Location: Norfolk
Top Things to do in Norfolk
10 Things to Do in Norfolk That You Shouldn't Miss
An early English settlement, Norfolk is filled with historic sites and monuments. Norfolk is also home to the oldest U.S. naval port, as well as the Battleship Wisconsin, which was in service from World War II through the Persian Gulf War. Locals and visitors head to Town Point Park for outdoor concerts and annual events such as the Bayou Boogaloo and Cajun Food Festival. Families enjoy relaxing in Norfolk Botanical Garden and touring the harbor on a 19th-century Mississippi riverboat.
Restaurants in Norfolk
1. Chrysler Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
5 based on 817 reviews
Reviewed By TravelingCat22 - Tucson, Arizona
Fabulous museum which presents original pieces of art from all over the world, spanning eight hundred years, interesting for all ages. We started by a curious chess game with Christians and Jewish people, still flowers preserved in glass, magnificent vases, Tiffany lamps, Gallé and Lalique works on the ground floor. On the first floor they had at least one of each famous painter Rubens, Monet, Degas, Pissarro, Renoir, Sisley, a bust by Rodin, pottery by Picasso, etc. A real mummy, African masks, Chinese silk, a Tibetan dharmapala, Greek mosaics, etc. And very innovative modern pieces. Cannot be missed! An hour is a minimum, two or three if you are interested.
2. Children's Museum of Virginia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 249 reviews
Reviewed By James G
After the beach at Virginia Beach, we wanted our 2 year-old grandson to have some more fun so I located this museum in Portsmouth. At 10-11 dollars per person, this became and outstanding value. Our grandson spent hours in the bubble room; pretended to be a fireman, bus driver, and many other jobs. The planetarium was even included which showed a 20 minute film on the solar system, and our grandson sat through the entire presentation. There have a great train setup that anyone can admire. And, of course, there is a gift store on the way out. Lots of exhibits that will engage children of all ages. I can't wait to return next year. After, walk down to the port and watch the ships being built.
3. Battleship Wisconsin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Berthed at Nauticus, the Battleship Wisconsin is one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy. Explore its deck through a self-guided tour or, with an additional charge, one of our guided tours that will take you back in time to experience this majestic ship that earned five battle stars during WW II
Reviewed By DKBristow - Bristow, Virginia
Standing on the dock looking up at the ship, you think you understand it's size. But not until you're half lost in a berthing compartment do you really comprehend it. Just wandering the interior of the ship is incredible--well-signed so you know where you are and what each area was used for--from the armory to the XO's cabin. Take a tour with older kids--the guides are Navy vets and know the ship's history and inner workings in depth. Both the command & control tour and engineering tour were excellent, in terms of the guides, what you see, and what you learn. My son likes vets history and military history, so we did both tours (90 and 60 minutes) and still spent more than 5 hours onboard.
4. Norfolk Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 854 reviews
Reviewed By regiontravelreturns - Roanoke, Virginia
Kudos to Norfolk Botanical Gardens for offering such a delightful lantern exhibit to attract new audiences to the garden! Prepare to be amazed by brightly-colored sateen displays, many with moving pieces and color-changing lights. Tons of photo ops, posted references to Asian culture. Dress for weather, expecting some crowding. Good art exhibit for kids. Arrive before sunset and enjoy the lanterns both before and after dark.
5. MacArthur Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 239 reviews
Memorial to the five-star US Army General who served in three major wars: WWI, Korea and WWII.
Reviewed By 323Julie - Leonardtown, Maryland
The whole span of Gen. MacArthur's life is thoughtfully displayed. I learned a lot about this amazing American. Plan to spend at least 3 hours. Recommend to anyone who wants to understand the sacrifices made for freedom.
