Planning A Norfolk Virginia Vacation This Summer? 7 Experiences You Won't Find Anywhere Else

That summertime feeling can only mean that your Norfolk Virginia vacation is getting closer. The only problem is that you haven't had much time to sit down and plan your itinerary. Luckily, a Norfolk VA vacation this summer practically plans itself once you know about all of the must-see attractions and must-do activities.

As one of the nation's maritime capitals, Norfolk is teeming with nautical and historical attractions that keep all ages entertained and engaged. The landscape here is also perfect for leisure, relaxation, and letting your mind drift off into a sea breeze. Norfolk perfectly combines its rich naval heritage with a vibrant arts scene and a diverse waterfront dining experience.

Spring through fall are the ideal seasons to visit Norfolk, thanks to pleasant weather and a calendar filled with vibrant festivals and events. One highlight is the annual Norfolk HarborFest in June, the largest and longest-running free maritime festival in America, celebrating the city’s rich naval heritage with a variety of activities and entertainment for all ages.

This guide covers unique experiences, cultural landmarks, outdoor activities, and dining options that make Norfolk a standout destination. Whether you're traveling solo, with family, or friends, you'll find something exciting and memorable to enjoy every day.

Don't feel stumped over what to do when visiting Norfolk. Just take notes on all of the best attractions and highlights to fit into your weekend, day trip, or week-long vacation in Norfolk VA!

 

1) Make Time To Go Sailing

Imagine coming to Norfolk, VA without actually sailing! Don’t let it happen to you. There's no need to be intimidated if you aren't exactly the seafaring type. A local charter can provide everything you need for an incredible day on the water.

At Norfolk Sailing, guests actually get to choose from more than 27 different laid-back sailing charters and hands-on sailing courses. Here's a glance at the most popular offerings that can make your trip feel like a dream:

• 3-hour Luxury Catamaran Charter - Available as a daytime or sunset excursion, this option takes you on the Chesapeake Bay in a luxury catamaran to relax on serene waters. It's an amazing option for up to six people if you're using a Norfolk Virginia vacation to celebrate a special occasion.

• ASA 101: Basic Keelboat - This two-day course for groups of two to four people teaches you to sail independently with instruction on sailing a 22-foot vessel in light to moderate wind and sea conditions. It's fun, comprehensive, and great for building confidence.

• ASA 103: Basic Coastal Cruising - Learn to sail a 30-foot to 50-foot boat and gain the ultimate confidence as a skipper or crew member with this two-day essential course. Learn essential skills and bond with your group of two to four people on the open water during what is sure to become the highlight of your time in Norfolk.

• Colgate 26′ Full Day Rental - This option offers an amazing full-day sailing adventure for all skill levels on the Chesapeake Bay. Enjoy the thrill and freedom of exploring at your own pace as you enjoy the scenery and wildlife that gives the Chesapeake its character.

Whether you want to take in views or take the wheel, our itineraries on Chesapeake Bay offer something for everyone. There's truly something here for every skill level and group size. Book your charter or sailing course today!

What You'll See: Keep your eyes peeled because the beautiful and mighty Chesapeake Bay is home to striped bass, bald eagles, ospreys, and blue crabs. Dolphins are also commonly spotted in the water all year!

 

2) Explore The Famous Chrysler Museum

The Chrysler Museum is a world-class institution that's 100% free for the public. While you're in Norfolk, don't miss the opportunity to tour the museum to check out incredible exhibits covering many different artistic mediums. Here are the main attractions to check off your list:

• Permanent Collection - The Chrysler Museum's permanent collection holds more than 35,000 pieces spanning 5,000 years of history. Highlights include European and American paintings and sculptures, pieces from African and Asian history and art, ancient Mediterranean finds, photography, glass, and more.

• The Perry Glass Studio - Considered the favorite part of the museum by many, this iconic glass studio invites you to learn about glass blowing in a hands-on environment. Daily demos are free. You can also leave your mark by attending a workshop for making your own glass creation!

• Galleries and Exhibits - The museum hosts ongoing visiting exhibits that draw visitors into everything from contemporary art to ancient marvels. Recent visiting collections include a showcase on Louise Nevelson and Esphyr Slobodkina and a showcase of Chinese glass.

Pro Tip: Plan your visit to coincide with one of the museum’s special exhibitions or glassblowing demonstrations for an even more immersive experience. Admission is free, but consider reserving tickets in advance during peak times to ensure entry.

 

3) Tour The Norfolk Botanical Garden

Let your senses take over when you visit the Norfolk Botanical Garden on Azalea Garden Road in Norfolk. Here's why this is one of the most romantic, whimsical places visitors can explore:

• The gardens span 175 acres that allow you to truly get lost in the colors and aromas of it all!

• This is really several attractions in one. The Norfolk Botanical Garden consists of more than 60 distinctive themed gardens. Summertime is the time when everything in the gardens is alive and blooming to full beauty.

• Get ready to walk! You'll find 12 miles of walking trails that allow you to go at a leisurely pace.

• The gardens border a beautiful 477-acre freshwater reservoir called Lake Whitehurst, popular for boating, fishing, and water sports — a bonus for your visit!

• The 3-acre Children's Garden is a tender, heartwarming place of discovery and blooms.

