It’s time to spread the word that Norfolk is more than a Navy town. Yes, you will find tons of attractions and landmarks highlighting Norfolk’s rich naval heritage. However, there’s also plenty more to learn when it comes to the city’s maritime story, stunning and active waterfront, cultural legacy, and serene parks.
As one of Virginia’s most underrated destinations, Norfolk is just a stone’s throw away from iconic East Coast beaches. Read on to build the perfect itinerary with a local’s guide to the best 9 Norfolk attractions — plus one experience most visitors completely overlook.
A tour we think you'll love
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime local, these attractions in Norfolk VA are worth your time.
The 9 Must-See Attractions
The great thing about Norfolk is that there’s plenty to do whether you’re coming to relax on a family vacation, planning a romantic weekend for two, or heading over with friends for an unforgettable weekend of play! Here’s a look at our absolute favorite attractions in Norfolk, Virginia for all ages:
1) Chrysler Museum of Art
Bordering downtown Norfolk and the famed Ghent district, the Chrysler Museum of Art is a world-class institution that was founded in 1933. In 1971, the museum became an international wonder when Walter P. Chrysler Jr. donated most of his personal art collection to the museum.
The Chrysler Museum houses 50 galleries containing more than 35,000 items. Did we mention that admission is always free? Here are some highlights to explore:
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The Perry Glass Studio – The Perry Glass Art Collection is composed of pieces created at the museum. You can also partake in an interactive experience with free daily demos taking place at noon. To go deeper, book your spot in one of the daily workshops at the studio.
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Iconic Artwork – The permanent collections at the museum contain masterpieces from Peter Paul Rubens, Diego Velázquez, John Singleton Copley, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and many more.
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Goode Works on Paper – Explore more than 10,000 historical and artistic drawings, photographs, and prints.
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Gallery Talks – Free gallery talks take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sundays.
Good to Know: The Chrysler Museum of Art is closed on Mondays. This allows the museum staff to maintain the galleries and prepare for new exhibitions, ensuring visitors always have a fresh and engaging experience. Plan your visit accordingly to make the most of this incredible cultural site in Norfolk.
2) USS Wisconsin (Battleship Wisconsin)
The USS Wisconsin (BB-64) is an Iowa-class battleship completed for the United States Navy in 1944. During World War II, the vessel was deployed to the Pacific Theater as part of the Philippines campaign. It was also stationed in Iwo Jima and Okinawa. A visit offers you the chance to:
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Step foot on one of the largest battleships ever built by the United States Navy.
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Walk the deck of the ship during a self-guided tour.
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Choose guided tours to explore the command center, living quarters, engine room, and medical spaces.
The reason why Wisconsin is docked in Norfolk is because it was donated to the Nauticus Maritime Center after its final decommissioning. Norfolk was chosen as the permanent home of the ship due to the city’s rich naval heritage and the ship’s prior time spent at Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
Interesting Fact: After being briefly commissioned again in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan, Battleship Wisconsin served in Operation Desert Storm to become the last United States battleship to ever actively participate in a foreign war.
3) Norfolk Botanical Garden
A perfect retreat for families and couples, the botanical garden covers 175 acres of lushness. As Virginia’s largest botanical garden, this paradise treats wanderers to seasonal blooms, boat and tram tours, and amazing photo opportunities. Here’s a peek at our favorite things to do and see:
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The Main Gardens – Something different is always in bloom here! Norfolk’s famed garden features springs, summer, winter, and fall gardens.
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The Children’s Garden – The WOW Children’s Garden offers an immersive experience with interactive exhibits and science center experiences like splash fountains, Passport Garden, Discovery Peak, and Plant Safari habitat garden.
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The Summer Butterfly House (June 15-Sept.30) – This 2.5-acre garden attracts nearly 50,000 guests each year seeking a chance to watch butterflies in their natural habitat. Highlights include a swallowtail and monarch nursery, moonlight garden, butterfly bush garden, and nectar garden.
Fun Fact: In 2023, Norfolk Botanical Garden was named the #3 BEST Botanical Garden across the United States by Fodor’s Travel.
4) The Nauticus Museum
Much more than just home to Battleship Wisconsin, Nauticus doubles as the ultimate downtown Norfolk waterfront destination. This interactive maritime science and naval history museum invites you to get immersed in American and East Coast lore through a number of exhibits. Here’s what guests need to see as they explore one of the most famous tourist attractions in Norfolk:
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Norfolk in Time – This interactive exhibition weaves stories of Norfolk’s culture, science, technology, and industry over the centuries.
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Nautical Neighborhood Aquarium – Learn about marine creatures native to the Elizabeth River and Chesapeake Bay.
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Design, Build, Sail! – This highly interactive “science center” brings you to a spot overlooking the Elizabeth River where the Nauticus sailboat fleet is located. Guests get lost in a world of STEM principles like hydrodynamics and aerodynamics.
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Heart of the Navy – This gallery highlights the important relationship between the community and the United States Navy’s missions.
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The Brock Theater – The museum’s 350-seat theater features a big screen offering daily programs. Admission is included with general admission. Check movie times!
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Events and Workshops – Visitors can partake in interactive workshops. For example, creating a jellyfish hanging light using supplies provided by the museum.
Go Deeper: Have you ever dreamed of sleeping on a battleship? The Nauticus Museum actually offers Battleship Overnights experiences that let families book nights aboard Wisconsin.
5) Freemason District
If you’re looking for outdoor activities Norfolk visitors can enjoy on their own time, it’s all about finding the right neighborhood. Bounded by the Elizabeth River on one side, Norfolk’s Freemason District is a highly walkable area with amazing dining and an eclectic mix of architectural styles. Freemason is ideal because it shows off the true local side of Norfolk that most tourists skip.
Norfolk’s Freemason District contains 48 buildings that are noted for their exceptional representations of Greek Revival, Federal, and late Victorian architecture. Put these famous historic homes on your list of things to watch for while exploring the neighborhood:
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Allmand-Archer House
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Taylor-Whittle House
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Roper House
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Willoughby-Baylor House
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John Cary Weston House
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Myers House
Fun Fact: The entire neighborhood was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Exploring the area offers a glimpse into Norfolk’s past, with beautifully maintained historic homes that tell stories of the city’s heritage and growth over the centuries.
6) Ocean View Beach Park
Is your family craving a beach day? There’s no need to go far because Ocean View Beach Park is Norfolk’s public beach on the Chesapeake Bay. For families looking for free activities in Norfolk, this one offers free admission and parking.
You’ll love the casual, local vibe that feels miles away from the Virginia Beach crowd you might be expecting in this area. Here’s what locals love to do at Ocean View Beach Park:
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Walk 6.5 acres of sandy coast, perfect for a relaxing stroll or beachcombing with family and friends.
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Enjoy live music and special events at the large band shell, creating a fun and lively atmosphere for all ages.
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Cruise the scenic beach boardwalk, taking in beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay and the refreshing sea breeze.
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Swim safely on a lifeguard-supervised beach during summertime, ideal for cooling off and having fun in the water.
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Grab some tasty food from nearby vendors and picnic on the park’s green spaces, a great spot to relax and enjoy nature.
Visiting in the summer? From the end of May through the middle of July, Ocean View Beach Park hosts Big Bands on the Bay on Sunday evenings. Attendees enjoy live music from performers and goodies from local vendors.
7) Town Point Park & Norfolk Waterfront
As a hub for Norfolk outdoor activities like festivals, cultural events, and waterfront walks, the waterfront area of downtown Norfolk feels like a dream. Here’s all that you’ll find:
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Room to roam – Town Point park is known as the “people’s park” of Norfolk because it offers just under 10 amazing acres to explore on the bank of the Elizabeth River.
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Liveliness – Located in the heart of downtown’s business district, this park always has something going on.
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Views galore – Enjoy stunning views of the Elizabeth River’s harbor whether you’re having a stroll or stopping for lunch at a waterfront restaurant.