6. Nauticus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 856 reviews
Explore the Nautical, Naval And Natural wonders of our world. Open Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Reviewed By John K - Norfolk, Virginia
Covers the many eras of maritime history in the Hampton Roads area. Fascinating exhibits, knowledgable guides and excellent bookstore. About one block away from the many restaurants on Granby Street and parking. Plan on a minimum of 2-3 hours, more if you include a tour of the battleship.
7. Lightship Portsmouth Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By globaltrekster - Virginia Beach, Virginia
This lightship was built in 1915 and until 1964, was called Stonehorse, Charles, and Overfalls before it was named Portsmouth (for its last port of Portsmouth, VA). In 1964, it was made into a museum. In 1989, it was named a National Historic Landmark.
You can tour the main floor, but not the top deck. Also, look up visiting times, because they are limited. It is not stroller or wheelchair friendly and it is surrounded by a hotel and an apartment building. Parking is odd.
8. The Chrysler Museum Glass Studio
Overall Ratings
5 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By Dave S - Chicago, Illinois
If you are interested in glass blowing they have free demonstrations daily and this is an ideal add on to the Chrysler Museum in the main building across the street. The studio is a separate building, probably smart to keep the furnaces across the street from the artwork. My senior parents and cousins small kids both enjoyed it so it is a good activity for all ages.
• Noon demos are 45 min to 1 hour long
• Limited seating so good to get there a bit early
• Glass studio and parking are both free
• Main museum building across the street
• Shops and restaurants on Colley Av / 21st Streets are just a few minutes away
If you are a local they offer classes in glass blowing and studio time, including classes for small kids. They don't let the kids mess with the molten glass but they can create their own glass art with the instructors doing the hot stuff. And if you do want to get your hands dirty, so to speak, the adult classes range for beginners to advanced glass making. The classes and demos are run by resident artist who also display and sell works in the museum gift shop.
9. MacArthur Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
The MacArthur Center shopping mall in Norfolk, VA. hosts over 130 shops and restaurants including Nordstrom and Dillard's department stores. At our Norfolk shopping center we have shops you won't find anywhere else in the area like Lush, Pottery Barn, and The Art of Shaving. The mall is off Interstate 264, just west of Norfolk State University.
Reviewed By LDS2015 - Norfolk, Virginia
Conveniently located in downtown Norfolk, MacArthur Center provides everything in on place: department stores, individual fashion brands shops, restaurants, foodcourt and movie theaters. The place is located in walking distance from any other attractions in Norfolk and most hotels.
10. Virginia Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 750 reviews
Reviewed By bluejay377 - Havre de Grace, Maryland
Not the biggest zoo in the world nor the zoo with the largest number of represented species, but overall, a well done exhibition of animals in modern, well maintained habitats. Parking was free and we were able to get a 50% entry discount because we are also members of the National Zoo. Obviously, they honor reciprocity.
You will see quite a few rare species represented here. The Malayan tapirs were high on our list. The layout of the tapir exhibit gives you a very good opportunity to get up close with these amazing animals. We have typically seen these animals housed in dark, protective, indoor enclosures. Seeing them outside in March was a real treat. We all thought the African area was creative in that you can walk through a viewing tunnel that show cases how the giraffes are kept indoors during inclement weather. Take the time to ponder about the amount of money required to keep zoo animals happy and well maintained.
There is enough diversity at this zoo to make the visit extremely rewarding. Our only disappointment was that we wanted more. More animals and more exhibits. Other than the hornbill exhibit in the Asian section of the zoo, we all felt the bird exhibits needed to be upgraded. In fact, the zoo could use an aviary.
We ate at the zoo cafeteria. Typical zoo food and not very memorable. It would have been nice to have more healthy choices and an overall upgrade to something more than really, really drab food.
All the staff we encountered were professional, friendly, and extremely enthusiastic. There was a good sense that they enjoyed what they were doing.
We highly recommend a visit to this zoo. Some of the animals cannot be so easily seen or enjoyed at other zoos. We will definitely go back in the future once the new reptile area opens in the summer of 2018. Daily operating times can be found on the zoo's website.
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