Things to do in Norfolk

Activities, attractions and tours

Norfolk
Norfolk
Norfolk
Douglas MacArthur Memorial which includes heritage elements and a statue or sculpture
Norfolk

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Top places to visit

1. Naval Station Norfolk

Get close to destroyers, aircraft carriers, amphibious assault vehicles, submarines and frigates by taking a bus tour of Naval Station Norfolk. Navy personnel narrate details of vessels, their histories and roles, as well as providing a few insights into life at this sprawling military base.
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Tour the world’s largest naval complex and see some of the U.S. Navy’s most powerful ships.

2. Waterside District

Near the mouth of the Elizabeth River, visit Waterside Marketplace, a covered site that is filled with all types of stores and eating places. The modern building is recognizable by its wide two-story silhouette right in front of the river. Enter the site from the street side and browse among the various restaurants and shops. Step outs on the southwest side to enjoy the riverfront views and amenities.
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A riverside district with restaurants, bars and nightclubs stands beside a scenic park and promenade with cycle and running lanes.

3. Chrysler Hall

Enjoy all types of classical concerts, major Broadway productions, family-friendly theater performances and comedy acts at Chrysler Hall, the primary performing arts center in Norfolk. More than 150,000 patrons each year attend performances by the hall’s resident organizations, including the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Norfolk Forum, the Virginia Arts Festival, the Virginia Ballet, Broadway in Norfolk and the Generic Theater.
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Lovers of the arts, including the symphony and theatrical shows, will appreciate this revered performing arts center, the heart of the city’s cultural life.

4. Virginia Zoo

Treat the family to a day of wild animal adventures. Virginia Zoo’s 53 acres (21 hectares) are home to more than 400 animals, representing over 100 species including lions, elephants, snakes and bears. Species from Asia, Africa, Australia and North America reside in habitats similar to their native environments.
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Virginia Zoo featuring signage, a statue or sculpture and zoo animals

5. Norfolk Botanical Garden

Covering 155 acres (63 hectares), Norfolk Botanical Garden is filled with thousands of plants spread across many themed gardens.
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Norfolk Botanical Garden showing a park, a pond and landscape views

What to do in Norfolk

Popular places to visit

Naval Station Norfolk

Naval Station Norfolk

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Tour the world’s largest naval complex and see some of the U.S. Navy’s most powerful ships.

Naval Station Norfolk
Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University

Enjoy the student vibe at Old Dominion University during your visit to Norfolk. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.

Old Dominion University
Waterside District

Waterside District

A riverside district with restaurants, bars and nightclubs stands beside a scenic park and promenade with cycle and running lanes.

Waterside District
Norfolk Scope

Norfolk Scope

Catch an event at Norfolk Scope during your trip to Norfolk. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.

Norfolk Scope
Chrysler Hall

Chrysler Hall

Lovers of the arts, including the symphony and theatrical shows, will appreciate this revered performing arts center, the heart of the city’s cultural life.

Chrysler Hall
Virginia Zoo featuring signage, a statue or sculpture and zoo animals

Virginia Zoo

A popular zoo as famous for its wild kingdom of animals as it is for an outstanding collection of themed gardens.

Virginia Zoo
Norfolk Botanical Garden showing a park, a pond and landscape views

Norfolk Botanical Garden

Walk among azaleas, camellias and rosebushes. Watch pelicans in flight and absorb the scents of exotic blooms.

Norfolk Botanical Garden
USS Wisconsin BB-64 which includes military items

USS Wisconsin BB-64

Walk the decks and corridors of a World War II battleship, a floating fortress that also saw action in the Korean and Gulf Wars.

USS Wisconsin BB-64
Norfolk Beaches

Norfolk Beaches

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Norfolk Beaches during your trip to East Ocean View?

Norfolk Beaches

Areas of Norfolk

Moses Myers House featuring a house and a city

Downtown Norfolk

If you're spending time in Downtown Norfolk, check out sights like The NorVa or MacArthur Center and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Monticello Station or MacArthur Square Station.

Downtown Norfolk
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Ocean View

While there might not be top attractions in Ocean View, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Ocean View Beach and Norfolk Beaches.

Ocean View
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East Ocean View

When in East Ocean View, you can plan a visit to Norfolk Botanical Garden and Norfolk Beaches, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

East Ocean View
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Willoughby Spit

If you're spending some time in Willoughby Spit, Oceanview Fishing Pier and Norfolk Beaches are top sights worth seeing.

Willoughby Spit
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Bayview

While Bayview isn't home to many top sights, Norfolk Beaches and Ocean View Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Bayview
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Fleet

Fleet is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Naval Station Norfolk and Norfolk NEX.

Fleet
Chesapeake

Chesapeake

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach

Frequently asked questions

Is Norfolk worth visiting?
Norfolk offers a unique mix of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or local culinary flavours, there's plenty to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Norfolk?
Kick your day off with a visit to Virginia Zoo and Ocean View Beach. Then, explore different areas of Norfolk for local dining and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Norfolk?
The top tourist attraction in Norfolk is Virginia Zoo, so make sure to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Norfolk?
You can easily tour leading attractions like Virginia Zoo, Town Point Park and Chrysler Museum of Art with a three-day break in Norfolk. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a while longer and check out Norfolk - Virginia Beach.
Is Norfolk a walkable city?
It all depends on what you'd like to do and see in Norfolk. Several attractions, such as Virginia Zoo and Town Point Park, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Norfolk's best neighbourhoods, Downtown Norfolk is 0.32 kilometres away from downtown, while Norfolk Auto Row Historic District is 2 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Norfolk with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities sets the tone for a great escape. Browse our ideas for what to do in Norfolk with kids.

What to do in Norfolk for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or thrill seeker, there are loads of things to do in Norfolk for adults including L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Centre and Norfolk NEX.
Are there free things to do in Norfolk?
In Norfolk, Town Point Park is a top spot for anyone planning to tour the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, stroll around the local neighbourhoods and parks, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's an easy way to learn about the best free things to do in Norfolk.