Things to do in Norfolk

Activities, attractions and tours

Norfolk which includes a garden
Norfolk which includes a garden
Hermitage Museum and Gardens showing a house
Norfolk showing a bay or harbor
Douglas MacArthur Memorial showing a statue or sculpture and heritage elements
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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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D6DCC9 United States Navy ships in port at Naval Station Norfolk.

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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Waterside Festival Marketplace featuring signage and a sunset

3. 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, outdoor art and a park

4. 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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Chrysler Hall showing night scenes

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 and a river or creek

What to do in Norfolk

Popular places to visit

D6DCC9 United States Navy ships in port at Naval Station Norfolk.

Naval Station Norfolk

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

Naval Station Norfolk
Ted Constant Convocation Center

Old Dominion University

Explore the campus of Old Dominion University as part of your travels around Norfolk. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.

Old Dominion University
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Norfolk State University

Enjoy the collegiate vibe at Norfolk State University as part of your travels around Norfolk. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.

Norfolk State University
Waterside Festival Marketplace featuring signage and a sunset

Waterside District

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

Waterside District
Pillars of Norfolk Scope arena, Norfolk, Va., Shutterstock ID 483451687, Purchase Order: Wave 0 First Batch, Order Number: , Client/Licensee: Hotels.com / BEX, Other: Mixed Budget

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
Virginia Zoo which includes 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
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
Norfolk Botanical Garden showing a pond, landscape views and a garden

Norfolk Botanical Garden

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

Norfolk Botanical Garden
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Sentara Norfolk General Hospital

Though Sentara Norfolk General Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Norfolk while you are here.

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital

Areas of Norfolk

The USS George H.W. Bush

Downtown Norfolk

While you're in Downtown Norfolk, take in top sights like The NorVa or Norva Theater, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Monticello Station or MacArthur Square Station.

Downtown Norfolk
Aerial view looking east of the beach at Ocean View in Norfolk

East Ocean View

If you're spending some time in East Ocean View, Norfolk Beaches and Chesapeake Bay are top sights worth seeing.

East Ocean View
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Bayview

While Bayview might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Norfolk Beaches and Ocean View Beach.

Bayview
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Willoughby Spit

While visiting Willoughby Spit, you might make a stop by sights like Norfolk Beaches and Chesapeake Bay.

Willoughby Spit
Ocean View

Ocean View

While Ocean View might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Ocean View Beach and Norfolk Beaches.

Ocean View
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Cottage Park

If you're spending some time in Cottage Park, Norfolk Beaches and Chesapeake Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Cottage Park
Portsmouth which includes a bay or harbor

Portsmouth

Virginia Beach showing a beach, general coastal views and a coastal town

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 flavors, 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 travelers 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 neighborhoods, Downtown Norfolk is 0.32 kilometers away from downtown, while Norfolk Auto Row Historic District is 2 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Norfolk with kids?
Whether you're traveling 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 Center 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 neighborhoods 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.