Things to do & places to visit in Norfolk, Virginia, United States

An early English settlement, Norfolk is filled with historic sites and monuments. Norfolk is also home to the oldest U.S. naval port, as well as the Battleship Wisconsin, which was in service from World War II through the Persian Gulf War. Locals and visitors head to Town Point Park for outdoor concerts and annual events such as the Bayou Boogaloo and Cajun Food Festival. Families enjoy relaxing in Norfolk Botanical Garden and touring the harbor on a 19th-century Mississippi riverboat.

Norfolk city in Virginia, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Thursday, May 09, 2024, 13:02.

Top things to do (22)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Chrysler Museum of Art (1.017 reviews)
- World-class museum that puts many others to shame.
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Museums

I’m still stunned over what I just experienced. I have trouble fathoming that a world-class museum is in Norfolk, but this compares favorably to anything I’ve seen, anywhere. Period. The museum isn’t particularly large, so I only planned to spend maybe an hour. I spent three hours. The quantity and variety of works is very good, but the quality of what’s on display is the differentiator. This museum doesn’t just display stuff to fill shelves, it displays things other museums simply can’t, because Chrysler was apparently a very picky collector. And astonishingly, I was told that they only have room to display about 30% of the overall collection. Admission is only $3, and most astonishingly, they ENCOURAGE you to take pictures to share your experience. That’s really very, very rare in a top tier museum. My very highest recommendation… 5+ stars. See more..
5.0 Slover Library (61 reviews)
- Good stop for genealogy and architecture buffs
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Libraries

Housed in a former post office, the old building is grand, with a beautiful reading room by the local history/genealogy collection. The (connected) new building is also attractive and worth a look. Spent two enjoyable afternoons researching here, and the staff was VERY helpful and pleasant. There is a convenient (although not cheap) parking garage right around the corner. See more..
5.0 Scotch and Soda the Lions (26 reviews)
- Include them on your evening stroll!
Thursday: 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

Tours of the Mansion are available by appointment only, except for October and December, when Ghost and Christmas Tours are regularly scheduled. The home is available for rent for special occasions or can accommodate overnight guests, with advance reservations required. Donations are encouraged to help the family offset the cost of maintaining this nearly 100 year old historic home. Scotch and Soda are the iconic lions that stand guard over the 1923 Georgian Mansion at the corner of Hampton Blvd and Spotswood Avenue, Norfolk, VA. The original lions disappeared in 2013 and were replaced by the concrete giants known to the community as Scotch and Soda. They have hundreds of followers on Facebook and commuters along Hampton Blvd. enjoy their ever changing wardrobe & costumes. See more..
4.5 Battleship Wisconsin at Nauticus (1.650 reviews)
- Staying overnight on BB64 is a MUST
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Ships

Berthed at Nauticus, the Battleship Wisconsin is one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy. Access to the Battleship Wisconsin is included in Nauticus admission. Explore its deck through a self-guided tour or, with an additional charge, one of our guided tours that will take you back in time to experience this majestic ship that earned five battle stars during WW II. See more..
4.5 Norfolk Botanical Garden (1.110 reviews)
- Garden of Lights evening event
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Gardens

We had visited this garden many years ago and enjoyed our springtime visit. We recently returned to see the Garden of Lights evening event, which we also enjoyed. Overall, the lights were very pretty. We liked that they have a one-way path through the lights; it keeps everyone going the same direction at generally the same pace. The path ends at the parking lot, but you can re-enter the main entrance building to use restrooms and visit the gift shop (but you cannot re-enter the garden to see the lights again). There was a food truck parked near the beginning of the route, but the line was very long; they could use another truck near the end as well. It only took us 75 minutes to walk through (we thought that the ticket price was a bit high for the short time we spent here); since we chose an early entrance time, there was still plentiful parking. See more..
4.5 Nauticus (1.100 reviews)
- It's a BATTLESHIP! Enough said!
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums

