The Complete Guide to Visiting Norfolk, Virginia

Known for a strong naval presence and its unique cultural heritage, Norfolk is a waterfront city in the coastal region of Virginia that blends history, modernity, and creativity. 

The historic neighborhoods, such as the Freemason District with its cobblestoned streets and colonial homes, offer a glimpse into the past. Conversely, areas like the NEON District, filled with public art, diverse dining, and locally owned boutiques, highlight Norfolk’s artistic spirit. The city's waterfront and the Elizabeth River Trail make it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, while its eclectic neighborhoods—Ghent, Chelsea, and Oceanview—offer a variety of experiences, from historic landmarks to beachside relaxation. 

On top of all this, Norfolk's year-round events and festivals make it an exciting destination. Plan your next visit to The Mermaid City using this comprehensive guide. 

THE BEST TIMES TO VISIT NORFOLK

While you can find something to do any time of year in Norfolk—like Winterfest on the Wisconsin during the holidays or Harborfest in the summer—spring and fall are truly standout seasons for this coastal city. 

In spring, blooming trees and flowers provide a colorful backdrop to city streets and attractions, while fall offers sunny days and brisk evenings that embody sweater weather. Additionally, numerous Norfolk festivals and events fill weekend calendars during the spring and fall seasons. 

WHERE TO STAY

Hilton Norfolk The Main: Towering Elegance & Abundant On-Site Dining $$

A sleek 23-story luxury hotel situated at the heart of downtown, Hilton Norfolk The Main offers panoramic views of the Elizabeth River and easy access to cultural attractions. Enjoy upscale dining at Saltine, Varia, and Norfolk's only rooftop beer garden, Grain.

Known for its funky and creative spaces (hello, slide in the lobby) and airy, comfortable rooms, the Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront also features an outdoor pool, restaurant, and fitness center. 

The Glass Light Hotel: Modern Artsy Accommodations $$

The Glass Light Hotel & Gallery in downtown Norfolk seamlessly blends historic charm with contemporary luxury. Housed in the 1912 Royster Building, it features 113 uniquely designed rooms adorned with glass art from the Perry Glass Art Collection, showcasing works by renowned artists like Peter Bremers and Lino Tagliapietra. Dine at the on-site restaurant for French-inspired New American cuisine, enjoy artisanal cocktails at the bar, and explore the vibrant NEON District and nearby cultural attractions such as the Chrysler Museum of Art and Nauticus.

Norfolk Waterside Marriott: Centrally Located Lodging $

Norfolk Waterside Marriott offers a refined and comfortable stay in the heart of downtown Norfolk. Guest rooms and suites feature river or city views and modern amenities, and guests can choose from a range of on-site dining options including the Italian steakhouse Capo Capo and the Starbucks-affiliated café STEAM. The hotel also boasts a heated indoor pool.

The Inn at Four Eleven York: Custom Suites with Made-to-Order Breakfast $$

Four Eleven York is a boutique bed and breakfast nestled in Norfolk's historic Freemason District that offers both Victorian charm and modern luxury. Each of the four suites is uniquely designed with upscale amenities, including heated bathroom floors, rain showers, and premium mattresses, ensuring a restful stay. In the morning, guests receive a made-to-order breakfast, served in-room or in the dining area, and for dinner, you can dine on-site at Four Eleven York’s restaurant, which focuses on fresh, local fare and handcrafted cocktails.

WHERE TO EAT

Freemason Abbey Restaurant

Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century church, Freemason Abbey Restaurant serves up classic American dishes with an upscale twist. 

Saltine

Saltine, located within Hilton Norfolk the Main, is a stylish seafood restaurant with a menu that highlights seasonal shellfish, fresh seafood, and crafted spirits. 

Luce

Downtown Norfolk’s Luce is an intimate Italian restaurant and bar that puts a contemporary twist on classical Italian cuisine, combining regional Italian flavors for a diverse culinary experience. Pair these inspired dishes with a selection from the eclectic wine list, a brew from the extensive beer list, or a handcrafted cocktail.

Norfolk Seafood Co.

Sample fresh local seafood with a Cajun-Creole twist inside a beautifully restored 20th-century building. The downstairs features a casual speakeasy ambiance with a mahogany bar and raw bar offering fresh oysters daily, while the upstairs provides an elegant dining room ideal for romantic dinners. 

The Stockpot

This two-story café is nestled in Selden Market and has a cozy atmosphere with exposed brick walls, open kitchen views, and a wraparound bar. It has become a local favorite for healthy comfort food such as made-from-scratch soups, globally inspired salads, and all-day breakfast items. The café also serves a selection of craft beers, kombucha, and inventive cocktails, making it a popular spot for casual dining and social gatherings.

