What to do in Norfolk, VA

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Norfolk

Types of activities

Where to stay

Norfolk travel guide

Hermitage Museum and Gardens showing a house

Douglas MacArthur Memorial showing a statue or sculpture and heritage elements

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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Recommended things to do in Norfolk

Number of things to do	5
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia	Awesome Bar Crawl in Norfolk: £12
Top 5 things to do	City Cruises Norfolk: Signature Dinner Cruise Visit Norfolk's Perk Up Pass Awesome Bar Crawl in Norfolk Norfolk Scavenger Hunt: Mystery of Norfolk University Scavenger Hunt Pirates' Plunder at Hampton University
Half-day tours	City Cruises Norfolk: Signature Dinner Cruise Awesome Bar Crawl in Norfolk Norfolk Scavenger Hunt: Mystery of Norfolk University Scavenger Hunt Pirates' Plunder at Hampton University
With kids	City Cruises Norfolk: Signature Dinner Cruise Awesome Bar Crawl in Norfolk Norfolk Scavenger Hunt: Mystery of Norfolk University Scavenger Hunt Pirates' Plunder at Hampton University

What to do in Norfolk

Popular places to visit

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.

Old Dominion University

Enjoy the student vibe at Old Dominion University during your visit to Norfolk. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.

Norfolk State University

Enjoy the student vibe at Norfolk State University during your visit to Norfolk. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.

Waterside Festival Marketplace featuring signage and a sunset

Waterside District

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

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.

Virginia Zoo

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

Chrysler Hall

Lovers of the arts, including the symphony and theatrical shows, will appreciate this revered performing arts center, the heart of the city’s cultural life.

Norfolk Botanical Garden

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

Norfolk_SentaraNorfolkGeneral_6083079_02

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital

If Sentara Norfolk General Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Norfolk.

Explore areas of Norfolk

Downtown Norfolk

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

Aerial view looking east of the beach at Ocean View in Norfolk

East Ocean View

If you're spending some time in East Ocean View, Norfolk Beaches and Chesapeake Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Bayview

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

Willoughby Spit

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

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.

Cottage Park

If you're spending some time in Cottage Park, Norfolk Beaches and Chesapeake Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

Day trip destinations from Norfolk

1.5 miles around. No swimming. But a playground for the kiddos, dog friendly and tons of fishing spots :)

Chesapeake

Portsmouth

Virginia Beach

Frequently asked questions

Is Norfolk worth visiting?

Norfolk offers a unique mix of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or local culinary flavours, there's plenty to enjoy here.

How do I spend a day in Norfolk?

Kick your day off with a visit to Virginia Zoo and Ocean View Beach. Then, explore different areas of Norfolk for local dining and a little retail therapy.

What is the top tourist attraction in Norfolk?

The top tourist attraction in Norfolk is Virginia Zoo, so make sure to add it to your sightseeing agenda.

Is three days enough to stay in Norfolk?

You can easily tour leading attractions like Virginia Zoo, Town Point Park and Chrysler Museum of Art with a three-day break in Norfolk. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a while longer and check out Norfolk - Virginia Beach.

Is Norfolk a walkable city?

It all depends on what you'd like to do and see in Norfolk. Several attractions, such as Virginia Zoo and Town Point Park, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Norfolk's best neighbourhoods, Downtown Norfolk is 0.32 kms (0.20 miles) away from downtown, while Norfolk Auto Row Historic District is 2 kms (1 mile) away from the centre and also within walking distance.

What are some activities to do in Norfolk with kids?

Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities sets the tone for a great escape. Browse our ideas for what to do in Norfolk with kids.

What to do in Norfolk for adults?

Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or thrill seeker, there are loads of things to do in Norfolk for adults including L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Centre and Norfolk NEX.

Are there free things to do in Norfolk?

In Norfolk, Town Point Park is a top spot for anyone planning to tour the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, stroll around the local neighbourhoods and parks, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's an easy way to learn about the best free things to do in Norfolk.