Norfolk, Virginia is a charming coastal city with a rich maritime heritage and array of attractions that make it an ideal romantic getaway. From waterfront views and historic sites to indulgent eateries and unique date experiences, Norfolk offers many special ways for couples to connect and make memories together.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Sunset Sail on the Elizabeth River | Romantic river sail with city views. |
| Stroll Norfolk Botanical Garden | Walk through serene, themed gardens. |
| Show at Chrysler Hall | Enjoy performing arts in a grand theater. |
| Tour Historic Homes | Visit preserved, historical houses. |
| Kayak Through Waterways | Relaxing kayaking in scenic areas. |
| Couples’ Spa Treatments | Indulgent spa experiences for two. |
| Bike Ride on Elizabeth River Trail | Scenic biking along a multi-use trail. |
| Romantic Dinner | Dine at intimate, upscale restaurants. |
| Cocktails and Live Music | Enjoy drinks with jazz, blues in cozy bars. |
| Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride | Fairytale carriage ride through historic areas. |
| Picnic in Scenic Park | Alfresco dining in picturesque parks. |
| Couples’ Cooking Class | Fun cooking experience with wine pairings. |
Here are the top 12 most romantic things to do in Norfolk.
Take a sunset sail on the Elizabeth River
Name and Location: Elizabeth River, Norfolk, VA
History and Significance: The Elizabeth River flows through the heart of Norfolk and offers beautiful views of the city skyline.
What to Expect: Relax on a sailboat as you glide past downtown and watch the sunset. Enjoy drinks from the cash bar.
Visitor Information: Book through companies like Nauticus. Evening sails are 1-1.5 hours. Tickets $20-30 per person.
One of the most iconic and romantic activities in Norfolk is enjoying a sunset sail along the Elizabeth River with sweeping views of the downtown skyline.
Companies like RIVERBREEZE Water Taxi and Charters and Norfolk Waterside Marriott’s Spirit of Norfolk offer narrated happy hour cruises, complete with cocktails and light fare, that let you soak up golden hour on the water as the sun dips behind the city. Snuggle up on deck and toast to your special night out on the river.
Stroll through the Norfolk Botanical Garden
Name and Location: Norfolk Botanical Garden, 6700 Azalea Garden Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518
History and Significance: These 175-acre gardens have thousands of plant varieties and stunning displays year-round. A Norfolk gem since 1938.
What to Expect: Wander through rose, butterfly, and other themed gardens. Cross footbridges and see birds from the observation tower.
Visitor Information: Open daily 9am-7pm in summer. Admission $12 for adults. Trams and cafe on-site.
Occupying 175 beautiful acres, the Norfolk Botanical Garden is a gorgeous oasis with themed gardens, thousands of plant species, and serene trails that make for a relaxed romantic stroll.
Wander past vibrant azalea beds, Italianate fountains, and a tranquil Japanese garden hand-in-hand with your sweetheart. Find a bench in a secluded garden room to sit and enjoy the blooms together.
Take in a show at Chrysler Hall
Name and Location: Chrysler Hall, 215 St Pauls Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23510
History and Significance: This premier performance venue in downtown Norfolk hosts Broadway shows, concerts, comedy acts and more.
What to Expect: See an entertaining show together in the grand, modern hall. Performances range from orchestra concerts to Off-Broadway musicals.
Visitor Information: Show times and tickets vary. Parking garages nearby. Dress code depends on show.
Couples who enjoy the performing arts can take in a concert, play, ballet or Broadway musical at the opulent Chrysler Hall in downtown Norfolk.
Dating back to 1971, the grand theater features plush seating, ornate architectural details, and excellent acoustics. Catch a romantic show like The Phantom of the Opera or Les Misérables, or see world-renowned musicians like Yo-Yo Ma perform.
Tour historic homes
Name and Location: Hunter House Victorian Museum, Wells Theatre History Exhibit
History and Significance: Norfolk has well-preserved 19th century homes that offer a glimpse into the past.
What to Expect: Take a guided tour of antique furnishings, artifacts and architecture. Hear stories about the former residents.
Visitor Information: Hunter House open Wed-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 1pm-4pm. Admission $8.
Step back in time together at Norfolk’s beautifully preserved historic homes, like the stately 1805 Moses Myers House and the 1795 Willoughby-Baylor House with period decor and furnishings.
Couples interested in Norfolk’s Naval history can visit the 1845 Italianate Villa style Admiral’s House, part of the long closed Naval Medical Center. Wandering these homes hand-in-hand lets you imagine romantic eras past.
Kayak through picturesque waterways
Name and Location: North Landing River, Lafayette River, Chesapeake Bay
History and Significance: Paddling through serene marshes allows you to enjoy nature and wildlife sightings.
What to Expect: Kayak side-by-side as you glide through salt marshes and spot birds, turtles, fish and more. Peaceful getaway for two.
Visitor Information: Book trips with companies like Patriot Tours. $50-75 per person for 2-3 hour tours. Beginner friendly.
Paddling through the tranquil nooks and channels of Norfolk’s inland waterways is a relaxing couples’ activity to enjoy the city from the water. Rent a two-person kayak and cruise past harbors, wetlands, beaches and more for unique views and quality time together.
Some recommended routes are along Pretty Lake or throughVincent Creek. Many kayak outfitters like Patriot Water offerself-guided tours perfect for couples.
Indulge in couple’s spa treatments
Name and Location: Spas like Sense, Aneu Medical Spa
History and Significance: Couples massages provide relaxing pampering and together time in a peaceful spa environment.
What to Expect: Choose massage styles from Swedish to hot stone. Unwind together in the same room. Relax after.
