Posted in Virginia May 10, 2020 by

The Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum Has A Fascinating And Haunting History

Virginia has an incredible collection of unique museums that offer insight into our state’s residents, history, and culture. Perhaps one of the most fascinating and underrated of them all is the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum. Located right on Atlantic Avenue, this building once operated as the Old Coast Guard Station. Today, visitors can learn about the history of the beach as well as the area’s maritime heritage.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Built in 1903, the building which now houses the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum holds an impressive amount of history.
Holly J / TripAdvisor
Originally, this structure served as a U.S. Coast Guard Life Saving Station with a lookout tower for keeping an eye on water activity.
Your Next Great Dish / TripAdvisor
The water at Virginia Beach is notoriously treacherous, given that it is the confluence of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Therefore, it was important for the city to have a team of guards and rescuers at the ready.
VB Surf & Rescue Museum
The museum features fascinating exhibits that tell the tale of Virginia Beach tourism, which escalated in the 1880s.
Shashi Bellamkonda / Google
The hotel industry in Virginia Beach noticed that visitors from out of town were liable to drown in the water if there wasn't proper supervision. Therefore, hotels would hire young men from the Life Saving Service.
In fact, there used to be ropes put in place on the beach for visitors who felt uncomfortable with the idea of swimming too far out.
Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum / YouTube
There's also a portion of the museum dedicated to shipwrecks. Visitors can marvel at some of the various items that have washed ashore over the past century.
Mommafarmer / TripAdvisor
As you can imagine, there's something haunting about revisiting the area's surf and rescue history.
Philip S / TripAdvisor
In fact, the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Team is considered to be one of the city's most haunted locations. At one time, the attic was used to house the bodies of shipwrecked victims until they could be claimed.
Visitors have reported hearing maniacal laughing as well as other disembodied voices near the building.
Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum / Google
There are even phantom footsteps frequently heard making their way up to the guard tower.
The museum hosts a haunted walking tour of the area every October. You might just have to join in and investigate for yourself!
Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum / Facebook

Curious to learn more about the first lifeguards of Virginia Beach? Be sure to watch this brief video below, courtesy of the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum:

Have you visited this museum before? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience!

Address: 2401 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, USA