Nauticus is a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in downtown, Norfolk offering a unique form of experiential learning for all ages. Through interactive exhibits and STEM to STERN programming, Nauticus uses the museum, Battleship Wisconsin, sailing center, and Schooner Virginia to tell the story of the maritime environment, industry, and the military. Open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, Noon – 5 p.m. Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin are closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Please call for other holiday hours. See more..
4.5 Virginia Zoo (886 reviews)
- Baby giraffe
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Zoos

A wonderful morning walking around the Virginia Zoo and it wasn’t crowded at all. We had the best time watching the new baby giraffe having the zoomies. I loved that we received 50% off admission price since we have a zoo membership for the Philadelphia Zoo. See more..
4.5 MacArthur Memorial (310 reviews)
- I am glad that I went to the MacArthur Memorial.
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

The MacArthur Memorial is a museum and research center dedicated to preserving and presenting the story of the life of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur. The Memorial also pays tribute to the millions of men and women who served with General MacArthur in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Situated in downtown Norfolk, VA the Memorial consists of a museum, archive and research center, education center, theater, welcome center, and a gift shop. Admission is FREE. See more..
4.5 MacArthur Center (169 reviews)
- Very high-class shopping mall in downtown
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Shopping Malls

The MacArthur Center shopping mall in Norfolk, VA. hosts shops and restaurants including the area's premier Dillard's department store. At our Norfolk shopping center we have shops you won't find anywhere else in the area like Lush, Pottery Barn, and The Art of Shaving. The mall is off Interstate 264, just west of Norfolk State University. See more..
4.5 Harbor Park (148 reviews)
- MiLB park that should not be missed!
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sports Complexes

Excellent for baseball fans, small park but good for a relatively cheap night of baseball. Any baseball fan will find this park a gem. I could easily see myself making this a regular night out if we lived in the area. $6 parking, $15 advanced tickets got us 4th row behind the plate, and food was typical for baseball games. Skip the tide dog (with crab)-was deemed “just ok” but try the elote (street corn)! See more..
4.5 Hermitage Museum and Gardens (144 reviews)
- A hidden gem
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums

The Hermitage Museum & Gardens, formerly home to the Sloane family, is an early 20th century Arts-and-Crafts estate located on the shore of the Lafayette River in Norfolk, Virginia. Featuring a nationally recognized art collection spanning 5,000 years, the Hermitage is home to the arts. Contemporary exhibition galleries, a Visual Arts Studio, working artist studios, and 12 acres of gardens and grounds offer art and culture to the community, as envisioned by the Sloanes. See more..
4.5 Town Point Park (130 reviews)
- Beautiful Park
Parks

This park is next door to Nauticus. After we toured the Battleship Wisconsin, we took our picnic lunch to this park. There are no picnic tables, but there are benches. Depending on the time of day, you might find a few in the shade. We just sat on the grass under a tree. The grass is beautiful and looked a lot like turf. Of course you have the view of the Elizabeth River with boats riding up and down. Near the Victory Rover Navel Base Cruise pick-up is a very moving memorial for service men. (near the west end of the park) There are bronze sculptures of letters written by service men who died before the letters made it to their families. The letters are from the American Revolution to the 90s. Look for the flag pole to help you find these. It is worth some time to read some of these letters. We parked along the street just a tad east of the park and used metered parking. $.25 = 9 minutes. See more..
4.5 The Chrysler Museum Glass Studio (117 reviews)
- Varied types of art on display
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Really enjoyed the art museum and the glass factory across the street. I spent 1 1/2 hours just taking in the 15th and 16th century art works. There is an excellent MC Escher (graphic artist) collection there too. You could easily spend 4 -5 hours touring the museum, which is free to the public. See more..
4.5 Hampton Roads Naval Museum (113 reviews)
- plan to be here for hours
Thursday: 10:00 PM - 5:00 PM Military Museums

