Things to do in Norfolk

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

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
Waterside Festival Marketplace which includes signage as well as a family
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What to do in Norfolk

Discover the most popular places to visit in Norfolk

Naval Station Norfolk

Naval Station Norfolk

4.5/5(530 reviews)

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

4/5(231 reviews)

Explore the campus of Old Dominion University as part of your travels around Norfolk. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.

Old Dominion University
Waterside Festival Marketplace featuring signage and a sunset

Waterside District

4.5/5(9 reviews)

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

4.5/5(45 reviews)

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
Chrysler Hall

Chrysler Hall

4.5/5(16 reviews)

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
Virginia Zoo which includes zoo animals, signage and a statue or sculpture

Virginia Zoo

4/5(25 reviews)

A popular zoo as famous for its wild kingdom of animals as it is for an outstanding collection of themed gardens.

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

Norfolk Botanical Garden

4/5(284 reviews)

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

4/5(3 reviews)

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
The last of the summer beach days.

Norfolk Beaches

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Norfolk Beaches during your trip to East Ocean View?

Norfolk Beaches

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Norfolk

Moses Myers House showing a city and a house

Downtown Norfolk

4.5/5(103 area reviews)

Downtown Norfolk boasts a historic district, upscale shopping at MacArthur Center, and notable attractions like Nauticus and the USS Wisconsin. Trendy restaurants and bars can be found on Granby Street, offering a sophisticated nightlife experience.

Downtown Norfolk
The last of the summer beach days.

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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Willoughby Spit

3.5/5(51 area reviews)

While visiting Willoughby Spit, you might make a stop by sights like Oceanview Fishing Pier and Norfolk Beaches.

Willoughby Spit
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Fleet

4/5(58 area reviews)

Visitors to Fleet enjoy its beaches, and if you want to do some exploring, Naval Station Norfolk is worth a stop.

Fleet
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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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

Popular day trips from Norfolk

Chesapeake Square Mall

Chesapeake

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.