19 Best Things to Do in Norfolk, Virginia
A quick 7-minute drive from Norfolk (2.9 miles via I-264 W) will get you to Portsmouth, Virginia; it’s also 22 minutes from Virginia Beach (18.2 miles via I-264 E) and an hour from Williamsburg (52.4 miles via I-64 W). Plan a weekend trip to Norfolk in Southeastern Virginia, where you can take a guided tour of the largest naval station in the world, see over 30,000 objects at the Chrysler Museum of Art, and stroll through the lovely Norfolk Botanical Garden.
1.Chrysler Museum of Art
One of the best things to do in Norfolk, Virginia, is to visit the Chrysler Museum of Art, one of the top museums in the Southeast and situated in the artistic neighborhood of Ghent, with views over The Hague, a tiny body of water. Established in 1933 under the name Norfolk Museum of Arts and Sciences, the museum expanded thanks to a substantial art donation from Walter Chrysler, the heir to the Chrysler empire, and now houses over 30,000 artifacts spanning millennia of global history.
Medieval sculptures and paintings by well-known American and European artists, including Tintoretto, Eugene Delacroix, Edouard Manet, Auguste Rodin, Paul Gauguin, Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and Franz Kline, are included in the collection. In addition, the Museum has one of the best collections of glass in the world, as well as fine decorative arts and a superb collection of photographs. There is no cost to enter. For more inspiration, look through our guide to romantic weekend getaways in Virginia.
One Memorial Place, Norfolk, Virginia, Phone: 757-664-6200
2.Norfolk Botanical Garden
Norfolk Botanical Garden is a 155-acre public botanical garden that features over forty themed gardens, including seasonal gardens and a special WOW Children’s Garden.
Located on Azalea Garden Road, themed gardens include a tranquil Japanese Garden designed in the traditional hill and pond style of Japanese gardens; an Enchanted Forest filled with ancient oak, hickory, and pine trees that creates a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers; a Hummingbird Garden that boasts a mixture of annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees that attract these tiny birds; and an amazing Tropical Display House, which features lush foliage and bright flowers that are found in tropical rainforests around the world. If you are wondering what to do in Norfolk, Virginia with kids, this is a great place to visit.
The World of Wonders: A Children’s Adventure Garden is a must for the kids with several interactive educational areas where children can learn about plants and botany through play.
6700 Azalea Garden Road, Norfolk, Virginia, Phone: 757 441 5830
3.Virginia Zoo, Norfolk, VA
The Virginia Zoo is located in Norfolk close to Lafayette Park and is home to numerous plant species and over 500 animals, including African elephants and small dart frogs.
The Zoo offers a wide range of top-notch displays in addition to many dedicated habitats housing animals from Africa, Asia, Australia, and North America. Asian creatures that are uncommon and rare are featured in “Trail of the Tiger,” including orangutans, siamangs, binturongs, Malayan tigers, and oriental small-clawed otters.
The zoo is renowned for its exquisite gardens, which are intended to give the animals with fresh botanical delicacies. Throughout the year, the Zoo hosts a number of informative and conservation-focused events. One of the most well-liked events is called “Zoo Snoozes,” when guests spend a fun-filled evening at the zoo engaging in games and activities as well as visiting the nocturnal creatures.
3500 Granby St, Norfolk, Virginia, Phone: 757-441-2374
4.Battleship Wisconsin
The USS Wisconsin is a battleship that served in the Pacific during World War II and later during the Korean War. After being decommissioned, it was reactivated in 1986 and was used during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. After being once again decommissioned in late 1991, it became a museum ship operated by Nauticus, the National Maritime Center.
Visitors can take self-guided tours where they can see several areas and levels of the ship including officers’ staterooms, offices, a post office, a chapel, and the mess where sailors ate their meals.
On the 90 minute guided “Topside Tour,” visitors can see additional areas such as the captain’s cabin, the admiral’s cabin, and more.
Battleship Wisconsin, One Waterside Drive, Norfolk, Virginia, Phone: 757-664-1000
5.Nauticus National Maritime Center
Established in 1988, the Nauticus National Maritime Center welcomed guests in 1994, occupying the site of the former Banana Pier. A giant screen theater, interactive theaters, and hands-on exhibits are just a few of the activities and sights to behold at the nautically themed facility. The second floor of the Hampton Roads Naval Museum houses a touch tank with horseshoe crabs, a shark lab, and additional science exhibits. The Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center is a marina, museum, event space, and cruise ship dock that opened in 2007. A component of Nauticus is also the USS Wisconsin.
One Waterside Drive, Norfolk, Virginia, Phone: 757-664-1000, (website link)
6.Naval Station Norfolk
Naval Station Norfolk is the largest naval station in the world. The base takes up about four miles (six km) of waterfront and contains seven miles (11 km) of pier space. There are 11 aircraft hangars and 14 piers as well as 134 aircraft and 75 ships.
