Norfolk
Country: USA · Region: US Northeast · Currency: US Dollar
Norfolk is a major cruise port in Virginia's Hampton Roads region, home to the world's largest naval base and featuring a revitalized downtown with world-class museums, cultural venues, and waterfront dining. It offers a mix of Navy heritage, arts and culture, and modern attractions for day-trippers.
Top sights
Chrysler Museum of Art, Nauticus - National Maritime Center and USS Wisconsin battleship, MacArthur Memorial, Virginia Zoo, Norfolk Botanical Garden
Things to do
- Chrysler Museum of Art
- Free museum featuring paintings, glass, porcelain, sculptures and photos from African, Asian, Egyptian, Greek and Pre-Columbian art traditions, with daily free glass art demonstrations at noon.
- Nauticus - National Maritime Center
- Naval museum with maritime artifacts and the decommissioned USS Wisconsin battleship offering self-guided and guided tours of ship interiors.
- MacArthur Memorial
- Free museum located at 198 Bank Street, open Tuesday-Saturday 10AM-5PM and Sunday.
- Virginia Zoo
- Zoo located at 3500 Granby Street, open daily 10AM-5PM.
Beaches
- Ocean View
- Norfolk's beach community on the Chesapeake Bay featuring relatively uncrowded beaches in a neighborhood undergoing revitalization.
Where to eat
- Doumar's Cones and BBQ
- Historic diner at 1919 Monticello Avenue in Ghent famous as the birthplace of the ice cream cone, operating since 1934 with vintage drive-thru and burgers, sandwiches, and shakes.
- Todd Jurich's Bistro
- Upscale casual restaurant at 150 West Main Street with four-diamond award and Wine Spectator excellence recognition, featured in Norfolk's Restaurant Weeks.
Bars and nightlife
- Charlie's American Cafe
- Cafe by day and nighttime music venue at 1800 Granby Street hosting independent music artists.
Getting around
Use the Tide Light Rail ($2 single/$4.50 all-day pass), Hampton Roads Transit buses, or the passenger ferry from Portsmouth to navigate downtown and major attractions.
What to eat
Doumar's Cones and BBQ in Ghent is famous as the birthplace of the ice cream cone, while Todd Jurich's Bistro offers upscale dining, and Granby Street and Ghent have numerous gourmet restaurants and bars.
Tips
Bring exact cash for buses and ferries as drivers do not carry change, or purchase an all-day pass from vending machines that accept cards.
Best for
Navy history, museums, cultural attractions