Fun Fact: Norfolk Botanical Garden, the largest in Virginia, is a favorite spot for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts seeking stunning landscapes and diverse plant collections.

 

4) Make Friends With Nature At The Virginia Zoo

Is there anything better than a zoo day in the summer? Located right in Norfolk, the Virginia Zoo is a 53-acre wonderland located right next to Lafayette Park. Here's how to spend your day at the zoo:

• Animals Galore - Check out highlights like the African Safari Trail, Rain Garden, and ZooFarm Garden. Some famous residents of the zoo include white rhinoceroses, red pandas, red river hogs, Malayan tigers, giraffes, and Egyptian tortoise.

• Go Behind the Scenes - Behind-the-scene tours give you a look at animal care, the lives of zoo keepers, and how animals are trained.

• Catch Shows - Shows and demonstrations take place daily at the zoo. Chat about animal care and learn the secrets of the zoo during these talks.

Fun Fact: the Virginia Zoo continues to be a local favorite and national treasure since being founded all the way back in 1901.

 

5) See The Battleship Wisconsin At Nauticus

Nauticus is a waterfront maritime museum and discovery center in Norfolk that offers engaging interactive exhibits and programs, along with the impressive Battleship Wisconsin.

This is one of the top reasons many people plan a trip to Norfolk in the first place. USS Wisconsin (BB-64) is an Iowa-class battleship built for the United States Navy during the 1940s. The ship is now a living museum perched in America's most beloved coastal city for navy history!

Here's what to know before your visit:

• During World War II, the USS Wisconsin was assigned to the Pacific Theater. It had roles in Iwo Jima and Okinawa before being retired.

• You can choose a self-guided deck tour or go deep into the ship with a guided tour.

• When you take a guided tour, wear comfortable and secure walking shoes or boots to get around the steep and narrow stairs and tight spaces within the ship easily.

Fun Fact: Crew members gave Wisconsin the nickname of Big Whisky. This iconic battleship remains a powerful symbol of naval history and pride for Norfolk and its visitors.

 

6) Explore The Historic Neighborhoods Of Norfolk Virginia

There's sometimes nothing better than just exploring a city on your own to discover great shops, restaurants, parks, culture, and music on a random night or weekend. Norfolk has no shortage of personality-rich, eclectic neighborhoods where you can have a summertime adventure.

Here are some of our favorite Norfolk Virginia neighborhoods for doing just that:

• Neon District - Norfolk's Neon District is the city's official arts district. It boasts tons of cultural attractions that are still very much in the making. Simply stroll the streets located just north of downtown to find nearly 100 pieces of public art and larger-than-life murals. This is also a top spot for a night out exploring trendy restaurants and bars with live music.

• Freemason District - Teeming with cultural attractions, the historic and elegant Freemason District is Norfolk's oldest standing neighborhood. Explore cobblestone streets lined with historic homes and dreamily pruned gardens. You're also within walking distance of many terrific restaurants with water views.

• Downtown - Have a great time shopping, dining, and exploring in this neighborhood located right on the banks of the Elizabeth River. The perk of staying at a downtown hotel is that you'll have sweeping views of the river from most places. For example, staying at the Hilton Norfolk puts you on the waterfront within walking distance of more than 50 restaurants and the entire Norfolk Waterside District.

The neighborhoods are also a great place to discover Norfolk's dining scene, which leans heavily on fresh, locally sourced ingredients from small Virginia farms and producers. The Market at Waterside District is a vibrant 30,000-square-foot food hall that hosts over ten diverse food and beverage vendors. Among these are local favorites like Rappahannock Oyster Co., offering visitors a chance to sample fresh, regional flavors in a lively setting.

Pro Tip: Norfolk is celebrated for its seafood, especially local favorites like the Chesapeake Bay's Maryland blue crab cakes and cioppino. Be sure to visit popular spots such as Captain Groovy's Grill & Raw Bar and River Stone Chophouse to savor these delicious specialties.

 

7) Consider A Day Trip From Norfolk Virginia

Use Norfolk's amazing location to plan a day trip or fun night out in a nearby city or beach town! Here are some quality places visitors love to explore when planning a little "trip within a trip" with friends or family:

• Colonial Williamsburg - Located just 46 miles from Norfolk Virginia, Williamsburg takes you back in time with a 300-acre historic site with preserved 18th-century structures.

• Newport News - Located 25 miles from Norfolk, Newport News is one of America's shipyard capitals. Visitors can also enjoy beaches, wine trails, and cozy seaside restaurants with live music.

• Virginia Beach - One of America's vacation capitals, Virginia Beach is just 18 miles from Norfolk. Walk the massive boardwalk, buy shells and taffy at gift shops, or relax at one of the beachfront resorts offering unending water views.

Fun Fact: Close to 20 million people visit the Hampton Roads region for vacations each year! This vibrant area offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities that appeal to all kinds of travelers.

 

Discover The Real Norfolk Virginia This Summer On The Water

No matter how you spend your time in Norfolk, make sure the water is part of the story. If a day of sailing sounds like music to your ears, Norfolk Sailing offers everything you need to relax, explore, and become more confident on the open water.

Our world-class charters and courses put you in the maritime mindset like nothing else. Book your spot with one of our sailing activities today for a summer vacation you'll never forget!