Planning a getaway to Norfolk, Virginia? You’re in for a treat, because this city is home to riverside wonders, a beautiful skyline, world-class museums and science centers, natural attractions, and much more. Of course, you can’t come to this waterfront city without dabbling with a little bit of sailing.
We’re about to dive into all of the hidden gems in Norfolk VA that make a vacation unforgettable. First, let’s answer the most commonly asked questions when planning a trip full of unique things to do in Norfolk VA.
A tour we think you'll love
What Is The Prettiest Part Of Norfolk?
People who have spent time in the city will often say that the loveliest part is the waterfront area. Downtown Norfolk’s waterfront offers gorgeous marine views that twinkle at sunset.
The 10.5-mile Elizabeth River Trail is another popular waterfront spot offering fresh air and scenic views as you meander through Pagoda Gardens and Town Point Park. The NEON District featuring public art installations is also one of the favorite places of locals!
What Is Norfolk, VA Famous For?
Downtown Norfolk is beloved for places like Granby Street that are filled with amazing restaurants, public artwork, and live music on a weekend evening. Of course, history lovers will know that Norfolk is a true naval city.
In addition to being the American headquarters for NATO, Norfolk also houses the world’s largest naval station and the headquarters for the United States Atlantic Fleet.
What Is The Number One Attraction In Norfolk?
It’s actually a tie between a few different attractions. Around 200,000 to 250,000 people visit the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk each year. If you decide to add the Chrysler Museum to your itinerary, build in extra time for the iconic Perry Glass Studio that’s considered the biggest draw at the museum.
Another 100,000 visitors come to the Virginia Air & Space Center that’s attached to NASA’s Langley Research Center. Of course, we cannot forget about the Battleship Wisconsin at Nauticus. One of the largest battleships ever built by the United States Navy, the WWII-era USS Wisconsin can be explored with a self-guided or guided tour.
Now that we’ve explored the most popular spots, it’s time to uncover the hidden gems of Norfolk that offer unique and unforgettable experiences:
1) Get On The Water For A Sailing Trip
With Norfolk’s rich nautical history so apparent in every inch of the city, coming here can really put you in the mood to get out on the water. Luckily, Norfolk Sailing offers the easiest way to book a sailing charter or lesson during your visit.
We offer 27 unique and unforgettable sailing experiences to choose from! Here’s a look at our most popular bookings:
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Sunset Charter – The perfect way to celebrate an anniversary or special occasion in Norfolk, our famous Sunset Charter brings you into the Chesapeake Bay at sunset on a luxury catamaran.
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Day Charter – After departing from Morningstar Marina, this delightful daytime sailing adventure brings you out on serene waters for leisure time with friends or family.
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Private Instruction – Whether you’re a novice who is eager to get at the helm or you’re an experienced sailor looking to brush up on some skills, we tailor one-on-one and small-group lessons to your needs with help from Norfolk’s most experienced sailing instructors.
At Norfolk Sailing, we make the wonders of the bay accessible to you during unforgettable guided excursions and self-paced charters. Our gorgeous fleet of luxury vessels is second to none.
Make memories with your closest friends or family. Book your sailing charter with experienced seafarers at Norfolk Sailing today!
2) See What’s Blooming At The Norfolk Botanical Garden
The Norfolk Botanical Garden is a 158-acre wonderland of floral blooms and colorful barks! Overall, there are more than 60 themed gardens to explore. A highlight is the sprawling floral meadow.
Guests can explore the Norfolk Botanical Garden via a 25-minute tram tour that starts at Baker Hall Visitor Center, a 45-minute boat tour that begins at Baker Hall and continues to Lake Whitehurst, or by foot.
Highlights of a visit include the Annette Kagan Healing Garden with medicinal plants and pools, the Bristow Butterfly Garden, the Japanese Garden, the Virginia Native Plant Garden, and the Fragrance Garden featuring bayberry, lavender, osmanthus, peppermint, and wintersweet.
Pro Tip: The botanical gardens can look wildly different based on the season. Check out the “What’s In Bloom” page to get an idea of the active plants and flowers you can expect to see during your visit to the botanical gardens.
3) Spend A Day At One Of The Amazing Beaches Or Public Parks Near Norfolk, VA
When visiting Norfolk in the warmer months, don’t skip the chance to visit some gorgeous beaches and parks that show off the unique landscape of the Hampton Roads/Tidewater area. Here’s some inspiration:
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East Beach – A charming Atlantic coastal community, East Beach shows off views of the Chesapeake Bay meeting the Atlantic Ocean. Walk the length of the beach to enjoy warm sand, ocean views, and the buzz of the local marina.
