Location: Norfolk
Top Things to do in Norfolk
The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Norfolk, Virginia (VA)
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. Ocean View Beach Park
2. Lake Drummond
3. Virginia Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 857 reviews
Reviewed By TheCarrs52601 - Norfolk, United States
We have a membership at NBG and every year enjoy the Annual Swap with VA Zoo! We took our 4 grandkiddos and had a blessed visit! The covid precautions are very well done at the zoo and the animals look very healthy too! The baby giraffe is adorable, the tiger beautiful, the meerkats so cute, and we loved watching the orangutans! The train ride isn’t very long but reasonably priced at $2 each. The Run Wild Discovery Zone was a hit with the kids with the stump jump and balance beams & logs & they always enjoy the climbing on the huge snake & it’s a fun photo op! It’s wonderful having a zoo close by and the Swap is such a fantastic practice between VA Zoo & NBG!❤️
4. Norfolk Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,081 reviews
Reviewed By JasonG134 - Baltimore, United States
Although there understandably isn't much in bloom in the fall, it's still worth a visit even if that's the only time you can go (as was the case with me). Be sure to take the tram ride as it gives you a nice overview of the expansive grounds so you can figure out where to best spend your time.
5. Town Point Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By G7308EYmichellew - Lawrenceville, United States
This is a beautiful and peaceful seven acre park located along the Elizabeth river. Several statues, park benches and some eateries. Nice to take a leisure stroll. Well taken care of.
6. Weyanoke Bird and Wildflower Sanctuary
7. Elizabeth River Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
The Elizabeth River Trail is a 10.5 mile urban biking and pedestrian trail along the Norfolk waterfront, maintained and marketed by the Friends of the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation with support from the City of Norfolk. The Foundation aims to enhance and expand the trail as a recreational, social, and destination that improves environmental awareness and neighborhood connectivity.
Reviewed By CHallUSA - Concord, United States
If you take the Rover Military River Cruise, you can walk the trail along the river, from the Mariott Hotel, to the Nauticus, Wisconsin Destroyer, and the Rover Cruise. Beautiful and good exercise. This area of Norfolk is spectacular in its scenery and active river.
8. Plum Point Park
9. Pagoda & Oriental Garden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By cherylh903 - Durham, United States
These gardens are so peaceful, relaxing and beautiful. The gardens aren't large and it's an easy stroll through them. It's on the waterfront in Freemason Harbor with views of the USS Wisconsin. The Pagoda offers sandwiches, has a bar, and has some of the best bakery items I've ever tasted. The second floor has nice views. You can also take in the garden from the second floor balcony. We didn't even know about this place until we came upon it while walking along the Elizabeth River Trail.
