Things to do in Norfolk, Virginia
- Norfolk is home to the world's largest naval base, Naval Station Norfolk, which covers approximately 4,000 acres.
- The city is one of the few places in the world that serves as the headquarters for both a U.S. combatant command (U.S. Fleet Forces Command) and a NATO strategic command (Allied Command Transformation).
- The MacArthur Memorial, located in the city, serves as the final resting place for General Douglas MacArthur and his wife.
- Norfolk’s historic Ghent neighborhood features a high concentration of Victorian-era architecture that survived significant urban renewal projects in the mid-20th century.
- The city is located at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, making it a critical junction for international shipping and port operations.
About Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk serves as the historic maritime heart of the Hampton Roads region and hosts the world's largest naval base. The city’s cultural landscape is defined by institutions like the Chrysler Museum of Art and the scenic riverfront greenery found at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. Visitors often frequent the downtown arts district for performances at Chrysler Hall or take in a baseball game at Norfolk Tides at Harbor Park Stadium. This coastal hub blends deep naval heritage with a revitalized urban core anchored by significant historic sites and expansive municipal park systems.
Highlights of Norfolk, Virginia
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
Explore 175 acres of themed gardens that highlight the diverse flora of the mid-Atlantic region.
Zoos
See the zoo's extensive collection of animals set within an accessible 53-acre park environment.
Museums
View a massive collection of glass art alongside European and American paintings in this renowned facility.
Venues
Experience minor league baseball action with views of the Elizabeth River.
Museums
Wander through the early 20th-century estate and gallery that houses a significant collection of Asian art.
Venues
Attend a professional theatrical performance inside this restored 1913 vaudeville-era playhouse.
Temples
Visit the oldest Catholic parish in the city, notable for its distinct architectural history.
Top things to do in Norfolk, Virginia
The 46 highest-rated places in Norfolk, Virginia, ranked by travellers.
1
Parks
Norfolk Botanical Garden encompasses 175 acres of themed gardens bordering Lake Whitehurst. It features a collection of...
2
Zoos
The Virginia Zoo is a 53-acre facility located in Norfolk that houses over 700 animals representing species from around...
3
Historical places
Fort Monroe is the largest stone fort ever built in the United States, completed in 1834 to protect the entrance to the...
4
Museums
The Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia, houses a diverse collection spanning from the Italian Renaissance to co...
5
Venues
Harbor Park serves as the home stadium for the Norfolk Tides, the Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Opened in...
6
Parks
Ocean View Beach Park is a public waterfront space located on the Chesapeake Bay in Norfolk, Virginia, featuring a promi...
7
Venues
The Norfolk Scope Arena is a multi-purpose indoor sports and entertainment venue featuring a distinctive circular design...
8
Venues
Chrysler Hall is a premier performing arts venue located in downtown Norfolk, serving as the primary home for the Virgin...
9
Parks
Community Beach Park is a public waterfront recreational site situated on the Chesapeake Bay in Norfolk, Virginia. The p...
10
Parks
Northside Park is a community recreation facility in Norfolk, Virginia, featuring extensive green space, athletic fields...
11
Museums
The Casemate Museum is housed within the walls of Fort Monroe, the largest stone fort ever built in the United States. I...
12
Museums
The Hermitage Museum & Gardens is a historic Arts and Crafts estate situated on 12 acres along the Lafayette River in No...
13
Venues
The Harrison Opera House serves as the primary home for the Virginia Opera and a focal point for regional performing art...
14
Parks
Woodstock Park is a 16-acre municipal recreational area located in the Kempsville borough of Virginia Beach. The park fe...
15
Venues
The Wells Theatre is a historic performance venue in Norfolk, Virginia, originally opened in 1913. Designed by architect...
16
Parks
Lafayette Park is a historic municipal green space located along the Lafayette River in Norfolk, Virginia. The park feat...
17
Venues
S.B. Ballard Stadium serves as the home field for the Old Dominion University (ODU) Monarchs football team in Norfolk, V...
18
Temples
The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception is the oldest Catholic parish in the Commonwealth of Virginia, f...
19
Venues
William 'Dick' Price Stadium is the primary athletic facility for the Norfolk State University Spartans, located on the...
20
Parks
Lakewood Park is a community recreation site in Norfolk, Virginia, serving as a primary neighborhood hub for outdoor spo...
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Parks
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Museums
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Venues
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Museums
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Parks
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Parks
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Historical places
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Venues
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Temples
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Parks
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Norfolk, Virginia on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Norfolk, Virginia
Late spring (April to May) or early autumn (September to October), as these periods offer mild temperatures and avoid the peak summer humidity and hurricane risks.
3 days, which provides sufficient time to tour the naval facilities, explore downtown museums, and visit the expansive botanical gardens.
The city is best navigated by car, though the downtown area is served by The Tide light rail system and is somewhat walkable.
Downtown offers proximity to major arts venues and dining, while the historic Ghent district provides a quieter atmosphere with local boutique shops.
Mid-range; the city offers a mix of affordable municipal attractions and standard urban lodging pricing.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 46 curated attractions in and around Norfolk, Virginia, ranked by traveller ratings.
Norfolk Botanical Garden is the highest-rated place to visit in Norfolk, Virginia right now.
The largest category is parks, with 11 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Downtown Los Angeles, Bayonne, New Jersey, Washington, D.C..
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