Todd Jurich’s Bistro

The seasonal menu at Todd Jurich’s Bistro highlights the best of the Chesapeake Bay region, incorporating heirloom vegetables and products from small Virginia producers. The restaurant is renowned for its signature dishes such as pumpkin crab soup, popovers, and creative preparations of local seafood.

The Market in Waterside District

Find a wide array of culinary experiences inside the Market at Waterside District, a 30,000-square-foot food hall with over ten food and beverage vendors—including local favorites like Rappahannock Oyster Co., Cogan’s Pizza, and Luk Fu. The venue also features a 25-foot big screen for live sports, making it a popular spot for game days and social gatherings.

TOP ATTRACTIONS & LANDMARKS

Norfolk Botanical Garden

As Virginia’s largest botanical garden, Norfolk Botanical Garden has more than 60 themed gardens spread over its 175 acres. Walk or take a tram or boat to spot colorful seasonal flowers in bloom throughout the property. 

Elizabeth River Trail

The 10.5-mile Elizabeth River Trail offers a blend of outdoor recreation, cultural landmarks, and community engagement. Visitors can walk, bike, or run along the trail while exploring attractions like the Battleship Wisconsin, the Chrysler Museum of Art, and the Pagoda & Oriental Garden. The trail also hosts seasonal events such as botanical tours, fitness programs, and public art installations.

Sail Nauticus

Get an educational maritime experience along Norfolk's waterfront when you book Sail Nauticus, a sailing excursion company that provides hands-on instruction and lessons for beginners, as well as more comprehensive classes that span several days.

Nauticus & Battleship Wisconsin

Make sure a visit to Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin is on your itinerary during a visit to Norfolk. The waterfront maritime museum and discovery center features three floors of interactive exhibits and STEM programming. Once you’ve explored the museum, head next door to tour the Battleship Wisconsin, the last and one of the largest battleships to be built by the U.S. Navy. A self-guided deck tour is included with your admission to Nauticus, or you can add on a guided tour of the ship’s interior to learn about the life of an enlisted individual on the ship. 

Norfolk Botanical Garden

As Virginia’s largest botanical garden, Norfolk Botanical Garden has more than 60 themed gardens spread over its 175 acres. Walk or take a tram or boat to spot colorful seasonal flowers in bloom throughout the property. 

Chrysler Museum of Art

The Chrysler Museum of Art is renowned for its extensive collection of over 30,000 works spanning 5,000 years of global art history. Highlights include masterpieces from the Impressionist era, a world-class glass collection, and notable works by artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Picasso. 

Virginia Zoo

The Virginia Zoo showcases over 700 animals from more than 150 species across themed habitats like Africa, Asia, and North America. Attend interactive experiences such as giraffe feedings, train rides, and the "Run Wild!" nature playground, while also exploring the zoo's botanical gardens and reptile exhibits. 

SHOPPING & SOUVENIRS

NEON District

With its eclectic mix of art, culture, and community engagement, the NEON District offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors seeking to explore Norfolk's creative scene. The district features more than 60 large-scale murals created by both local and international artists, as well as local shops such as Xchange Norfolk, Virginia Furniture Company, and Cardinal Skate Shop. 

MacArthur Center

MacArthur Center has a diverse mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options. Big department stores Nordstrom and Dillard’s anchor the mall, but there are 120 stores to shop, a variety of eateries, and an 18-screen movie theater. 

Norfolk Premium Outlets

Shop 50+ brand-name retailers, including Adidas, Carter’s, and Tory Burch, at deeply discounted prices at Norfolk Premium Outlets.

Selden Market

Selden Market is a community-driven marketplace located in downtown Norfolk. Housed in the historic Selden Arcade, this innovative space serves as an incubator for emerging small businesses, offering a rotating selection of local shops, restaurants, pop-ups, and events.

NIGHTLIFE & ENTERTAINMENT

Catch a Baseball Game at Harbor Park

See local AAA baseball team the Tides play a home game at Harbor Park. Sitting alongside the Elizabeth River, the stadium offers open views of Norfolk and the harbor. Fans can enjoy a variety of local food options, including smoked barbecue and the signature Orange Crush cocktail, all while soaking in the family-friendly atmosphere and occasional naval ship sightings beyond the outfield.

Pair Live Music with Dinner at The Annex

The Annex is a vibrant live music venue hosting a diverse range of performances, including indie rock, jam bands, punk, metal, and even anime-themed concerts. The venue features a full-service bar offering craft beers from Young Veterans Brewing Company and a kitchen serving dishes like the signature fried chicken sandwich.

