What to do in Norfolk, VA

Activities, attractions and tours
Norfolk

Norfolk Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Norfolk has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Norfolk, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Norfolk with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Norfolk

Norfolk is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Norfolk, and make it a breeze to explore Norfolk and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Norfolk to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Norfolk, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Norfolk.

Norfolk attractions

Norfolk has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Norfolk to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Norfolk.

Looking for things to do in Norfolk can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Norfolk or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Norfolk attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Top places to visit

1. Naval Station Norfolk

Get close to destroyers, aircraft carriers, amphibious assault vehicles, submarines and frigates by taking a bus tour of Naval Station Norfolk. Navy personnel narrate details of vessels, their histories and roles, as well as providing a few insights into life at this sprawling military base.
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Tour the world’s largest naval complex and see some of the U.S. Navy’s most powerful ships.

2. Waterside District

Near the mouth of the Elizabeth River, visit Waterside Marketplace, a covered site that is filled with all types of stores and eating places. The modern building is recognizable by its wide two-story silhouette right in front of the river. Enter the site from the street side and browse among the various restaurants and shops. Step outs on the southwest side to enjoy the riverfront views and amenities.
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A riverside district with restaurants, bars and nightclubs stands beside a scenic park and promenade with cycle and running lanes.

3. Norfolk Botanical Garden

Covering 155 acres (63 hectares), Norfolk Botanical Garden is filled with thousands of plants spread across many themed gardens.
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Norfolk Botanical Garden featuring a garden, a pond and landscape views

4. Virginia Zoo

Treat the family to a day of wild animal adventures. Virginia Zoo’s 53 acres (21 hectares) are home to more than 400 animals, representing over 100 species including lions, elephants, snakes and bears. Species from Asia, Africa, Australia and North America reside in habitats similar to their native environments.
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Virginia Zoo which includes a statue or sculpture, signage and zoo animals

5. USS Wisconsin BB-64

At 887 feet (270 meters) in length, the USS Wisconsin is one of the largest battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy. The vessel first saw active duty in the Pacific in 1943 and was last used in a foreign war in Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
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USS Wisconsin BB-64 showing military items

Recommended things to do in Norfolk

Number of things to do
24
Things to do from
£8
Cheapest thing to do
Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Portsmouth by Operation City Quest
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

Popular places to visit

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Naval Station Norfolk

4/5(1 review)

Tour the world’s largest naval complex and see some of the U.S. Navy’s most powerful ships.

Naval Station Norfolk
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Old Dominion University

Enjoy the student vibe at Old Dominion University during your visit to Norfolk. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.

Old Dominion University
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Waterside District

A riverside district with restaurants, bars and nightclubs stands beside a scenic park and promenade with cycle and running lanes.

Waterside District
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Norfolk Scope

Catch an event at Norfolk Scope during your trip to Norfolk. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.

Norfolk Scope
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Norfolk Botanical Garden

Walk among azaleas, camellias and rosebushes. Watch pelicans in flight and absorb the scents of exotic blooms.

Norfolk Botanical Garden
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Virginia Zoo

A popular zoo as famous for its wild kingdom of animals as it is for an outstanding collection of themed gardens.

Virginia Zoo
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USS Wisconsin BB-64

Walk the decks and corridors of a World War II battleship, a floating fortress that also saw action in the Korean and Gulf Wars.

USS Wisconsin BB-64
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Nauticus National Maritime Center

5/5(1 review)

Learn, touch and observe at the waterfront maritime science museum dedicated to Norfolk’s naval history.

Nauticus National Maritime Center
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Town Point Park

Escape to an urban waterfront park for relaxation, historic appreciation and hours of fun-filled activities.

Town Point Park

Explore areas of Norfolk

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Ocean View

While there might not be top attractions in Ocean View, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Ocean View Beach and Norfolk Beaches.

Ocean View
Moses Myers House featuring a house and a city

Downtown Norfolk

If you're spending time in Downtown Norfolk, check out sights like The NorVa or Chrysler Hall and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Monticello Station or MacArthur Square Station.

Downtown Norfolk
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East Ocean View

When in East Ocean View, you can plan a visit to Norfolk Botanical Garden and Norfolk Beaches, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

East Ocean View
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Willoughby Spit

If you're spending some time in Willoughby Spit, Norfolk Beaches and Oceanview Fishing Pier are top sights worth seeing.

Willoughby Spit
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Bayview

While Bayview isn't home to many top sights, Norfolk Beaches and Ocean View Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Bayview
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Fleet

Fleet is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Naval Station Norfolk and Norfolk NEX.

Fleet

Day trip destinations from Norfolk

Chesapeake

Chesapeake

Portsmouth

Portsmouth

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach