Norfolk, Virginia is a historic coastal city with a rich maritime heritage. Nicknamed “Mermaiden of the Chesapeake,” Norfolk offers many attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. From battleship tours and art museums to riverfront parks and lively festivals, this vibrant port city provides unique experiences.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Nauticus and Battleship Wisconsin | Maritime museum with battleship tours |
| Norfolk Botanical Garden | Large botanical garden with themed areas |
| Chrysler Museum of Art | Art museum with diverse collections and glass studio |
| Virginia Zoo | Zoo featuring a variety of animals and exhibits |
| Waterside District | Entertainment area with dining, shopping, and events |
| MacArthur Memorial | Museum dedicated to General Douglas MacArthur |
| Town Point Park | Waterfront park with events and scenic views |
| Chrysler Hall | Performing arts venue hosting concerts and shows |
| Harbor Cruise | Boat cruises offering views of the harbor and naval base |
| Norfolk Premium Outlets | Outdoor shopping center with various brands |
| Hermitage Museum and Gardens | Historic home with art collections and gardens |
| Harbor Park | Stadium for watching baseball games and events |
Here are the top 12 things to do in Norfolk, Virginia for first-time visitors and returning guests alike.
Tour the Battleship Wisconsin
Name and Location: The Battleship Wisconsin, docked in Downtown Norfolk, Virginia.
History and Significance: One of the largest battleships built, active during World War II and the Korean War. Retired as a museum ship since 2000.
What to Expect: Self-guided tours of the entire ship and its inner workings. Climb inside gun turrets, engine rooms, bridges.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Admission fee required. Tours start every 20 minutes.
Docked along the downtown waterfront, the massive Battleship Wisconsin allows visitors to explore America’s last battleship. Nicknamed “Wisky,” this Iowa-class ship served in World War II and the Korean War before being decommissioned.
Walk her teak decks, peer down the barrel of a 16-inch gun turret, and visit the captain’s cabin on a guided tour. Guests can admire the stunning views of Norfolk from the upper decks. The Battleship Wisconsin is open for tours daily, with discounted tickets available online. Don’t forget to pose for photos with the deck gun turrets!
View Marine Life at the Virginia Aquarium
Name and Location: Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach, VA.
History and Significance: Top attraction housing over 800 species like sharks, sea turtles, river otters. Features both indoor and outdoor exhibits.
What to Expect: Observe marine mammals, fish, birds in naturalistic habitats. Seal shows, feeding times, touch pools available.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Admission fee required. Aquarium located near oceanfront.
Discover the wonderful marine life of Virginia’s coastline by spending a day at the Virginia Aquarium. Highlights include sea turtle rehabilitation facilities, an 800,000 gallon shark tank, and over 800 other aquatic species like seahorses, stingrays, and octopus.
Special programs allow visitors to feed birds in an open aviary, touch marine animals like skates, and watch dolphin shows. The aquarium also screens IMAX movies on six-story screens. General admission covers the extensive exhibits, with extra fees for 4D shows, adventure tours, and behind-the-scenes programs.
Stroll through the Norfolk Botanical Garden
Name and Location: Norfolk Botanical Garden located in Norfolk, Virginia.
History and Significance: One of America’s largest gardens, with over 60 themed gardens across 155 beautiful acres. Opened in 1939.
What to Expect: Themed gardens like rose, azalea, camellia, butterfly. Scenic trails, wildlife, year-round blooms.
Visitor Information: Open year-round. Admission fee required. Tram tours available.
Spread across 175 acres, the Norfolk Botanical Garden is a beautiful oasis just minutes from downtown. Blooming flowers, lush gardens, and serene waters make this urban escape feel far from the city. Meander along trails passing butterfly habitats, formal roses, azalea collections, and seasonal floral shows in the outdoor gardens.
The indoor conservatory features exotic plants from tropical environments. Don’t miss the tranquil Japanese Garden, considered one of the best on the East Coast. General admission is free, with additional fees for some exhibits, tram tours, and special events.
Experience History at Nauticus & the USS Wisconsin
Name and Location: Nauticus maritime museum in Downtown Norfolk, Virginia.
History and Significance: Interactive naval history exhibits adjacent to the retired USS Wisconsin battleship. Opened in 1994.