See the Latest and Greatest Bands & Artists at The NorVa

The NorVa is a renowned live music venue in downtown Norfolk celebrated for its exceptional acoustics and intimate atmosphere. Housed in a historic 1920s vaudeville theater, it boasts a state-of-the-art sound system, a wrap-around balcony, and a VIP lounge. 

Get All Kinds of Live Entertainment at the Norfolk Scope Arena

Norfolk’s Scope Arena is a premier venue for live music in the Hampton Roads area. Its iconic concrete dome not only provides a striking architectural feature but also contributes to exceptional acoustics, enhancing the live music experience. The arena's climate-controlled environment ensures comfort year-round, while its central downtown location offers easy access to a variety of dining and entertainment options before and after events.

Add Some Culture to Your Vacation at the L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center

The L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center at Norfolk State University welcomes visitors attending concerts, theater productions, and community events. The center features a spacious auditorium, excellent acoustics, and comfortable seating, including balcony options. 

Sip on Local Craft Brews at a Coastal Brewery

With nine breweries within Norfolk and many more just down the road, craft brew enthusiasts will find that Norfolk is a fantastic hub for sampling a variety of local beers. Bring along a friend to DD or arrange a ride with Uber or Lyft to safely explore this vibrant brew scene. 

ANNUAL FESTIVALS

Virginia International Tattoo

When: April 24-27, 2025

Where: Scope Arena

Part of the Virginia Arts Festival, the Virginia International Tattoo is a grand military celebration that showcases over 800 performers from six nations, including the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Central Band and Norway’s Band and Drill Team of His Majesty the King’s Guard.

Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival

When: May 3-4, 2025

Where: Town Point Park

The Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival features more than 200 Virginia wines available for attendees to sample. Guests can also enjoy gourmet food, live music, and shopping from local artisans along the scenic Norfolk waterfront during this wine weekend

Patriotic Festival

When: May 23-25, 2025

Where: Scope Arena

Patriotic Festival is a dynamic Memorial Day weekend event that honors the U.S. Armed Forces through a blend of live country music and military-themed activities. Held at Scope Arena, the festival features performances by top country artists, as well as military exhibits and food and drink sampling stations. The combination of music and military appreciation makes the Patriotic Festival a standout event for both country music fans and those honoring service members.

Norfolk HarborFest

When: June 5-8, 2025

Where: Town Point Park

The annual Norfolk HarborFest is America's largest and longest-running free maritime festival. This vibrant celebration of Norfolk's rich naval heritage features a spectacular Parade of Sail with international tall ships, one of the East Coast's largest fireworks displays, and a mesmerizing drone show. Explore an array of family activities, Navy exhibits, artisan foods, craft beverages, and live entertainment throughout the weekend. 

Hampton Roads PrideFest

When: June 21, 2025

Where: Downtown Norfolk

Held annually in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, the Hampton Roads Pride Weekend celebrates the area’s LGBTQ+ community and allies. The weekend's centerpiece, PrideFest, features live performances, local vendors, and the iconic Pride Boat Parade on the Elizabeth River. The festivities culminate on Sunday with Pride at the Beach, offering beachside entertainment and community solidarity.

Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival

When: August 22-23, 2025

Where: Town Point Park

Jazz lovers flock to the Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival, an annual event happening along the downtown Norfolk waterfront at Town Point Park. This two-day event is the area's longest-running outdoor jazz festival, featuring a lineup of international smooth jazz artists. 

Fall Town Point Virginia Wine Festival

When: October 18-19, 2025

Where: Town Point Park

Attend the fall version of the Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival to savor the crisp autumn atmosphere and gorgeous changing foliage colors. 

NEON Festival

When: October 16-17, 2025

Where: NEON District

NEON Festival, named for and held in Norfolk's NEON District, is a two-night celebration of art, music, and community. This free event invites visitors to check out the district's creative spaces, catch live performances, see unique interactive art installations and pop-up galleries, and sample delicious food from vendors, all set against the backdrop of the Chrysler Museum of Art and Perry Glass Studio.

WinterFest on the Wisconsin

When: Mid-November through January 1, 2026

Where: Nauticus Museum

WinterFest on the Wisconsin is a dazzling holiday light festival held annually at Nauticus Museum. Recognized by the U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 28 Christmas light displays in the country, the event features more than one million lights illuminating the historic Battleship Wisconsin and the surrounding waterfront. 

Themed displays inspired by classic holiday movies are found throughout the ship, and after admiring the lights, visitors can head to Mistletoe Marina, packed with festive treats, a snow zone, photos with Santa, and a holiday market offering seasonal gifts. The event runs select nights from mid-November through early January, providing a magical experience for visitors of all ages.

