Norfolk plays host to an annual festival favorite, Norfolk’s Harborfest®! Every year in June, Norfolk celebrates nautical history by displaying tall ships, along with celebrations of seafaring history and culture, delicious food, local, entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks display all along the downtown waterfront.
Day 1
Explore Nauticus an interactive maritime history and science museum. Next, head to Hampton Roads Naval Museum in Nauticus which introduces over 200 years of naval history in Coastal Virginia. Explore the Battleship Wisconsin, the largest and last battleship ever built by the U.S. Navy.
Come aboard the Spirit of Norfolk or the Victory Rover Naval Base Cruise for the spectacular Parade of Sail event. Watch tall ships sail down the Elizabeth River in a spectacular two-hour parade.
After the Parade of Sail, head to Norfolk’s Harborfest®. Enjoy live music and great food accompanied by art and educational programs. Tall ships will be open for visitors to explore the decks.
Day 2
Take a 45-minute bus tour of the world’s largest naval installation, Naval Station Norfolk. Discover the compelling story of General Douglas MacArthur, a five star General of the Army and the millions of Americans who served our nation through five wars at The MacArthur Memorial.
For dinner, stroll over to Granby Street to experience over 30 locally-owned and operated restaurants.
Head back over to Town Point Park for Norfolk’s Harborfest® and enjoy over 50 food vendors, live concerts on three stages, and a enjoy a fireworks display at the end of the festival.
Day 3
Take a fun-filled boat ride at the Norfolk Botanical Garden and explore its peaceful waterways or meander through its many beautiful gardens to discover a variety of plants from the cultivated to the wild.
Enjoy lunch and shopping at MacArthur Center, a one million square foot, three-story shopping mall with more than 100 new-to-the-market retailers and restaurants, anchored by Dillard’s.
Stroll through the Armed Forces Memorial, which features 20 inscriptions from letters written home by U.S. service men and women who lost their lives in war.
Next, head to Hermitage Museum and Gardens, formerly home to the Sloane family. The Hermitage is “home to the arts” with a nationally recognized art collection spanning 5,000 years.
Day 4
Before you depart for home, head to Chrysler Museum of Art, enjoy 3,000 years of art in one of the country’s most impressive museums.
Amenities
- LGBT Friendly
Region
Last Updated: 03/20/2019
