noon - 5:00 PM
* Museum is closed on Monday November through April.
** Evening tours available for Shipwrecks & Ghost Lore program. Advanced payment is required.

Booking:
3 weeks advanced notice is requested.

Bus/Coach Parking:
No onsite parking. Tour buses/coaches may park at the Virginia Beach Convention Center (19th Street and Parks Avenue). Guests may load on and off buses on Atlantic Avenue next to the museum.

Contact:
Director of Programs, Education & Volunteers
757.422.1587
Send Email

* This program is funded in part by the citizens of Virginia Beach through a grant from the City of Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission.