More to See Than Just a Naval Shipyard

Located across the Elizabeth River from the much larger city of Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia can be a delightful place to spend some time while on vacation in the eastern portion of this state. With many family friendly attractions, it is little wonder that people end up spending a good deal of time within the city of Portsmouth while traveling. Indeed, this port town has a rich Naval history and many interesting places to go along with it. Whether you want to learn more about the fascinating history of the area, or simply want to see what this part of Virginia has to offer, Portsmouth is a good choice.

One of the primary places that visitors to Portsmouth are drawn to is the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum. After all, much of the history of this city is tied to the Navy, and coming to this museum can be a good way to introduce yourself to the area. In addition to many armed forces vehicles on display, there are additional varieties of watercraft to explore and see up close and personal here. People who have a fondness for the sea and for sailing vessels are sure to adore this museum, as will anyone with a general curiosity about life on the water.

For people traveling with children, the Children's Museum of Virginia can be a great place to stop at while in Portsmouth. Within its walls, people can explore its vast array of toys - a true kids' paradise. There are tons of hands on things for kids to participate in here; some of the most interesting are recreations of "real life" situations such as the dentist, the bank and the grocery store - as well as a police station and a fire station. Children will love exploring these kid-sized versions of real life places, and it is easy to spend a couple of hours checking everything out. In Portsmouth, this museum is a natural choice.

Sports fans that come to Portsmouth will be glad to know that the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame And Museum is located here. This ambitious, multifaceted attraction boasts a huge array of interesting exhibits geared toward all types of sports fans. The general idea is hands on, so people who come here can try out things like pitching a ball in front of a radar gun to determine the speed, or simulate driving a real life NASCAR racecar. Those who are interested in sports reporting can simulate broadcasting a real game. This place is a great day out for the whole family while visiting Portsmouth.

Besides these larger attractions, Portsmouth can be a great town to simply meander around and explore. Its Olde Towne Business and Historical District has a ton of interesting shops and restaurants for people to take in, all located within a reasonably sized area. The well-preserved nature of the buildings in this area makes exploring it part history lesson, part-shopping spree in many ways - a winning combination. Make sure to bring your camera with you, as there are plenty of great photo opportunities to be had.

For more information on Portsmouth, Virginia visit http://portsmouthvirginia.travel.