Things To Do
in Norfolk
Norfolk, Virginia is a historic coastal city at the heart of the Hampton Roads region, anchored by one of the largest naval bases in the world and a bustling maritime economy. The city combines waterfront attractions, a lively arts and museum scene, and a compact downtown with diverse neighborhoods like Ghent and the NEON District. Visitors come for seafood fresh from the Chesapeake Bay, waterfront parks and ferries, and cultural venues such as the Chrysler Museum and the NorVa music hall.
Norfolk is also a gateway to nearby beaches, barrier islands and extensive outdoor recreation across southeastern Virginia.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the MacArthur Memorial, where you can learn about the life and legacy of General Douglas MacArthur. Stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens and take a moment to appreciate the historical significance of the site. Grab a coffee at a nearby café before heading to the Nauticus maritime museum to discover Norfolk's rich naval history.
After a morning of exploration, enjoy lunch at a waterfront restaurant along the Elizabeth River, savoring fresh seafood while watching boats pass by. Spend the afternoon at the Chrysler Museum of Art, where you can admire a diverse collection of artworks ranging from ancient to contemporary pieces. Don't forget to take a leisurely walk through the museum's beautiful Glass Gardens, a perfect way to unwind.
As the sun sets, head to the vibrant Ghent district, known for its eclectic shops and restaurants. Enjoy dinner at a local eatery boasting Southern cuisine, followed by a stroll through the neighborhood to admire the historic architecture. End the evening with a live music performance at a cozy venue, immersing yourself in Norfolk's local arts scene.
Begin your day with a relaxing walk at Town Point Park, where you can enjoy stunning views of the waterfront and the city skyline. Pack a picnic breakfast to enjoy by the water while watching locals jog and families play. Afterward, visit the nearby Nauticus to learn about maritime history and explore the USS Wisconsin battleship.
Indulge in lunch at a waterfront café, where you can savor dishes made with local ingredients while overlooking the harbor. Spend your afternoon exploring the Waterside District, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Don't miss the chance to take a harbor cruise for a unique perspective of the city from the water.
As evening approaches, return to the park for a peaceful sunset. Enjoy dinner at a trendy restaurant offering outdoor seating that lets you soak in the views. Cap off the night with a stroll along the waterfront, listening to live music or simply enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-180 |
| 🚕Taxi / Rideshare short ride | $8-20 |
| 🎟️Attraction admission (museum/cruise) | $10-30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich maritime and military history with unique museums and a working harbor.
- Access to Chesapeake Bay and nearby beaches with abundant outdoor activities.
- Lively arts district, growing food scene and approachable neighborhoods.
- Hot, humid summers and some risk of tropical storms/hurricanes.
- Traffic congestion around bridge/tunnel approaches and during beachseason.
- Some parts of the city have higher crime rates; awareness and planning needed.
Places to Visit in Norfolk
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic harbor views, museum ships and the Elizabeth River provide great compositions at sunrise and sunset; reflections and skyline shots work well from the waterfront walkways.
Photograph architecture, sculpture, and seasonal plantings; interiors of the museum and the adjacent glass studio often yield striking images.
Colorful street art, murals and historic façades make this neighborhood great for urban and portrait photography.
Long sandy stretches and marshy inlets provide dramatic sunsets and wide coastal landscapes.
Diverse coastal forest, dunes and shoreline scenes perfect for nature and wildlife photography, especially in golden hour.
Food in Norfolk
Norfolk Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Chesapeake blue crab is a regional staple — try steamed crab in season or a well-made crab cake at waterfront restaurants and seafood shacks.
Must-Try!
Locally harvested oysters (often from the Chesapeake) are served raw or roasted; look for oyster bars and happy-hour specials at waterfront spots.
A creamy, slightly sweet crab bisque spiced with sherry — a regional specialty available at upscale and classic seafood restaurants.
Pulled pork, smoked brisket and Southern sides like collard greens and mac ’n’ cheese are widely available across casual diners and BBQ joints.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local farmers markets (seasonal, found in downtown and neighborhood locations) offer fresh produce, baked goods and occasional prepared foods from regional vendors.
Look for food truck gatherings, especially near Harbor Park and at waterfront events, where you’ll find tacos, BBQ, seafood and fusion street food.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Norfolk hosts a large naval community — be respectful around service members and military facilities, and follow posted rules near the base.
Locals tend to be friendly and polite; casual greetings and small talk are common. Saying please and thank you goes a long way.
Observe typical U.S. public norms: wait your turn, keep noise reasonable in residential areas, and follow rules for parks and beaches (no glass on many beaches).
Safety
Tipping in Norfolk
Ensure a smooth experience
Tip restaurant servers 15–20% of the pre-tax bill for good service; bartenders $1–2/drink or 15–20% of the tab; taxi/rideshare drivers 10–15%; hotel housekeeping $2–5 per night is customary.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Carry a small amount of cash for farmers markets, small vendors or tipping.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with temperatures commonly in the 80s–90s°F (27–35°C); crowded beaches and frequent outdoor festivals. Be aware of hurricane season and afternoon thunderstorms — bring sun protection, light rain gear and hydrate.
Milder temperatures and lower humidity make this a pleasant time to visit; fall foliage appears inland and outdoor events continue. Hurricane risk diminishes but can persist into early fall.
Winters are generally mild to cool (30s–50s°F / 0–15°C) with occasional freezing nights and rare snow; many attractions remain open and hotel rates can be lower.
Comfortable temperatures and blooming gardens make spring ideal for outdoor activities and farmers markets; pollen levels can be high for allergy sufferers.
Norfolk at Night
Hiking in Norfolk
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive coastal forest trails, dunes and shoreline where visitors can hike varied terrain, spot birds and learn about local ecology and colonial history.
Wild dunes, marshes and freshwater ponds on Virginia’s barrier islands with excellent birdwatching and tranquil walking trails.
A larger inland refuge with boardwalks, trails and unique swamp landscapes that offer peaceful hiking and wildlife viewing not far from Norfolk.
A remote, less-developed barrier island area south of Virginia Beach accessible by tram, bike or foot with quiet trails and natural beaches.
Airports
How to reach Norfolk by plane.
The primary airport serving Norfolk with domestic flights and car rental, located about 6–8 miles from downtown (short taxi or ride-share ride).
Smaller regional airport about a 20–30 minute drive from Norfolk, convenient for some flights and often less busy than ORF.
Major regional airport about 1.5 hours drive inland offering more flight options and car-rental choices for those comfortable with a longer transfer.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population is connected to the U.S. Navy and other military branches, influencing local culture, housing and services.
Norfolk has a large and historically influential African American population contributing to the city’s culture, neighborhoods and business life.
Students from institutions like Old Dominion University and Norfolk State and young professionals add energy to dining, nightlife and arts scenes.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Minor league baseball is popular locally — the Norfolk Tides (Triple-A) play at Harbor Park and make for family-friendly outings in summer.
College basketball, football and other collegiate athletics draw local fans and contribute to community sports culture.
Boating, sailing, fishing and paddle sports are central to recreational life in the Hampton Roads waterways.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Norfolk.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly common at farm-to-table restaurants, cafes and many international eateries; request vegetable-forward dishes or salads and ask servers about off-menu modifications.
Vegan choices are available but less ubiquitous than vegetarian ones — look for dedicated vegan-friendly cafes, ethnic restaurants (Indian, Thai, Middle Eastern) and plant-based options on menus in Ghent and downtown.
Most restaurants will accommodate gluten-free requests; many seafood and grilled-plate options are naturally gluten-free but always confirm sauces and breading with staff.