JUST DOWN THE ROAD…

…Towns to Explore

Virginia Beach | Virginia Beach is a popular coastal vacation destination known for its long stretches of sandy beaches, iconic boardwalk, and a burgeoning arts scene centered around the ViBe Creative District. Attractions like the Virginia Aquarium, First Landing State Park, and oceanfront festivals and events keep the city lively year-round. 

Williamsburg | Steeped in American history, Williamsburg is known for Colonial Williamsburg, the largest outdoor living museum in the country and part of the Historic Triangle. While history is a big part of the city, there’s plenty more to explore while visiting Williamsburg, from the massive outlet mall to the thrilling rides at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and the indoor water park at Great Wolf Lodge. 

Hampton | You’ll find rich colonial and military heritage in Hampton, a historic waterfront city on the Chesapeake Bay. Home to landmarks like Fort Monroe, NASA’s Langley Research Center, and the Virginia Air and Space Science Center, Hampton’s diverse neighborhoods and world-class museums make it a unique hub in the Hampton Roads region. 

Suffolk | With a mix of farmland, waterfront, and urban spaces, Suffolk offers a quieter lifestyle within the Hampton Roads region. The city is known for its peanut farming heritage and the hauntingly beautiful Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.

Cape Charles | The charming Eastern Shore town of Cape Charles is a coastal alternative for those looking for a quiet, relaxed beach getaway far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Known for its historic downtown filled with boutique shops, Victorian-era bed and breakfasts, and golf cart-riding visitors, the serene beaches and scenic views of Cape Charles provide a peaceful waterfront getaway for visitors looking for a slower pace. 

…More Outdoor Fun

Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge | The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a rare and ecologically significant wilderness, encompassing over 113,000 acres of forested wetlands, including Lake Drummond, one of Virginia’s two natural lakes. The refuge holds deep historical importance as a sanctuary for Indigenous peoples and self-emancipated African Americans who established communities within its dense forests during the 17th through 19th centuries.

The Chesapeake Bay | The Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States and home to a diverse range of species, is a coastal outdoor paradise, inviting visitors to boat, fish, kayak, or simply lounge along a shoreline or beach to take in incredible views of the waterway. There are several charming small towns worth exploring located along the Chesapeake Bay, such as Cape Charles on the Chesapeake Bay, or Deltaville on the Middle Peninsula. 

First Landing State Park | Virginia’s most-visited state park, First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, stands out due to its unique mix of rich history and diverse natural habitats. The site commemorates the location of the 1607 landing of English settlers and features one of the world's rarest ecosystems: the maritime forest. Spanning 2,888 acres, the park contains 19+ miles of trails through cypress swamps, salt marshes, and dunes.

…Noteworthy Attractions

Colonial Williamsburg | As the world’s largest outdoor living history museum, Colonial Williamsburg is a must for visitors traveling to the Hampton Roads region. Experience 18th-century life as you explore the 301-acre museum and interact with costumed tradespeople who represent more than 20 occupations found in Revolutionary-era America. 

Virginia Beach Boardwalk | Spanning three miles along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a paved multi-use pathway open for biking, rollerblading, and walking from 2nd to 40th Street. Highlights include the iconic King Neptune statue at 31st Street, Grommet Island Park, and four oceanfront stages hosting live music during the summer months. 

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center | The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach contains over 800,000 gallons of exhibits and habitats representing more than 300 species. These habitats represent a variety of ecosystems, from the Chesapeake Bay to coral reefs, and feature animals like sea turtles, sharks, and otters. Interactive exhibits, such as the Otter Habitat and the Restless Planet gallery, along with behind-the-scenes tours and boat excursions, provide engaging educational opportunities for all ages.

Fort Monroe National Monument | Fort Monroe National Monument in Hampton is a historically rich site and the largest stone fort ever built in the United States. It played a pivotal role in American history, from serving as a military stronghold to being a sanctuary for enslaved individuals during the Civil War. Learn about more than 400 years of history through exhibits at the Visitor & Education Center, guided tours, and self-guided walks past landmarks like the Casemate Museum, Old Point Comfort Lighthouse, and the iconic Algernourne Oak, which is over 500 years old.

Virginia Living Museum | Located in Newport News, The Virginia Living Museum showcases Virginia’s diverse ecosystems, from the Appalachian Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, through immersive exhibits. Visitors learn about habitats like the Appalachian Cove, Cypress Swamp, and Coastal Plain, home to over 250 native species, including red wolves, otters, and various reptiles and amphibians. Interactive exhibits, such as the Dinosaur Discovery Trail and the Abbitt Planetarium, provide educational and engaging experiences for all ages.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with your family, a Virginia vacation’s got all that you love, all in one place. Use this guide to Norfolk to help you start planning your Virginia vacation today!