Tourists are naturally attracted to Norfolk due to its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and family-friendly activities.
With a history dating back to colonial years, the city of Norfolk has much to see in the form of architecture. Churches make up some of the more impressive examples with many like the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception, which stands tall with white steeples. Others include the Christ & St. Luke's Episcopal Church from 1910, the Freemason Street Baptist Church from 1850, and the 1739 St. Paul's Episcopal Church which has a cannon ball fired by Lord Dunmore in 1776 still lodged in the church wall today. The Ghent Historic district houses many of these buildings and more.
As a long-time time port, there is also much to see related to the place's maritime past. The Hampton Roads Naval Museum has an exhibit that interprets the lengthy history of the U.S. Navy in southeast Virginia and northeast North Carolina, while the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin is open as a maritime-themed science center and museum. Visitors can also opt to take a tour of the Naval Station to see aircraft carriers and other large ships, conducted by Naval personnel.
Other popular attractions include the Cannonball Trail on Freemason Street, the Chrysler Museum of Art, Hermitage Museum & Gardens, MacArthur Memorial, Norfolk Botanical Gardens, Pagoda and Oriental Garden, and the Virginia Zoological Park.
In a city like Norfolk, activities range from museums and historic sight-seeing to ocean cruises and beach-bumming. Ocean View is the prime neighborhood for the beachgoers, situated right on the Chesapeake Bay. It is often a quiet escape from the crowds at Virginia Beach, and has a nice pier for fishing.
As far as entertainment goes, Chrysler Hall brings Broadway to Norfolk, having hosted shows like Wicked, American Idiot, The Book of Mormon, Lion King, and Phantom of the Opera. Attucks Theatre is nicknamed the Apollo Theatre of the South, Wells Theatre and the Virginia Stage Company is a venue of the performing arts, and Harrison Opera House hosts events run by the Virginia Opera as well as concerts, musicals, and Broadway shows.
If you are big on the culinary scene you may want to come into the city during the Downtown Norfolk Restaurant Week, sample some local brews on the Ghent Bar Tour, or visit the O'Connor Brewing Company for a taste and tour of the homegrown brewery.
A nice way to explore destinations in Norfolk is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Electric Bike Rental Downtown Norfolk (self guided tour) for $60 details
- Skip the Line: Virginia Living Museum Admission Ticket for $22 details
- Norfolk Buffet Brunch Cruise for $90 details