This is a large free museum in the Nauticus Building that covers 250 years of naval history. It consists of 3 floors and even offers an aquarium. The exhibits are great and offers amazing visual exhibits as well as lots of interesting reading material. They have several areas for the kids and the kids at heart. I had no idea it was as large as it was and we were a little rushed to see everything before they closed. There is also a self-guided tour of the battleship which was not open on the day we were there. You could spend an entire day here. See more..
4.5 Virginia Stage Company at The Wells Theatre (107 reviews)
- Guys and Dolls Show
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Theaters

VIRGINIA STAGE COMPANY is a professional, producing theatre company based in Norfolk, VA. We strive to enrich, educate, and entertain the region by creating and producing theatrical art of the highest quality. The WELLS THEATRE was built in 1912 and is an outstanding example of Beaux Arts theatre architecture. A must-see for architecture lovers! See more..
4.5 O'Connor Brewing Co. (97 reviews)
- Fantastic selection of craft brews!
Thursday: 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

The brewery is located at 211 W. 24th Street in the new Railroad district of Norfolk, situated next to the historic Ghent neighborshood and just a mile or two from Downtown. The Tasting Room and Production facility share a 35,000 sq. foot mid-century modern historic building. Free parking is available in their private lot or street parking is free along 24th and 23rd street. O’Connor beer drinkers come from all walks of life, but what brings them together is a love of the small, simple joys in life. The pleasure of being outdoors, relaxing on the beach with friends, having dinner with family after a day of hard work, and of course, enjoying a fresh, flavorful beer. Customers appreciate the O’Connor brand for its approachability and authenticity. They value its independent spirit, that it remains family owned and operated, and its support of the local community. And their loyalty has established it as a mainstay brand with 10 years of sustained success. See more..
4.5 Lone Sailor Statue (76 reviews)
- Wonderful Commemorative Statue
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

This is a wonderful statue dedicated to sailors who have served in the Navy. Located on the boardwalk near the Battleship Wisconsin, it is surrounded by plaques that document pieces of naval history. It's a must see if you're visiting Norfolk. See more..
4.5 Mermaid Factory (73 reviews)
- Kids Loved It
Thursday: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

Have you admired the mermaid statues around Norfolk? Mermaid Factory offers handmade miniature Norfolk mermaid statues, pre-painted or that you can paint-your-own in our studio... the perfect souvenir of your visit to the Mermaid City! We also carry a variety of mermaid, nautical, and Norfolk souvenirs. See more..
4.5 Armed Forces Memorial (58 reviews)
- One of the Most Creative and Moving Monuments ...
Monuments & Statues

I have ever viewed. The Norfolk Public Arts Commission with advice from a committee of veterans selected these letters from the military to their loved ones at home. It is not a grand or elaborate monument, but elegant in its simplicity. The letters lie on a corner of Town Point Park near Nauticus with a view onto the waterfront. Take a stroll from Nauticus or the park. Stay on the path along the water to this corner of Town Point Park. This is exceptional. Note: The Homecoming Statue is NOT part of the Armed Forces Memorial. It is in the park close to Waterside Dr. See more..
4.5 Smartmouth Brewing Company (51 reviews)
- Excellent Brewery Experience with Food Truck too
Thursday: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Breweries

Since 2012, Smartmouth has helped shape the Hampton Roads craft beer scene with unique styles, quality ingredients and an emphasis on flavor over flash. No gimmicks, no funny business, just an appreciation for well-crafted beer and a desire to share it with others. At the end of the day, we are “beer geeks,” who make beer, think beer, talk beer and drink beer. It’s what we do and it’s what we love. Today, we distribute a variety of beers throughout the state of Virginia, in addition to serving our local community. We embrace our roles as stewards of craft beer and we thank you for your support. See more..
4.5 Moses Myers House (39 reviews)
- Happy tour guides
Historic Sites

I had three knowledgeable ladies Cindy Karen and Mary who all combined to give me a complete tour of the house and a feeling for the Jewish life in revolutionary times I was lucky to be there at closing time on a dreary rainy Sunday where I had these three knowledgeable women as My personal tour guides I am from Seattle and being of Jewish family was interested in the life of a Jew before the civil war Especially in the south. I wish I had more time here in Norfolk but I have to drive back to seattle Monday. I find that southern people are more friendly than we are in seattle and hope I didn’t ask too many minutiae questions! Ladies it was a pleasure The only comment that I would add would be to put more light in the rooms so that you could see some of the detail better but then again I got a Picky! See more..
4.5 The Homecoming (31 reviews)
- Emotional sculpture
Points of Interest & Landmarks

