Norfolk, Virginia, is one of the most interesting places you can visit. It houses one of the oldest urban parks in the country and a historical site that was once home to some of the most influential plantation owners.
Its attractions are so diverse that it’s hard to pick just five, but here are the top sights and things to do in Norfolk you shouldn’t miss if you’re planning a trip there. If you’re looking for things to do in Norfolk, consider these top spots:
Nemours Mansion and Gardens
This site is both a botanical garden and an architectural landmark. Built-in the late 1920s, the garden has over 1,800 types of plants and flowers on display. It also has a variety of rare architectural features, including indoor reflecting pools and a ceiling that looks like a starry night sky.
The garden is open year-round, but its Christmas festival is one of the most popular events. During the festival, the garden is decorated with millions of lights and thousands of ornaments. Guests can also enjoy a wide variety of food and drinks, as well as live music.
Harbor Tours
Norfolk is a port city, so it’s no surprise that harbor tours are on this list. You can choose from a variety of tours, including cruises, fishing trips, and trips to nearby attractions. Many tours have themes, such as visiting nearby lighthouses or going on a history trip.
Most tours last around three hours, and they depart daily. Prices vary depending on the type of tour you choose. If you want to spend a night on the water, you can also book a sunset cruise.
The Chrysler Museum of Art
The Chrysler Museum of Art houses a collection of more than 30,000 pieces of art. It is the largest private collection in Virginia, and its pieces span 6,000 years of human history. You can see everything from Asian art to modern paintings. The museum has special events and exhibitions, so check its website before you go.
You can also attend a class at the museum, such as a beginner’s art class or a special lecture. The museum is open every day, but it’s best to check its hours before you visit. Admission is free, but you do have to pay for special exhibitions.
The Virginia Air & Space Center
This museum houses a variety of aircraft and spacecraft, including the first American spacecraft to orbit the moon and jets used in the Gulf War. It also has a number of interactive exhibits, such as a mock space station and a flight simulator. The museum hosts special events, such as stargazing nights and other guest speakers.
You can also sign up for a class, such as learning about aviation or building a model aircraft. The Virginia Air & Space Center is open every day, but it’s best to check the hours before your visit. Admission is free.
The Attractions at MacArthur Center
The MacArthur Center is a large shopping and entertainment complex in Norfolk. It boasts a wide variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a theater and a large aquarium. You can even attend a show at the Virginia Musical Theater, which is inside the center. The center is open every day.
It’s best to check hours before you visit, though, because they vary by shop and restaurant. If you have children, you can also schedule a tour of the aquarium, which is one of the top attractions at MacArthur Center.
USS Wisconsin and the Nauticus Museum
Wisconsin is a World War II-era battleship that has been preserved as a museum. You can tour the ship’s deck and interior, and it also hosts special events, such as reenactments or lectures. The ship is next to Nauticus, a marine science museum that has a large collection of aquatic life and artifacts.
You can tour the ship and museum, but you’ll have to pay for both attractions if you want to enter the ship. Wisconsin and Nauticus are open every day and have the same hours. Admission to the ship is free, while admission to the museum costs around $22 for adults and $11 for children.
Conclusion
These are the top five attractions you can’t miss when visiting Norfolk. To help you plan your trip, you can check out the weather forecast, the average vacation cost, and what events are happening while you’re there.
When you’re ready to book your trip, you can find cheap flights and hotels using our guide. And remember when you’re visiting a new city, you have to try the local food.
So don’t forget to sample the famous Virginia clam chowder and the sweet Virginian peanuts while you’re there!
Now that you know what to see and do in Norfolk, it’s time to start planning your trip. Get yourself a flight or book your hotels and rental cars. And don’t forget to explore the city and eat the local food. You’ll see why so many people love visiting Norfolk.