The base is also the home of the largest number of U.S. Navy forces in the world. There are 45 minute tours guided by naval staff who show visitors the many ships and aircraft carriers in addition to one of the busiest airfields in the U.S.
9079 Hampton Boulevard, Norfolk, Virginia, Phone: 757-444-7955
7.General Douglas MacArthur Memorial
The General Douglas MacArthur Memorial is a museum dedicated to the memory of General Douglas MacArthur.
It is located on Bank Street and consists of a welcome center, an education center, an archive and research center, and a theater.
The memorial preserves the story of General MacArthur and also those who fought with him during World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.
In the museum there are artifacts, murals, paintings, sculptures, and vehicles.
In addition to the museum, the memorial offers tours, outreach activities, and special events such as film screenings, lectures, and more.
MacArthur Square, 198 Bank Street, Norfolk, Virginia, Phone: 757-441-2965, (website link)
8.Hermitage Museum and Gardens
The Hermitage Museum and Gardens is a historic home and art museum situated on North Shore Road. The gardens are 12 acres of forest, wetlands, and semi-formal gardens that are frequently used as the backdrop for special events. The Sloane house, situated on the shore of the Lafayette River, is an example of an arts and crafts estate from the early 20th century. The Sloane collection comprises over 40,000 objects that represent 5,000 years of fine art and history from 30 different countries.
7637 North Shore Road, Norfolk, Virginia, Phone: 757-423-2052
9.American Rover
Sailing Harbor Cruises is a Waterside Drive-based cruise company. Since 1986, it has been running the American Rover and providing cruises throughout Norfolk and its environs. The ship, which is 135 feet long and can accommodate 129 passengers, is well-known for its red sails,
which are actually red tan bark sails. There are sunset excursions and two-hour narrated harbor cruises. The two lounges below deck have climate control, while the topside deck is sheltered. Additionally, there is a store and a bar on board. Events like weddings, birthday celebrations, and business meetings can all be held in the American Rover.
333 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, Virginia, Phone: 757-627-7245
10.Mermaid Factory
Mermaid Factory, located on West 21st Street between Colley Avenue and Hampton Boulevard, is a craft store and studio that makes clay mermaids and dolphins. All of the mermaids and dolphins are hand made in Norfolk. Visitors can purchase mermaids that have already been hand painted; or visitors can decorate the blank mermaids at the studio by using a variety of materials such as charms, fabrics, glitter, paint, rhinestones, shells, and much more.
The studio can accommodate up to 25 people and can be rented for corporate events, parties, and more. The craft shop also sells other dolphin, mermaid, and nautical-themed gift items.
1.Hampton Roads Naval Museum
Located on Waterside Drive, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum is a maritime museum that is a part of Norfolk’s Nauticus complex. Operated by the Naval History & Heritage Command, the museum commemorates the history of the U.S. Navy’s presence in the Norfolk area. The museum’s collections include ship models, naval prints, and underwater archaeology.
It contains material on the 1781 Battle of the Chesapeake, the American Civil War, World War II, and the Cold War. There are also the remains of two Civil War shipwrecks, the USS Cumberland and the USS Florida. Outreach programs include lecture series, guided tours, and special temporary exhibits.
One Waterside Drive #248, Norfolk, VA, Phone: 757-322-2987
12.Harbor Park
In addition to baseball games, the park hosts other events such as concerts, high school football games, and an annual Halloween event called the “Haunted Harbor Park.”
150 Park Avenue, Norfolk, VA, Phone: 757-622-2222, (website link)
13.The Grilled Cheese Bistro
The Grilled Cheese Bistro is a cozy, casual, home-away-from-home eatery that serves a menu of classic comfort food and beverages.
Owned by Dina Taylor and Chris Streebing who started the restaurant to share their passion for food with their community, The GCB’s unique combination of freshly baked bread, fresh fruit and vegetables, locally sourced meats and cheeses and homemade sauces have come to delight the locals, who return time and again. The menu features traditional sandwiches with a twist, such as the ‘Woody Allen’, a delicious mix of smoked salmon, fresh dill, brie cheese, and capers, or the ‘Don Quixote’ with creamy Gouda cheese, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and olive tapenade.
Add a fresh garden salad and regular sides like French fries, and wash it all down with an ice cold draft beer or glass of wine.
345 Granby St, Norfolk, VA, Phone: 757-233-2512
14.Doumar’s Cones and Barbecue
Located on Hampton Road, the casual diner and curb service restaurant is famous for being the birthplace of the waffle cone and for its fantastic made-from-scratch ice cream, as well as North Carolina-style barbecue and killer milkshakes. Founder Abe Doumar created the first waffle cone at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904 and the popular eatery has been serving waffle cone ice creams ever since.
If you are looking for romantic date night ideas, this is a great place to try. Tuck into sizzling barbecue, hamburgers, hot dogs, and an array of sandwiches with various fillings, before finishing off with a decadent dessert, ice cream sundae, or custom-made waffle cone ice cream.