What to Expect: Maritime exhibits, WWII naval history. Guided battleship tours, simulator rides. IMAX movies.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Admission covers Nauticus and USS Wisconsin. Self-parking available.
Located next to the Battleship Wisconsin, Nauticus is an interactive maritime museum covering naval history, science, and economics. Hands-on exhibits let you pilot a ship simulator, load cargo, and operate periscopes and underwater drones.
Artifacts include diving suits, ship models, mines, and artifacts from the Titanic. Nauticus also screens films in its 180-degree 3D theater. Combo tickets provide access to the Battleship Wisconsin and Nauticus for one admission fee. From naval battles to mermaid lore, Nauticus dives into all aspects of seafaring life.
See a Performance at Chrysler Hall
Name and Location: Chrysler Hall performing arts theater in Downtown Norfolk, VA.
History and Significance: Opened in 1971, this is the area’s premier venue for concerts, theater, dance and comedy shows.
What to Expect: Touring Broadway shows, renowned orchestras and pop/rock artists. Great acoustics and comfortable seating.
Visitor Information: Show times vary. Ticket prices vary by performance. Box office onsite.
As the premier performing arts venue in the region, Chrysler Hall hosts concerts, Broadway shows, ballets, and more in its grand theater. The opulent interior features Austrian crystal chandeliers, ballroom-style seating, and fine architectural details. Catch touring productions direct from New York City, like Wicked, The Lion King, and Hamilton.
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Virginia Opera, and other local performers also grace the Chrysler Hall stage. Event schedules and ticket information can be found online. With superb acoustics and elegance, Chrysler Hall promises an unforgettable experience.
Browse the Chrysler Museum of Art
Name and Location: Chrysler Museum of Art in Downtown Norfolk, VA.
History and Significance: One of America’s largest and most important art museums. Opened in 1933 and houses over 30,000 pieces. Free admission.
What to Expect: Sprawling galleries with paintings, sculpture, glasswork ranging from ancient to modern eras. Rotating exhibits.
Visitor Information: Open daily 10-5. Free admission, fees for some special exhibits. Free parking onsite.
With an extensive collection spanning 5,000 years, the Chrysler Museum of Art immerses visitors in creativity and culture. View over 30,000 pieces inside the museum’s Italianate building, including works by renowned artists like Monet, Warhol, Renoir, and Ansel Adams.
Notable exhibits feature glass, Tiffany lamps, Egyptian artifacts, and early American furniture. Interactive galleries allow hands-on art exploration for kids. Don’t miss the museum glass studio, atrium café, and tranquil courtyard. General admission is free, making the Chrysler a top choice for art aficionados.
Pedal through Town on a Bike
Name and Location: Biking trails and paths throughout Norfolk, VA.
History and Significance: Norfolk has over 60 miles of bike trails to explore the city and waterfront. Flat terrain makes biking easy.
What to Expect: Cruise along scenic trails with views of the Elizabeth River. Rent bikes hourly or daily.
Visitor Information: Trail maps online. Rent bikes at waterside shops. Wear helmets.
With over 30 miles of bike trails and paths, Norfolk offers scenic routes for cycling by the riverfront, through historic neighborhoods, and along the Chesapeake Bay. Rent a bike or bring your own to pedal along the Elizabeth River Trail past museums, parks, and attractions.
Cyclists can cruise across the drawbridge over the Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River. The paved trails through North Colley Avenue and Ghent provide access to dining and shopping. Don’t forget your helmet and water bottle! Norfolk’s flat terrain makes bike riding an easygoing activity.
See Wild Horses on Assateague Island
Name and Location: Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island, VA.
History and Significance: Herds of wild horses roam this coastal barrier island, made famous by the novel “Misty of Chincoteague”.
What to Expect: Spotting wild horses grazing and roaming the salt marshes and beaches from overlooks and during tours.
Visitor Information: Refuge open daily. Fees per vehicle. Guided horse tours available.
Just over the Virginia border lies Assateague Island, a protected barrier island famed for its wild horses. Reach the island by taking a 40-minute drive from Norfolk, then board the passenger ferry for a refreshing cruise across Assateague Channel.