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Landmarks – The park is home to two iconic fountains. While one is a classic fountain made for “wishing” coins, the other is an interactive fountain that dances and plays music. There’s also a mural fence depicting notable moments from Norfolk’s past.
Calling Tree Lovers: Town Point Park is noted for its incredible collection of greenery and trees. The landscape includes nearly 10,000 ornamental grasses, 3,000 perennials, 1,400 shrubs, and 10 different tree species spanning the Princeton Ginkgo to the Regal elm.
8) MacArthur Memorial
This underrated gem is one of the top attractions in Norfolk for history buffs. A museum and memorial dedicated to General Douglas MacArthur, this landmark preserves both a personal legacy and important moments in world history. Here’s what you should know when planning your visit:
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The MacArthur Memorial features exhibits that pay tribute to the millions of men and women who served with General MacArthur in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.
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The memorial’s campus consists of a welcome center, museum, education center, archive and research center, and gift shop.
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Admission to the grounds and all exhibits is free, making it easy and enjoyable for everyone to explore the rich history and legacy of General Douglas MacArthur at no cost.
More Than a Museum: MacArthur Memorial contains a rotunda that holds the remains of General MacArthur and his wife. While MacArthur was born in Arkansas, Norfolk was chosen as his final resting place because of his familial ties to the city.
9) Norfolk’s Historic Ghent Neighborhood
Don’t say we didn’t warn you if you find yourself planning a move to Norfolk after spending time hanging out in the trendy Ghent neighborhood. Most people will tell you to head to the city’s NEON district for nightlife. However, Ghent is where the city’s indie shops, restaurants, and coffee culture burst to life. Here’s what we love doing most:
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The Chrysler Museum of Art – The aforementioned Chrysler Museum is the heart of this neighborhood. Head in for your free tour while you’re in the area!
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Hunter House Victorian Museum – Indulge your love of history and art with a visit to this charming museum, where beautifully preserved Victorian architecture meets fascinating exhibits and stories.
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Shop – 21st Street and Colley Avenue delight with historic homes and old buildings that have been transformed into boutiques and vintage shops.
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Nightlife – Don’t believe the hype that the NEON district in downtown Norfolk is the only spot for nightlife. Just head to Ghent’s rooftop bars for amazing happy hours!
Fun Fact: Norfolk’s Ghent neighborhood is named after a Belgian city. It’s full of charming streets, historic homes, and a lively vibe that locals and visitors both love to explore.
The One Most Visitors Miss
You can walk the waterfront, visit the museums, and tour the neighborhoods of Norfolk without ever truly feeling its essence. That’s because the only way to truly feel this city is to sail it! Yes, sailing on the Chesapeake Bay is the most overlooked experience simply because most tourists don’t know it’s possible. Here’s the truth:
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The Chesapeake Bay’s protected waters make it ideal for sailing at any skill level.
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With the area’s maritime heritage going back centuries, you’re sailing through living history.
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Many people on Norfolk sailing excursions see dolphin sightings! They’re actually quite common.
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You don’t need to get your sailing license to experience this adventure. At SailTime Virginia we offer everything from a three-hour captained charter to full ASA certification courses.
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Our charter yachts offer a comfortable, upscale experience on the water — and a day on the bay doesn’t have to cost a fortune. We believe that sailing should be available and affordable to everyone.
Good To Know: We create perfect experiences for celebrating all life events. That includes birthdays, anniversaries, proposals, friend trips, and more. Our expert crew ensures every sail is safe, enjoyable, and filled with unforgettable memories.
Norfolk Has Something For Everyone – Ready To Set Sail?
If you want an excursion that sets your trip apart, make it a sail! Our guided tours on the bay make one of the top attractions in Norfolk, VA accessible to everyone. We promise that the best way to explore Norfolk is to see it by land and sea.
Book a captained charter for celebrations and groups or browse ASA sailing courses for the experience of a lifetime today with SailTime Virginia!