Visitor Information: Book 60-90 minute massages. Prices vary, around $200-300 total. Gratuity not included.
Rejuvenate and de-stress together at one of Norfolk’s luxury spas like the couple’s suite at TruOrganic Spa or the relaxation lounge at Eden Day Spa & Salon.
Choose from indulgent massages like hot stone or aromatherapy, facials using organic ingredients, and body treatments for two. Spending a tranquil day at the spa is a romantic way to pamper each other and simply relax in tandem away from stresses of everyday life.
Take a bike ride on the Elizabeth River Trail
Name and Location: Elizabeth River Trail, Norfolk, VA
History and Significance: This scenic 7.5 mile trail runs along the Elizabeth River through historic downtown.
What to Expect: Ride beside the river and parks. Stop to photograph bridges. Enjoy river views and sea breezes.
Visitor Information: Access the trail from Town Point Park. Bike rentals available from shops like Le Bella Mondo.
Pedal alongside your partner on the scenic Elizabeth River Trail, a 10.5 mile multi-use trail that connects downtown Norfolk to Portsmouth through parks, neighborhoods and along the riverfront.
Built on a former rail corridor, the smooth, flat trail is perfect for a casual bike date away from traffic. Stop at riverside lookouts and watch boats navigating the water as you cruise past.
Savor a romantic dinner
Name and Location: Southern Kitchen, Press 626, Terrapin
History and Significance: Norfolk restaurants offer intimate settings, exceptional cuisine, and stunning views for romantic dinners.
What to Expect: Dine by candlelight on seasonal dishes and specialty cocktails. Attentive service provides a memorable evening.
Visitor Information: Make reservations. Entrees $20-40. Dress code is business casual to dressy. Valet parking available.
With fresh seafood, locally-sourced cuisine and creative menus, Norfolk restaurants make ideal spots for romantic dinners for two. Upscale spots like Todd Jurich’s Bistro or fine steakhouses like 219 Bistro have intimate ambiance and incredible food.
More casual picks like Terrapin Restaurant or Press 626 Cafe are just as romantic with quaint decor, courtyard seating, and delicious plates perfect for sharing.
Go for cocktails and live music
Name and Location: Bottega Americano, Grace O’Malley’s Irish Pub, Smartmouth Brewery
History and Significance: Norfolk’s nightlife scene offers romantic spots for handcrafted cocktails or local beers accompanied by live bands or singers.
What to Expect: Cozy bars and pubs with excellent drinks, small plates, and entertainment like jazz, acoustic sets, or piano.
Visitor Information: Hours vary. No cover charge unless otherwise noted. Street parking or garages available.
Sip creative cocktails together as you enjoy live jazz, blues and more at one of Norfolk’s intimate music lounges and bars.
Head to Havana Nights Cigar Lounge for Cuban flair with mojitos and Latin tunes or the cozy Baldwin’s Lounge nestled in an old church. The Taphouse Grill and Gershwin’s offer frequent live music acts in sleek, date-worthy settings.
Take a horse-drawn carriage ride
Name and Location: Downtown Norfolk
History and Significance: Carriage rides allow you to experience Norfolk’s historic downtown in a leisurely, romantic fashion.
What to Expect: Cozy up in a carriage as you clip-clop through downtown, hearing about city sights from the driver.
Visitor Information: Offered evenings in spring/summer. Book via VisitNorfolk. $20 per adult. Rides last 20-30 minutes.
Snuggle up under a blanket aboard an elegant horse-drawn Victorian carriage for a fairytale experience cruising through Norfolk’s historic streets.
Companies like Freckles Horse & Carriage Service offer private tours to see sights like the stately homes and tree-lined parks at a leisurely romantic pace. It’s an old-world romantic activity you’ll always remember.
Picnic in a scenic park
Name and Location: Norfolk Botanical Garden, Town Point Park
History and Significance: Norfolk’s lovely parks provide the idyllic scene for a romantic al fresco meal for two.
What to Expect: Pack a picnic basket and enjoy lunch/dinner together surrounded by nature and water views.
Visitor Information: Pick up picnic supplies from places like Proper Pie Co. Check park hours.
Pack a picnic spread with all your favorite bites and enjoy an alfresco meal for two nestled in one of Norfolk’s postcard-pretty waterside parks. Ocean View Beach Park is a top choice with sandy Chesapeake Bay beach access and sublime sunset views.
Festive Town Point Park along the riverfront has fountains, gardens and skyline vistas. Wherever you choose, dining under the stars is delicious and romantic.
Take a couples’ cooking class
Name and Location: The Culinary Institute of Virginia, 456 Granby St, Norfolk, VA
History and Significance: Couples classes allow you to learn new cooking skills together.
What to Expect: Listen to a chef’s tips, then work together to prepare dishes and enjoy the meal you made.
Visitor Information: Date night and themed classes available. $85-125 per couple.
Doing activities together is a fun way to bond, and taking a cooking class is a great option for foodie couples to learn new culinary skills while getting quality time.
Modern Cook Shop offers romantic-themed classes like pasta making, tapas, and French desserts complete with wine pairings. Create mouthwatering dishes side-by-sideyou can enjoy over candlelit dinners at home.
Conclusion
With its charming historic neighborhoods, vibrant arts and dining scenes, relaxing spas and waterfront setting, Norfolk offers an abundance of romantic date spots and experiences for couples to connect and make meaningful memories together.
From easy activities like scenic strolls and water views to unique experiences like carriage rides, couples’ massages and culinary classes, Norfolk has something delightfully romantic for every taste and style.