1919 Monticello Avenue, Norfolk, VA, Phone: 757-627-4163
15.The Elizabeth River Trail
The Elizabeth River Trail is a multi-use trail which runs for 10.5 miles along the Norfolk waterfront between Harbor Park Stadium and Norfolk International Terminals. The popular trail is accessible from I-64 to the north and I 264 to the east. There are several options for parking along the trail and several of the business along the trail offer restroom facilities for walkers and runners. You are welcome to walk, jog, run, cycle and skate along the trail – slower users are urged to keep right so that faster users can safely overtake. Leashed dogs are also allowed on the trail. The annual Elizabeth River Run is a fun event which takes place each year in September.
The Elizabeth River Trail, Norfolk, VA 23510
16.The Birch
Since opening, The Birch has built up a solid reputation for offering an impressive list of craft beers, both local and imported, and an interesting menu of foreign and grilled cheeses.
Friday nights see a special beer and cheese pairing menu served while on other nights, a regular menu of charcuterie plates, bar snacks, and melty grilled cheese sandwiches is on offer. The restaurant enjoys indoor and outdoor seating and hosts a variety of ‘themed festivals’ each week throughout the year.
1231 W. Olney Road, Norfolk, VA, Phone: 757-962-5400
17.No Frill Bar and Grill, Norfolk, VA
Located just a stone’s throw from the Naro Theater in Norfolk’s Historic Ghent, the No Frill Bar and Grill is a casual, relaxed diner with a warm and welcoming atmosphere and a menu of classic American cuisine.
Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner every day of the week, the No Frill Bar, and Grill’s menu offers appetizers that include grilled portabella mushrooms and Nachos Grande, fresh garden salads, and hearty entrées such as meatloaf, Roadhouse ribs, and roasted chicken, as well as favorites such as hamburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches.
The desserts and the coffee menu stand out with Key Lime Pie, Coconut Rum Cheesecake, Sheila’s Homemade Giant Six Layer Cakes and freshly brewed coffees. Sip signature cocktails and elegant martinis before dinner or bring the kids on a Sunday morning for the Grill’s famous Sunday brunch.
806 Spotswood Avenue, Norfolk, VA, Phone: 757-627-4262
Hunter House Victorian Museum is located on West Freemason Street in the Freemason District of downtown Norfolk. The historic house was built in 1894 for James Wilson Hunter, a banker and merchant, and his wife Lizzie Ayer Barnes Hunter and their family.
Opened as a museum in 1988, the Hunter House contains Victorian decorative arts and furnishings that belonged to the Hunter family. The house is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The museum also hosts many special events.
240 West Freemason Street, Norfolk, VA, Phone: 757-623-9814, (website link)
19.Pagoda and Oriental Garden
The Pagoda and Oriental Garden offer an oasis of beauty and tranquility in the heart of the downtown waterfront in Freemason Harbor. Here you can lose yourself in one of the area’s most attractive outdoor green spaces. The lovely 2-storey Pagoda (a Marine Observation Tower) was a gift to the citizens of Norfolk from the then Governor of Taiwan in 1989. The beautiful Oriental Garden was constructed around the Pagoda, using more than 130 species of oriental plants and trees chosen for their beauty and their symbolism. There is a peaceful Koi pond enhanced by lotus and water lilies, several bridges and waterfalls.
Pagoda and Oriental Garden, 265 West Tazewell Street, Norfolk, VA 23510, 757-622-0506
20.The Virginia Stage Company at The Wells Theatre
The Virginia Stage Company at The Wells Theatre has been thrilling audiences with professional live theatre performances since 1978. During the last 40+ years the company has presented no fewer than 28 world premier performances at The Wells, their home theatre. Built in 1912, The Wells is an outstanding example of the Beaux Arts style of theatre architecture in Virginia, and deserves a visit in its own right. There is always something enriching happening on stage at The Wells – the Virginia Stage Company produce at least 6 shows each year as well as special holiday classics. You can check their website to see what awaits you during your visit to Norfolk.
The Virginia Stage Company at The Wells, 108 E. Tazewell Street, Norfolk, VA 23510, 757-627-1234
21.Smartmouth Brewing Company
Ex lawyer and home-brewer Porter Hardy established Smartmouth Brewing Company in 2012, as one of the original craft breweries in Hampton Roads. Since then, the company has grown by leaps and bounds and has established a firm following of craft beer fans. Smartmouth Brewing places emphasis on using the very best quality ingredients to produce premium flavourful beers in unique styles. Craft beer enthusiasts are invited to visit their Norfolk headquarters and Tasting Room where you can become acquainted with their special beers. There are always several flagship brews on tap, as well as seasonal beers and limited editions. Most nights you will find a food truck waiting to serve you outside.
Smartmouth Brewing Company, 1309 Raleigh Ave, Suite 300, Norfolk, VA 23507, 757-624-3939