Things to do in Norfolk Virginia include maritime museums, art, gardens, beaches, historic sites, parks, and waterfront attractions. The city’s location on the Elizabeth River strongly shapes its visitor experiences.
Additionally, many museums and historic sites sit within 12 walkable blocks of Norfolk’s downtown waterfront.
Nauticus is a maritime discovery center on Norfolk’s downtown waterfront. Visitors can explore maritime exhibits before boarding Battleship Wisconsin and learning about life aboard the historic vessel.
Chrysler Museum of Art holds more than 30,000 works spanning over 5,000 years. Additionally, the museum complex includes the Perry Glass Studio.
Norfolk Botanical Garden covers 175 acres and includes more than 60 themed gardens. Visitors can also discover abundant bird and butterfly life throughout the grounds.
The Virginia Zoo offers a family-friendly wildlife experience in Norfolk. Visitors can see lions, red pandas, orangutans, reptiles, and other animals while exploring landscaped grounds.
MacArthur Memorial explores the life and legacy of General Douglas MacArthur. Its collections also address Americans who served during several major conflicts.
Hermitage Museum & Gardens combines art, architecture, gardens, and waterfront scenery. It provides a quieter cultural experience away from the central downtown attractions.
Hampton Roads Naval Museum provides another way to explore the region’s naval heritage. Its downtown location makes it convenient to combine with Nauticus and the waterfront.
The Elizabeth River Trail provides a scenic route for walking and cycling through Norfolk. It connects several neighborhoods while highlighting waterfront scenery and urban landscapes. VisitNorfolk includes the trail among the city’s notable visitor experiences.
Ocean View Beach Park gives visitors access to Norfolk’s Chesapeake Bay shoreline. The Ocean View area offers a relaxed coastal alternative to downtown sightseeing.
Town Point Park sits along Norfolk’s downtown waterfront. Its central location makes it easy to combine with museums, harbor views, and other downtown attractions.
Fort Norfolk is a historic waterfront fortification near downtown. It provides another stop for visitors interested in Norfolk’s military and maritime history. VisitNorfolk includes the fort among the city’s museum and historic attractions.
Neon District is Norfolk’s creative arts district. The neighborhood features more than 80 pieces of public art alongside galleries and performance spaces.
Begin downtown at Nauticus and Battleship Wisconsin. After that, explore the Chrysler Museum or MacArthur Memorial.
Later, walk along the waterfront or Elizabeth River Trail. Families can choose the Virginia Zoo or Norfolk Botanical Garden instead.
Finally, visit Ocean View for Chesapeake Bay scenery. Confirm museum, garden, and historic-site hours before visiting.
Return to Norfolk Homepage.