Norfolk, VA

Travel Guide
Hermitage Museum and Gardens showing a house
At this attractive waterfront city discover extensive beaches of fine sands and a long and distinguished naval history and heritage.

Norfolk is a place where the water is never too far away. This attractive port city lies on the Elizabeth River at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay and is the home of the world's largest naval base. Visit Norfolk to explore maritime heritage, set sail on the water and unwind on attractive beaches.

Go on a guided tour of Naval Station Norfolk and see aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships and other naval craft. Head to the downtown waterfront for Nauticus, a marine-themed science area, and step onboard the USS Wisconsin, a retired battleship. Enjoy a harbor cruise on the three-masted American Rover schooner.

Whether you visit Norfolk with or without children, the Virginia Zoological Park makes for a great day or half-day out. See animals from several continents, including Africa and North America. Follow the Trail of the Tiger, go on a walk through the Australian outback and explore the world of reptiles.

Enjoy more nature at the Norfolk Botanical Garden, a colorful and fragrant wonderland of themed gardens.

Drive approximately 18 miles (29 kilometers) east of the city for the white sandy beaches and waterways of Virginia Beach. Sunbathe, take part in water sports and enjoy the views, outdoor restaurants and shops of the 3-mile (5-kilometer) Virginia Beach Boardwalk.

If you can pull yourself away from the oceanfront, travel to some of Norfolk's other attractions. Observe some of the thousands of marine creatures representing more than 300 species at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. Breathe in the fresh air as you hike along the trails of First Landing State Park where English colonists landed in 1607. Nearby is Cape Henry Lighthouse climb up this late 18th-century tower for delightful views of Chesapeake Bay. The newer, 19th-century lighthouse is closed to the public.

For dining options, try the restaurants of the Waterside District, a dining and entertainment complex on the banks of the river.

To get to Norfolk, drive, arrive by train or fly into Norfolk International Airport. Travel to beaches, nautical sites and family-friendly attractions by car or public transportation.

Where to stay in Norfolk

Quality Suites Lake Wright - Norfolk Airport
Quality Suites Lake Wright - Norfolk Airport
3 out of 5
6280 Northampton Blvd, Norfolk, VA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $76 per night from Oct 22 to Oct 23
$76
per night
Oct 22 - Oct 23
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Norfolk. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Virginia Beach Town Center and ...
5.6/10 (1,004 reviews)
"The entrance and stairs we used smelt terrible,was full of water and looked like it had not been cleaned in a while. The room had dirty wash cloths left in it and saw roachs in the bathroom as we were leaving"

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2023

Quality Suites Lake Wright - Norfolk Airport
Delta Hotels by Marriott Norfolk Airport
Delta Hotels by Marriott Norfolk Airport
3.5 out of 5
1570 N Military Hwy, Norfolk, VA
The price is $140 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
$140
per night
Oct 5 - Oct 6
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Norfolk. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Virginia Beach Town Center and Norfolk ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"The room got hot at nights, and there was a hole in the bathroom were the towels go. Other than that it had great water pressure and well equipped."

Reviewed on Sep 18, 2023

Delta Hotels by Marriott Norfolk Airport
Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel
Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel
3.5 out of 5
777 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA
The price is $118 per night from Oct 2 to Oct 3
$118
per night
Oct 2 - Oct 3
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Norfolk. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"The parking situation should have been better. You had to pay to park and it was pretty far to be hauling suitcases. The parking should have cost less."

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2023

Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Beach Cottage Surf Suite
Beach Cottage Surf Suite
Norfolk
Stay at this apartment in Norfolk. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a TV. Popular attractions Naval Station Norfolk and Norfolk Beaches are located nearby. Discover ...
8/10 Very Good! (17 reviews)
Great
"Great stay"

Reviewed on Sep 6, 2023

Beach Cottage Surf Suite
Cozy Suite at the Beach
Cozy Suite at the Beach
Norfolk
Stay at this beach cottage in Norfolk. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Naval Station Norfolk and Oceanview Fishing Pier ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (51 reviews)
Great Weekend Getaway for 2 Adults and a Dog
"We had a great stay at this property for 3 nights. It is a perfect fit for two adults and a dog and was right around the corner from the ocean. The bed and bathtub were absolutely wonderful! I appreciated the communication from owners and had an easy, peaceful weekend. Thanks!"

Reviewed on Jun 7, 2023

Cozy Suite at the Beach
Gorgeous Remodeled Ranch Home 10 Min from Downtown Nor & VB
Gorgeous Remodeled Ranch Home 10 Min from Downtown Nor & VB
Norfolk
Stay at this vacation home in Norfolk. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and an onsite playground. Popular attractions Virginia Beach Town Center and Gallery ...
10/10 Exceptional! (26 reviews)
Nice quiet neighborhood
"The property was very spacious in a quiet neighborhood. There were plenty of amenities also."

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2023

Gorgeous Remodeled Ranch Home 10 Min from Downtown Nor & VB
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Norfolk

4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
301
" "5 - Excellent 26.899016979445936%
4 - Good
545
" "4 - Good 48.70420017873101%
3 - Okay
236
" "3 - Okay 21.090259159964255%
2 - Disappointing
27
" "2 - Disappointing 2.4128686327077746%
1 - Terrible
10
" "1 - Terrible 0.8936550491510277%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jun 3, 2020

Its ok!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
May 24, 2020

I liked the eateries and entertainment at Virginia Beach.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Apr 25, 2020

Okay stay

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler
Mar 16, 2020

not a clean area sketchy

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Mar 2, 2020

You have to take an interstate to go anywhere.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Feb 18, 2020

Too many tolls!

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