Norfolk, VA

Travel Guide

Norfolk which includes a garden
Hermitage Museum and Gardens showing a house
Norfolk showing a bay or harbor
Douglas MacArthur Memorial showing a statue or sculpture and heritage elements
Waterside Festival Marketplace which includes signage as well as a family
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

Ocean View

Ocean View

While Ocean View might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Ocean View Beach and Norfolk Beaches.

Ocean View
Moses Myers House showing a city and a house

Downtown Norfolk

4.5/5(103 area reviews)

Downtown Norfolk boasts a historic district, upscale shopping at MacArthur Center, and notable attractions like Nauticus and the USS Wisconsin. Trendy restaurants and bars can be found on Granby Street, offering a sophisticated nightlife experience.

Downtown Norfolk
The last of the summer beach days.

East Ocean View

Though East Ocean View might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Norfolk Botanical Garden and Norfolk Beaches.

East Ocean View
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Willoughby Spit

3.5/5(51 area reviews)

While visiting Willoughby Spit, you might make a stop by sights like Oceanview Fishing Pier and Norfolk Beaches.

Willoughby Spit
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Bayview

While Bayview might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Norfolk Beaches and Ocean View Beach.

Bayview
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Fleet

4/5(58 area reviews)

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

Fleet
Norfolk Waterside Marriott
Norfolk Waterside Marriott
3.5 out of 5
235 E Main St, Norfolk, VA
$143 nightly
The price is $169 total per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
$169 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Norfolk. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
Parking disappointment but hotel excellent
"Great location to the District. And the hotel was a great place..but for the amount of the hotel there should be a free parking past..for 2 days it was an extra $40 that was unexpected"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Norfolk Waterside Marriott
Quality Suites Lake Wright - Norfolk Airport
Quality Suites Lake Wright - Norfolk Airport
3 out of 5
1521 Premium Outlets Blvd, Norfolk, VA
$89 nightly
The price is $105 total per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
$105 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Norfolk. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Norfolk Premium Outlets and Waterside ...
5.2/10 (1,000 reviews)
"It’s a great place to visit n travel with family theirs a lot of stores n restaurants near by n also it’s a very clean place"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Quality Suites Lake Wright - Norfolk Airport
Days Inn by Wyndham Norfolk Military Circle
Days Inn by Wyndham Norfolk Military Circle
2 out of 5
5701 Chambers St, Norfolk, VA
$60 nightly
The price is $72 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$72 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Norfolk. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Norfolk Premium Outlets and Waterside ...
5.2/10 (1,004 reviews)
"The property is in disrepair, one of the elevators is working, the other one is operating at one third of the speed of tge first one. The TV wasn't operational, and maintenence came much later than promised, and repaired it twice. The AC unit is operating but the cover is broken. Room had three (!) ..."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Norfolk Military Circle
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.
Cozy Historic Beach House only Steps Away from Beach and Fishing Pier!
Cozy Historic Beach House only Steps Away from Beach and Fishing Pier!
Norfolk
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Norfolk. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Buckroe Beach and Park and Oceanview Fishing ...
9/10 Wonderful! (64 reviews)
Mini getaway
"Everything was perfect, a short walk to the beach, getting things delivered was easy, overall the perfect place to stay"

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

Cozy Historic Beach House only Steps Away from Beach and Fishing Pier!
Cozy Frog on the Beach! 2-bedroom Efficiency w/ Beach Access, WiFi, Smart TV
Cozy Frog on the Beach! 2-bedroom Efficiency w/ Beach Access, WiFi, Smart TV
Norfolk
Stay at this vacation home in Norfolk. Enjoy a beach locale and air conditioning. Popular attractions Norfolk Beaches and Community Beach are located ...
Bare Minimum
"Property is perfect for several college students on a shoe string budget."

Reviewed on May 25, 2025

Cozy Frog on the Beach! 2-bedroom Efficiency w/ Beach Access, WiFi, Smart TV
Your own private beach with this charming 3-bedroom beachfront house!
Your own private beach with this charming 3-bedroom beachfront house!
Norfolk
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Norfolk. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Norfolk Premium Outlets and Norfolk Beaches ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
Great place!
"We had a great time staying here! The beach house had all the beach essentials we needed--towels, kayaks, paddleboards, etc. It had everything in the kitchen we needed to prepare meals at the house and was in a great location. The property manager was very responsive and check-in/out was very easy. ..."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Your own private beach with this charming 3-bedroom beachfront house!
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

Things to do

Reviews of Norfolk

4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
301
5 - Excellent 27%
4 - Good
545
4 - Good 49%
3 - Okay
236
3 - Okay 21%
2 - Disappointing
27
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
10
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Its ok!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

I liked the eateries and entertainment at Virginia Beach.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Okay stay

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

not a clean area sketchy

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

You have to take an interstate to go anywhere.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Too many tolls!

Cities near Norfolk