A replica of The Homecoming statue can be found in Norfolk's Town Point Park. Norfolk is considered the Navy's "hometown," and the city is a perfect place for a Homecoming statue to reside. The statue was placed in Town Point Park on October 14, 2000 in honor of Navy families. See more..
4.5 Hunter House Victorian Museum (23 reviews)
- well preserved slice of 1895
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM Speciality Museums

Interesting 1890s mansion on a townhouse scale owned by what would have been an upper crust but not super rich family around the turn of the century. (Not a palace, but suffice it to say the two daughters never needed to earn a penny) Amazingly not modernized even though the last of the children lived in it until the mid-late 1960s. They kept the Victorian décor, eventually just two spinster sisters immersed in genealogy and civic associations. I think the guides struggle a bit between minutiae and the general interest visitor - I'm actually interested in the former, but not everyone is. In a group with mixed taste it can make for some awkward pacing - clearly some ladies are volunteers and do it for love. You may find one who's more than half as old as the house itself :) Free for the remainder of 2022 See more..
4.5 Virginia International Tattoo (21 reviews)
- Inspirational
Cultural Events

The largest tattoo in the United States, the Virginia International Tattoo is an annual event that brings military bands from around the world to one spot in Norfolk, VA, to perform a spectacular show of music, majesty, and might! Presented annually in Norfolk, Virginia, the Virginia International Tattoo is an exhibition of marching bands, massed pipes and drums, drill teams, Scottish dancers, choirs and more. Each year, a cast of over 900 artists from several countries creates an unforgettable spectacle under one roof for four breathtaking performances. The Virginia International Tattoo is the largest show of its kind in the United States. See more..
4.5 Lake Drummond (16 reviews)
- This was a nice drive to take into the heart of the Great Dismal Swamp.
Bodies of Water

The origins of the largest natural lake in Virginia still remain a mystery. See more..
4.0 Naval Station Norfolk (542 reviews)
- Best place to view the Navy's finest
Military Bases & Facilities

The oldest naval port in the United States that offers guided tours. See more..
4.0 Pagoda & Oriental Garden (92 reviews)
- Surprising oriental garden in Norfolk
Gardens

It was a relaxing place to stop during my walk in Norfolk. I didn't go inside the building, but walking around it, taking in the sounds of the water and views of the plants/flowers was quite peaceful. It is free so take some time and enjoy! See more..
4.0 Ocean View Fishing Pier (83 reviews)
- Very good experience on the pier
Piers & Boardwalks

I really enjoyed my experience on the pier. I purchased a drink from the bar and walked the pier to see what everyone was catching. Afterwards I went to the top deck and listened to the band play, then ordered the fried shrimp appetizer. I will say the food took a long time to be delivered but it was amazing when it arrived. The breading on the shrimp was fantastic and the shrimp itself seemed fresh. The food, views, and mood was all very laid back and relaxing. I wouldnt go here if I was in a rush to eat, but if your just looking for a place to chill and hang out it's perfect. See more..
4.0 The NorVa (70 reviews)
- Offspring at the norVa
Theaters

What a great place to see a concert. Its the perfect size so you can enjoy actually seeing the band instead of these arenas where you look at monitors while the band plays. I just had the best time at the Offspring show and it was safe & the fans were a into having a good time. See more..
4.0 Norfolk Scope Arena (50 reviews)
- Perfect size for Concert
Arenas & Stadiums • Convention Centers

The Scope is an older arena but it’s perfect size for a concert. It’s a standard bowl set up with no fancy suites or high tech features. Basically seats and a view . All seats are good no obstructions. The concourse is small and gets very tight to walk . A basic arena that works . See more..