Norfolk, Virginia: Maritime History And Much More To See

Home to the world’s largest naval base and the North American headquarters for NATO, Norfolk, Virginia is renowned for its Navy presence. Here you’ll find a plethora of historical maritime attractions, from the Battleship Wisconsin to an iconic three-masted topsail schooner. With 144 miles of shoreline, Norfolk is perfectly situated for water activities like kayaking, sailing, boating and sprawling on the sand for a relaxing beach day.

However, Norfolk is so much more than nautical activities. It’s also where landlubbers can walk or bike a 10.5 mile-long pathway, explore a nationally recognized botanical garden or soak in the city’s rich and proudly diverse culture that flows through its museums, burgeoning performing and virtual arts scenes and fabulous festivals. Whether exploring the Elizabeth River Trail, wandering among blossoms at the Norfolk Botanical Garden, visiting over 700 species at the Virginia Zoo, cheering on the Norfolk Tides or learning about the city’s fascinating architecture or vivid murals through a walking tour, there’s also plenty to do on land.

The passion and creativity of local chefs, bakers and makers truly shine through Norfolk’s dynamic culinary scene. All within city limits, diners can indulge in plump oysters from nearby estuaries, farm-to-table fare, eclectic cuisine and delicate pastries, plus exceptional varieties of Virginia wines and beers, craft cocktails and specialty coffees. Equally imaginative is Norfolk’s shopping scene, from antiques and locally crafted wares to the finest fashion and furniture. Whether visiting to learn, work, play or stay, Norfolk welcomes visitors to chart their course and experience as much of this unique city as possible.

Chrysler Museum of Art

The museum has nearly 100 galleries with 30,000 works of art from around the world. The museum is also home to one of the world’s largest glass art collections, holding more than 10,000 glass objects spanning over 3,000 years.

Perry Glass Studio

Opened in 2011 as an extension of the Chrysler Museum of Art, The Perry Glass Studio showcases the art of glass blowing first hand through free demonstrations and hands on classes. Glass artists walk you through the steps and process necessary to create the beautiful art pieces you see throughout the galleries and museums in the city.

Glass Light Hotel & Gallery

Nestled on Granby Street in Downtown is the Glass Light Hotel and Gallery which houses hundreds of glass art pieces from both local and world-renowned artists. The Gallery itself is a museum inside the hotel that is open to the public and features 65 rotating glass art pieces appointed exclusively from the Perry Glass Art Collection.

Nauticus

Home to The Battleship Wisconsin, a U.S. Navy ship that served in WWII, the Korean War and the Gulf War, Nauticus is an iconic landmark and museum in the center of downtown. Nauticus focuses on all things maritime with an emphasis on interactive exhibits that encourage visitors to learn more about the importance of the maritime industry.

American Rover

This red-masted topsail schooner resides in downtown Norfolk, making it an icon of the waterfront. They offer three different types of cruises, a hands-on sailing adventure, harbor cruise and sunset cruise.

NEON (New Energy Of Norfolk) District

Initially a grassroots initiative, Norfolk’s NEON (New Energy Of Norfolk) Arts District has grown immensely over the past few years and now encompasses multiple blocks filled with vibrant murals, striking sculptures, live entertainment and locally sourced culinary experiences. In just a few hours, visitors can explore over 80 works of public art and stroll through long-time cultural institutions with iconic collections.

Norfolk Botanical Gardens

Nationally recognized for its deep-rooted history and celebrated for its blooms in every season, the 175-acre garden is home to 52 distinctive themed gardens, 95 species of birds and 30 kinds of butterflies. The Garden is also undergoing a renovation to create the Garden of Tomorrow.

The Elizabeth River Trail

Norfolk’s 10.5-mile-long walkable and bikeable pathway takes you through multiple Norfolk neighborhoods. You can experience the ERT by bike, scooter or your own two feet. With Lime scooters scattered throughout the city, you can easily hop on and off the trail from just about any location. Renting bicycles at Pedego, located in Downtown Norfolk, is also an option to explore.