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Plum Point Park – This 5-acre riverside open space features paved paths, benches, and a dock for kayaks and canoes.
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Town Point Park – This 8-acre park on the bank of the Elizabeth River is perfect for a long walk. It’s also home to major outdoor concerts and festivals throughout the year.
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First Landing State Park – This sprawling 2,800-acre park and natural wonderland offers access to some of the best boating, swimming, hiking, and biking in Virginia. Technically part of urban Virginia Beach, the park contains 1.5 miles of beautiful sandy Chesapeake Bay beach frontage.
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Virginia Beach Boardwalk – Slip into nearby Virginia Beach while visiting Norfolk to walk the iconic boardwalk that’s home to the statue of King Neptune located at 31st Street. The 3-mile boardwalk also covers 59 blocks of buzzing streets filled with restaurants, coffee shops, gift shops, art galleries, and more.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for the very visible local wildlife as you explore Norfolk’s coastal parks! People exploring Norfolk’s waterfront areas have been known to catch peeks of river otters, ospreys, bald eagles, and dolphins!
4) Spend A Fancy Afternoon At The Hunter House Victorian Museum
Nestled in Norfolk’s Freemason District, the Hunter House Victorian Museum was built in 1894 by a local merchant named James Wilson Hunter. Step into the past as your eyes take in gorgeous collections of antique objects. A two-story tour of the home includes the Hunter family’s collection of books, furniture, paintings, and decorative objects.
Good To Know: Hunter House operates from Wednesday through Saturday from April through December. During the holidays, the home is all decked out in Victorian decorations.
5) Get Swept Away In The Quaint Beauty Of The Hermitage Museum & Gardens
Nestled along Lafayette River, the Hermitage Museum invites you to explore a 12-acre waterfront area between Old Dominion University and the Norfolk Naval Base that is bounded by ornate gardens. The 42-room Hermitage Museum building was the home of a wealthy Hampton Roads couple named William and Florence Sloane before it became an artist’s haven.
The museum frequently hosts special exhibitions and community events that highlight regional artists and historical themes. Its serene gardens provide a peaceful retreat, perfect for a leisurely stroll or quiet reflection after exploring the exhibits.
Good To Know: The Hermitage offers free year-round admission and parking to the public.
6) Have A Fun Day At One Of Norfolk’s Animal Attractions
The Norfolk area is home to a zoo, an aquarium, and a living museum full of wildlife. Here’s some inspiration for planning an itinerary full of wildlife:
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Virginia Zoo – Many people get so caught up in the splendid maritime history of Norfolk that they don’t even realize the city is home to a world-class zoo featuring hundreds of species of animals that populate the air, land, and sea! Virginia Zoo is a 53-acre zoo adjacent to Lafayette Park in Norfolk. An attraction since 1900, the zoo is home to exhibits like the African lion, the American bison, the Malayan tiger, the Asiatic black bear, cheetahs, parrots, anacondas, river hogs, red pandas, and more.
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The Virginia Living Museum – This open-air museum in nearby Newport News is home to exhibits highlighting Virginia’s indigenous species. Notable residents include raccoons, American red wolves, bald eagles, bobcats, the North American porcupine, and brook trout. Daily feedings, talks, and animal shows are perfect for all ages.
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Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center – Featuring multiple buildings and a nature trail, this expansive aquarium is home to thousands of species of marine animals. Exhibits include nurse sharks, barracudas, sand tiger sharks, green sea turtles, harbor seals, and North American river otters.
Pro Tip: For close encounters with the majestic animals at Virginia Zoo, book a behind-the-scenes tour that gives you unprecedented access to enclosures. Profits from these tours go toward conservation.
7) Dine And Play At The Market In The Norfolk Waterside District
The Market is a festival-style marketplace and culinary experience in Norfolk’s Waterside District on the Elizabeth River. Take your pick from tap houses, pizza, confectioners, and more when you come to dine! The Market also hosts game nights, dances, and seasonal events throughout the year.
Fun Fact: Offering an amazing ocean view, The Market was recently upgraded as part of a $40 million overhaul to integrate downtown with the waterfront area.
A Visit To Norfolk Is Always Smooth Sailing With The Right Tour Guide
At Norfolk Sailing, we want to make your visit to this nautical capital simply unforgettable! Our experienced captains and incredible fleet of luxury vessels make it easy to sit back and relax as you set sail. Of course, we’re also here to give you a more hands-on experience with sailing lessons for all levels.
Don’t skip the hidden gems that are waiting once you get out on the Chesapeake Bay with the wind at your back! Book your custom sailing charter on Chesapeake Bay with Norfolk Sailing today!
