3 Best Landmarks in Virginia Beach, VA

“Cape Henry Lighthouse is a historic 18th-century lighthouse featuring tower climbs with ocean vistas, a gift shop, and more. The lighthouse is the first federally funded lighthouse and was built to guide maritime transport. The tower's architectural quality represents one of the most beautiful and notable constructions by John McComb. The unique combination of colonial Virginia architecture, heritage, and enchanting views of the beach can be seen from the lighthouse. Cape Henry Lighthouse was designated a National Register of Historic Places and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark. The lighthouse is open to the public year-round and offers free admission for preservation members.”

Read more

“Thoroughgood House is a brick house that was built in 1719 by Argall Thorowgood, the great-grandson of Adam Thorowgood. The house sits on the west branch of the river Lynnhaven. The building is furnished to reflect the period that John Thorowgood and his household occupied the site. The building gives tourists the chance to step back in time and learn stories about challenges and rewards, expanding equity concepts and family and group connections. Visitors can enjoy a walk through the wonderfully landscaped English gardens surrounding the house before entering this lovely home in time. The home gives a glimpse into the daily lifestyle of wealthy Virginia colonists who lived there. Thoroughgood House offers free admission for all visitors.”

Read more

“Ferry Plantation House is a 1830 brick-structured house with a ten-room passage plan. The building is an example of a Federal farm building constructed by slave labor and faces the Western Branch of the Lynnhaven River as the last witness to the rich past documented in the site's history. The home's interior includes a vast central lobby with flanking spaces. The main block contains two internal chimneys, and one external vent includes the addition of stone. The house offers a summer history camp, which educates youths about life in the 18th and 19th centuries. Ferry Plantation House provides all summer camp t-shirts, craft pieces, and snacks. A two-story wooden porch built in the Colonial Revival style in the 1950s dominates the house's landscape.”

Read more