Norfolk Travel Guide

Discover the top attractions, activities, and tips for traveling to Norfolk, Virginia, in this comprehensive tour guide. From historic landmarks to scenic hiking trails, you'll find everything you need to plan your trip to this beautiful coastal city.


Norfolk is a vibrant city nestled in Hampton Roads, a popular region in Eastern Virginia. This historic coastal destination offers breathtaking views, outdoor adventures, and iconic cultural attractions. Whether you are traveling solo, with family, or friends, Norfolk offers something for everyone. In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ll explore the top things to do in Norfolk, including its cultural landmarks, scenic outdoor adventures, and diverse food and drink scene.

List of Places to Visit in Norfolk

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Norfolk is rich in history and culture, making it an important destination for history buffs and art enthusiasts. Some of the must-visit cultural attractions in Norfolk include:

  1. Chrysler Museum of Art - This world-class museum houses an extensive collection of European and American art.
  2. MacArthur Memorial - Dedicated to General Douglas MacArthur, this memorial includes a museum and archives center.
  3. USS Wisconsin BB-64 - Explore one of the largest and last battleships built by the US Navy.
  4. Hermitage Museum and Gardens - Set on twelve acres of landscaped gardens and featuring an extensive art collection, this museum is a beautiful place to explore.

Natural Attractions of Norfolk: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Norfolk is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in Virginia. Here are some of the top outdoor adventures and scenic views to check out:

  1. Norfolk Botanical Gardens - This serene garden is perfect for a peaceful walk, a picnic, or a bike ride.
  2. Virginia Zoo - Meet some of the most exotic animals in the world at this award-winning zoo spread over 53 acres.
  3. First Landing State Park - A popular destination for hiking, biking, and beach activities, this park is perfect for nature lovers.
  4. Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel - This iconic bridge-tunnel offers breath-taking views of the Chesapeake Bay

Hiking/Biking Routes of Norfolk

Norfolk offers some of the most beautiful walking and biking routes in Virginia. Here are some of the must-visit hiking and biking trails:

  1. Elizabeth River Trail - This riverside trail is perfect for cycling, jogging, or walking.
  2. The Virginia Capital Trail - Stretching over 50 miles, this trail connects Richmond and Jamestown with stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay and James River.
  3. Lafayette Park - This park offers a moderate hiking trail with beautiful views of the Elizabeth River.

Best Things to Do in Norfolk: Activities and Tours

Norfolk offers numerous activities and tours ranging from water sports to historic tours. Here are some of the top things to do in Norfolk:

  1. Harbor Tours - Take a boat tour of the Harbor and learn about Norfolk’s rich maritime history.
  2. American Rover Sailing Cruises - Experience sailing on a tall ship with breathtaking waterfront views.
  3. Norfolk Tides Game - Cheer on the local minor league baseball team at Harbor Park stadium.
  4. Waterside District - Walk along the Elizabeth River while enjoying restaurants, bars, and nightlife.

Week-Long Itinerary for Norfolk

Day 1: Visit the USS Wisconsin BB-64 and the Nauticus museum, followed by a walking tour of the Freemason Historic District. Day 2: Explore the Chrysler Museum of Art and nearby NEON District. Day 3: Spend the day at the First Landing State Park hiking, beach activities, and picnicking. Day 4: Take a boat tour to learn about the maritime history of Norfolk and the importance of the Port of Virginia. Day 5: Visit the Virginia Zoo and afterwards, explore some of the nearby breweries in the Ghent District. Day 6: Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare some of the famous Chesapeake Bay seafood dishes. Day 7: Visit Norfolk Botanical Gardens followed by a harbor-side dinner at Waterside District.

Food and Drink Scene of Norfolk

Norfolk is a vibrant culinary destination with a mix of regional and international cuisine. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Chesapeake Blue Crab Cakes
  2. Oysters Rockefeller
  3. Pork barbecue
  4. She-crab soup

Local Beverages

  1. Virginia Wine: Try the Viognier, the official state grape of Virginia, at the Mermaid Winery in Ghent.
  2. Craft Beer: Wander around Taprooms, especially Benchtop Brewing Company and O’Connor Brewing Company.

Where to Stay in Norfolk: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Norfolk offers numerous accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury stays. Some of the best places to stay in Norfolk include:

  1. Hilton Norfolk The Main - Located in Downtown Norfolk, this hotel is perfect for a luxurious stay in the city.
  2. Residence Inn by Marriott Norfolk - This hotel offers spacious suites with all the amenities of home, perfect for an extended stay in Norfolk.
  3. Norfolk International Airport Marriott - This hotel is perfect for travelers looking for a convenient location near the airport.
  4. Tazewell Hotel & Suites - This hotel is located in the Downtown Historic District and offers a charming atmosphere with modern amenities.

What to Buy in Norfolk: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Norfolk offers some unique products and souvenirs. Here are some of the must-buy souvenir items in Norfolk:

  1. Handmade Sweets from The Royal Chocolate
  2. Basket-Weaved Bags and Baskets by All Good Things
  3. Locally Roasted Coffee from Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea.
  4. Virginia Made Soaps and Skincare Products from Pure Lagos

Local Culture and Customs of Norfolk

Norfolk is a cultural hub with a rich history that celebrates its maritime heritage. As Norfolk is a melting pot of cultures with diverse people and influences, the city enjoys many vibrant festivals, including the Virginia Beer Festival, International Azalea Festival, and Harborfest.

Best Time to Visit Norfolk

The best time to visit Norfolk is in the spring and early fall when the temperatures are mild, and the tourist crowds fewer. This period avoids both the scorching summer heat and the winter’s harsh weather, which also makes it more cost-effective for visitors.

Do’s and Don’ts of Norfolk

Do:

  1. Tasting the Local Food and Drink
  2. Visit the Chrysler museum
  3. Take a boat tour of the harbor.

Don’t:

  1. Do not litter in public places.
  2. Avoid hiking or walking alone at night.
  3. Don’t assume that everyone you meet is a sailor, as Norfolk has plenty of other thriving industries and residential areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Norfolk

While Norfolk is generally safe, visitors should take the usual precautions such as avoiding deserted areas at night and not leaving valuables visible in cars. Visitors should also be aware of their surroundings when walking in less residential areas or near port facilities.

Health in Norfolk

Visitors should consult their health care provider for appropriate vaccinations and take precautions against diseases such as Lyme disease and mosquito-borne illnesses.

Getting to Norfolk: Transportation Options and Logistics

Norfolk remains easily accessible by road, rail, air, and sea. The following are the transportation options available to visitors.

Airports Near Norfolk

  1. Norfolk International Airport
  2. Richmond International Airport
  3. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Bus Stations Near Norfolk

  1. Greyhound Bus Lines (Norfolk)
  2. Megabus (Norfolk)

Other Options

  1. Amtrak Train Station (Norfolk)
  2. Cruise lines that dock in Norfolk and take travelers to the Bahamas.

How to Get Around in Norfolk

Visitors can get around Norfolk by taking public transportation or rental cars. Some of the transportation options available include:

  1. HRT Transit: The local transit authority operates light rail and buses that connect the major attractions within Norfolk.
  2. BikeShare: Visitors can rent bikes from the BikeShare program active in Norfolk.
  3. Car Rental: Visitors can rent cars from several rental car companies stationed within the city.

Where to Go Next from Norfolk: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Norfolk is a great starting point for exploring other nearby destinations within Virginia. Visitors can explore nearby destinations such as Virginia Beach or opt for day trips to Jamestown, Busch Gardens, and the Historic Triangle.

Conclusion

Norfolk has something for everyone, whether it’s history, culture, art, outdoor activities, or culinary tourism. With this comprehensive tour guide, visitors can plan their time in Norfolk, explore all that this captivating city has to offer, and create lasting memories. Don’t miss an opportunity to visit Norfolk and understand why it is such a popular destination in Virginia’s Hampton Roads.

Norfolk skyline Norfolk skyline Baseball game at Harbor Park Baseball game at Harbor Park