Naval Aviation Monument Park
Naval Aviation Monument Park is a attraction in Oceanfront, Virginia Beach, best for military families, Boardwalk strolls, public-art fans.
A 16,000-square-foot plaza at 25th Street and Atlantic Avenue holds six larger-than-life bronze sculptures by Michael Maiden telling the story of naval aviation across three eras — from Eugene Ely, the first aviator to fly off a ship's deck, through a WWII flight crew scrambling for their aircraft, to a modern homecoming scene of a Navy family reunited. The $1.9 million monument was funded entirely by donations, a point of local pride in a city that hosts NAS Oceana, the Navy's East Coast master jet base — the fighter jets you hear over the beach are part of daily life here, and this park explains why. It sits right on the Boardwalk next to the Norwegian Lady statue, free and open to all, and makes a natural pause on an Oceanfront walk.
- Free
Amenities
- Six bronze sculpture groupings
- Oceanfront plaza seating
Know Before You Go
- Best for: military families, Boardwalk strolls, public-art fans
- Parking: Oceanfront municipal parking nearby; no dedicated lot.
- Accessibility: Open, paved public plaza at Boardwalk level.
- Dogs: allowed — Leashed dogs are permitted on the adjacent Boardwalk 6am-7pm; summer beach restrictions apply on the sand.
- Location: 25th Street and Atlantic Avenue, on the Boardwalk, Virginia Beach, VA
Last verified 2026-07-10.
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While You're in the Area
Abbey Road Pub & Restaurant
Beatles-themed pub a block off the beach at 22nd Street — 42 taps, live music, a dog-friendly patio, and a Monday military discount.
- Dog Friendly
- Live Music
- Outdoor Seating
- Military Discount
Adventure Parasail & Rudee Inlet Jet Ski
Virginia Beach's original watersports operator since 1985 — parasailing, jet ski and kayak/SUP rentals, and banana boat rides at Rudee Inlet.
AquaMan Sportfishing Charters
Two-boat Rudee Inlet charter operation — The Flat Line and The Game On — running inshore, nearshore, and offshore deep-sea trips around the clock.
Barclay Cottage Inn
The oldest lodging in Virginia Beach still open to guests — an 1895 cottage with five rooms and wrap-around porches two blocks from the boardwalk.
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Barclay Towers Resort Hotel
All-suite Boardwalk tower at 9th Street — 138 two-room suites, every one with a full kitchen and ocean-view balcony, plus a heated indoor pool.
- Family Friendly
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Bay Venture Boat Rentals
Self-drive 24-foot pontoon boat rentals for exploring Linkhorn Bay, Broad Bay, and the Lynnhaven Inlet — no boater's license required.
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Upcoming Events Nearby
Neptune's Coastal Craft Beer Festival
August 15, 2026 · annual
The Neptune Festival's 11th annual beer afternoon takes over 31st Street Park with more than 60 beers from around 30 breweries, heavy on the coastal Virginia scene. Two bands play through the 3–8pm session and local food trucks handle the eating. It's a compact, single-day festival — an easy add-on to a mid-August beach day, a block off the boardwalk at Neptune's Park.
Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships
August 23, 2026 – August 30, 2026 · annual
The world's oldest continuously running surfing competition returns for its 64th year, turning the south end of the Oceanfront — from the 1st Street Jetty up to 10th Street — into a week-long surf carnival. More than 850 competitors surf pro and amateur divisions, including a WSL qualifying event, while the beach fills out with skate and BMX demos, live music, and tournament games. It's the anchor event of late summer at the beach and the best week of the year to watch serious surfing at the 1st Street break.
Virginia Beach Funk Fest Beach Party
August 28, 2026 – August 29, 2026 · annual
A free two-day beach party on the Oceanfront closing out August with funk, R&B, and soul acts on the sand. Part of the official Beach Events season, Funk Fest draws a big, dance-heavy crowd to the resort beach for one of the last major music weekends before Labor Day — no ticket needed, just claim a patch of sand.