Once ashore, explore sandy beaches, salt marshes, and coastal forests on hiking and biking trails. With some luck, you may spot the unique wild horses grazing or galloping near the waves. Assateague Island offers natural beauty and possible horse sightings just a short excursion away.
Relax at Town Point Park
Name and Location: Town Point Park along the downtown Norfolk, VA waterfront.
History and Significance: Landmark waterfront park offering beautiful views of the Elizabeth River and naval ships. Popular event venue.
What to Expect: Green space, fountain, walking paths and seating areas. Riverfront carnivals, concerts and festivities.
Visitor Information: Open daily 6am-11pm. Free admission. Paid parking garages nearby.
Town Point Park rests on the downtown riverfront, offering prime views and opportunities for relaxation. Have a picnic on the expansive lawn while ships cruise along the Elizabeth River. Kids will enjoy the nautical-themed playgrounds.
Visitors can also stroll along the boardwalk, ride the riverfront trolley, and watch boats pass by. On concert nights, Town Point Park transforms into an outdoor live music venue. Stop by the visitor center here to grab maps. With its location and amenities, Town Point Park is a great gathering place.
Sample Festivals and Events
Name and Location: Various locations in Norfolk, VA.
History and Significance: Norfolk hosts vibrant cultural festivals and events year-round like Harborfest, beer and wine festivals, and Restaurant Week.
What to Expect: Outdoor food, music, arts. Street performers, local cuisine samples, family-friendly activities.
Visitor Information: Events typically last full weekends. Free or nominal admission. Schedules online.
Throughout the year, Norfolk hosts unique festivals and events at both indoor and outdoor venues. Food lovers indulge at the annual Oyster Fest in October. Hampton Roads Pride celebrates the LGBTQ+ community through a lively downtown parade every June.
Town Point Park draws crowds with rock concerts and Friday beer tastings. The Norfolk NATO Festival in April spotlights international culture and military bands. Theater fans flock to the Virginia Arts Festival each spring. Check the city’s events calendar online to find happenings during your visit.
Embark on a Harbor Cruise
Name and Location: Elizabeth River and Chesapeake Bay departing from Waterside Marina in Norfolk, VA.
History and Significance: Cruises offer sightseeing tours and dining experiences on the water. Operators like Spirit Cruises and Rhythm Cruises.
What to Expect: Sightseeing or dining cruises ranging from 1-3 hours. Pass naval ships, port, bridges. Live music and entertainment.
Visitor Information: Book ahead online. Ticket prices vary by cruise duration. Departs from Waterside District.
For panoramic views of the Norfolk skyline, join a narrated cruise showcasing the historic harbor. Spirit Cruises departs from Town Point Park, taking guests past towering cranes, naval stations, and waterfront highlights.
Learn about the important role this seaport has played through centuries of American history during your relaxing cruise. Custom cruises and dinner cruises are available too. With the city gleaming across the rippling water, a Norfolk harbor cruise offers a refreshing perspective.
Cheer on a Baseball Game
Name and Location: Harbor Park stadium in downtown Norfolk, VA.
History and Significance: Home field of the minor league Norfolk Tides baseball team since 1993. Waterfront open-air stadium.
What to Expect: Affordable family entertainment and ballpark fare while watching America’s pastime. Fireworks on summer nights.
Visitor Information: April – September season. Ticket prices $8 – $20. Box office on site.
Catch America’s pastime with the hometown Norfolk Tides, a Triple-A minor league baseball team. Part of the International League, the Tides play at Harbor Park stadium near the river. Grab seats along the baselines or opt for field level picnic tables.
Cheer for hits and home runs from future star players hoping to make it to the major leagues. Games feature in-between inning contests, giveaways, mascot antics, and fireworks on select nights. Enjoy an all-American evening eating hot dogs and peanuts while rooting for the Tides.
Conclusion
From naval history to cultural experiences, Norfolk offers many attractions for travelers seeking entertainment, education, and the great outdoors. Tour an iconic battleship, marvel at aquarium exhibits, bike along the waterfront, or relax in gardens and parks.
Museums, performing arts, harbor cruises, and seasonal festivals provide more ways to soak up Norfolk’s inviting coastal atmosphere. With such an array of activities, visitors can craft an itinerary suited to their interests. The “Mermaiden of the Chesapeake” has something fun in store for everyone.