Day Trips from Virginia Beach
← All Virginia Beach day tripsDay Trips from Virginia Beach: Art Galleries & Cultural Attractions
The best art galleries, cultural attractions, and creative destinations within driving distance of Virginia Beach, VA. World-class museums, local galleries, sculpture gardens, and artist communities worth the trip. Ratings, drive times, and booking info included.
7 art & culture near Virginia Beach
Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center
Newport News, VA 23606
Just 48 min from Virginia Beach, rated 4.8 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Sculpture Garden
Richmond, VA 23221
Just 1 hr 47 min from Virginia Beach, rated 4.8 stars by 200 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Richmond, VA 23220
Just 1 hr 48 min from Virginia Beach, rated 4.8 stars by 10,154 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Chrysler Museum of Art
1 Memorial Pl, Norfolk
Just 24 min from Virginia Beach, rated 4.8 stars by 3,065 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
The Cultural Arts Center
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Just 1 hr 47 min from Virginia Beach, rated 4.6 stars by 734 visitors, a cultural standout with galleries and local arts.
Best time to visit: Year-round. Check local event calendars for festivals and seasonal exhibits.
Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center
Portsmouth, VA 23704
Just 23 min from Virginia Beach, rated 4.6 stars by 137 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA 23220
Just 1 hr 44 min from Virginia Beach, rated 4.4 stars, a cultural standout with galleries and local arts.
Best time to visit: Year-round. Check local event calendars for festivals and seasonal exhibits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Art & Culture Day Trips from Virginia Beach
What are the best art galleries near Virginia Beach, VA?
The best art destinations near Virginia Beach include regional art museums, contemporary galleries, sculpture gardens, and artist colony towns. Check the cards above for top-rated cultural spots with drive times.
Are there free art galleries near Virginia Beach?
Yes. Many galleries near Virginia Beach are free to visit, and several museums offer free admission days or pay-what-you-wish hours. Check individual listings for current admission policies.
What cultural events happen near Virginia Beach?
Art walks, gallery openings, sculpture exhibitions, and cultural festivals run throughout the year in communities near Virginia Beach. Summer and fall tend to have the most events. Check local calendars before planning your trip.
When is the best time to visit art destinations near Virginia Beach?
Art galleries and museums are great year-round. For outdoor sculpture gardens, spring through fall is ideal. Many communities host art festivals and open studio events in summer and early fall.
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