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. 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

4. USS Wisconsin BB-64

At 887 feet (270 meters) in length, the USS Wisconsin is one of the largest battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy. The vessel first saw active duty in the Pacific in 1943 and was last used in a foreign war in Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
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USS Wisconsin BB-64 which includes military items

5. 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

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 great live music 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
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
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
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
Chrysler Museum of Art showing art and interior views as well as an individual male

Chrysler Museum of Art

Be amazed by the breadth and quality of this collection of art and glasswork at a free museum in the heart of the city.

Chrysler Museum of Art

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 Norva Theater 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, Norfolk Beaches and Oceanview Fishing Pier 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
Chrysler Museum of Art which includes interior views and art

Ghent

While Ghent isn't home to many top sights, Chrysler Museum of Art and Harrison Opera House are some notable places to visit nearby.

Ghent
Chesapeake

Chesapeake

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach