Norfolk VA is a land of incredible diversity, with something to offer everyone who visits. There are many great places to visit in this city, but if you are looking for the ultimate Norfolk VA experience, then you need to head to one of the places below. Whichever part of Norfolk VA you choose to visit, you’re sure to have an amazing time.
The Best Place to Visit in Norfolk VA
Norfolk Botanical Garden
- Address: 6700 Azalea Garden Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (6871)
- Phone: +1 757-441-5830
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Top 15 Tourist Attractions in Norfolk VA
Virginia Zoo
- Address: 3500 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23504, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (6701)
- Phone: +1 757-441-2374
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PMTuesday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PMWednesday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PMThursday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PMFriday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PMSaturday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PMSunday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Reviews:
This is a nice Zoo with a variety of animals for a family or couple to enjoy. The prices for admission are reasonable and I even received a discount for showing my college identity card. There is a cool little train ride that is great for kids and a fountain area near the entrance to cool you off. Some animals were not visible or were out of their exhibits but that was mainly due to the heat.By Brett Stroup (4 months ago)Came here at the beginning of August with my boyfriend and his sister and we had a great time. They had some very cool and interesting animals including lions, tigers, giraffes and rhinos and more. There were some enclosures that we didn’t see any animals in which was kind of disappointing but other than that we all had fun and would definitely come back again. I loved the giraffe exhibit and how they had it where you can be up close to the giraffes face/head and see them eating. And they have a college student discount on zoo tickets as long as you bring your valid school idBy Nicole Flood (2 months ago)I love this zoo. My parents used to bring me here as a child and I have such fond memories of those visits. I still enjoy it now. It’s a well designed zoo with basically a single route through all of the exhibits. My wife and I can walk it easily in several hours and grab lunch about halfway through. Compared to the national zoo in DC and the Baltimore zoo I actually prefer this one for both exhibits and size. If you are in the area you should pay it a visit.By Kgrayson82 (7 months ago)There are a lot of reviews saying that you never see any animals. In reality, the zoo is a natural habitat facility like many zoos that care about their animals. You have to look hard to see many of the animals as they hide in the foliage. Also, the animals are usually hiding inside or in the shade when it gets hot. Go early in the morning when they first open and you can catch them just after they feed. We saw several babies…giraffes, rhino, and one of the smaller apes. The tiger, zebras, and orangutans we’re viewable if you wander around the exhibit and look through one of the many windows. A lot of the birds were off exhibit due to avian flu danger. There’s a small train ride you can take for $3 each, but you don’t get a good view of the animals. What you do get is a great commentary about the zoo, it’s animals and various programs. The reptile house is one of the best I’ve ever seen in the many zoos I’ve visited over the years. It keeps on going with all kinds of lizards, snakes, turtles, frogs, fish, and views of the lab areas. Definitely worth going through if you want to get real close to pythons, and other things that will kill you if you meet them in the wild.By Dennis s (2 months ago)Lovely zoo. $18 ages 12+, $15 ages 2-11. Lots of parking spaces in the lot.
Exhibits are clean and well-kept. Particularly the open giraffe and rhino exhibits were great. We also really enjoyed the reptile area which is near the exit…a lot of interesting things in there that you can get pretty close to.
Café (the one opened at the time) was about average, both in food and prices, for what you’d expect for a zoo. ($5 hot dog, $7 chicken tenders, $5 fries, $8 hamburger, $3-5 drinks)
All staff members were very nice.
By Jason Persaud (5 months ago)
USS Wisconsin BB-64
- Address: 1 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (4973)
- Phone: +1 757-664-1000
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: ClosedTuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM
- Reviews:
This was such an awesome experience! I’ve never been on a WWII Battleship before. The experience is two parts – naval history museum and the battleship. You can do guided tours or just walk the ship on your own. They’ve done a great job preserving this piece of history as well as describing the ship and life aboard it. I highly recommend this. Plus it’s a very affordable experience. All in all an excellent piece of military history!!By Brad Harris (a month ago)This ship holds so many secrets. I am a lead investigator for Haunted Nights Paranormal Events and we booked a private paranormal investigation for the night. Had a sold out crowd and everyone had a blast. The curators were very informative about the history of the ship and showing us all of the history that took place on that ship. Little needs to be said that there was great paranormal activity and can’t wait to go back. Thanks to the staff for keeping a beautiful ship beautiful.By Derek Morris (6 months ago)This was a very informative attraction and display. I like the fact that they have tour guides to take you around and describe the workings of the boat. Behind the scenes is definitely the way to go and don’t forget to go inside the gun to it. Never living on a ship this gives you a good perspective how daily life was.By Warren Edwards (4 weeks ago)A very informative self tour through a once operational battery ship. The teenagers loved it! There was a great indoor science center as well for young and old.
Heads up: Getting down to the different levels isn’t possible from what I saw if you are handicapped, too young, or unable to climb up and down steep ladders.By atina tinkham (6 months ago)A fantastic experience – both the museum and the ship. Our volunteer tour guide (an army artillery captain) put on a great show and was extremely knowledgeable. After our tour because he saw my extreme interest he continued around the ship with me explaining various additional things beyond the tour and telling some wonderful stories. Strongly recommend to visitors of all ages.By Zachary White (9 months ago)
Town Point Park
- Address: 113 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (2649)
- Phone: +1 757-441-2345
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PMWednesday: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PMThursday: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PMFriday: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PMSaturday: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PMSunday: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PM
- Reviews:
Great events are happening there, the harbor festival is the best.
A big thanks to Norfolk Police and the Coast Guards and other first responders for the outstanding work that makes everybody feel safe, particularly this year (2022).By Christophe L (5 months ago)Love Town Point Park and all the festivals that take place there! Well maintained and just so nice to have some greenery downtown by the water to sit and relax! I just have night photos but still wanted to share ?By Ofé (5 months ago)Beautiful waterfront park. Great place to watch the yachts and other boats to come in. Nice boardwalk for a stroll Or just relax. Plenty of Porta potty’s plenty of street parking as well as a parking garage across the street. Well-maintained. Places to explore if you have the timeBy Valerie D (a month ago)Had a really nice time at the Harborfest. Perfect weather. Nice crowd. Bring your own snacks and drinks next time because lines are long for refreshments. The bands were excellent. And the fireworks over the harbor after dark were the perfect way to end the festivities. Plus the indoor restroom at the convention center nearby was clean!By jeanettesdaughter (5 months ago)So much fun and right next to the water. Plenty of room and the events here are amazing! Definitely recommend.By Josh H (5 months ago)
Ocean View Beach Park
- Address: 100 W Ocean View Ave, Norfolk, VA 23503, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (2514)
- Phone: +1 757-441-1767
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PMWednesday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PMThursday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PMFriday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PMSaturday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PMSunday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Reviews:
Went today for 4 hours and it was amazing. Nice beach with playground & loads are room for kids to play. Lots of families were enjoying their day in the sun as well. We will definitely return. I recommend this place to anyone local or passing through ???By Ashley H (5 months ago)Absolutely beautiful. Love sitting on the beach here watching the sun rise in the mornings listening to the waves moving in & out. Very peaceful in the mornings with very few people during the early mornings. I can see my feet even when out waist deep. Nice clear water. Not blue but still clear enough to see through.By T.C. (4 months ago)Parking is ok when several people are leaving along with others trying to come in there was no room and we had a couple of close encounters. The restrooms were not maintained, and I certain it is because the city allowed the two or three homeless men setup in the area. Other than that our experience at the beach was good.By quiet poet (6 months ago)This is actually a really convenient way to be on the water without dealing with the VA Beach craziness. Took the kids (6, 5, and 3) and they loved it. Really low-key, plenty of parking and seating, and a nice view of the pier. The restrooms and showers are closed right now, but when they open back up it’ll be even better!!By Mindy Hodgin (a year ago)Place to relax and have fun.
You can try walking in the sand barefoot for 20 minutes every day, you will lose weight.By Winner Ashley (3 months ago)
Chrysler Museum
- Address: Chrysler Museum of Art, 1 Memorial Pl, Norfolk, VA 23510, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (2470)
Nauticus
- Address: 1 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (1056)
Hermitage Museum and Gardens
- Address: 7637 N Shore Rd, Norfolk, VA 23505, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (723)
Hampton Roads Naval Museum
- Address: 1 Waterside Dr Suite 248, Norfolk, VA 23510, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (174)
Plum Point Park
- Address: Norfolk, VA 23507, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (147)
Hunter House Victorian Museum
- Address: 240 W Freemason St, Norfolk, VA 23510, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (119)
Elizabeth River Trail
- Address: The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation, 101 W Main St #1000A, Norfolk, VA 23510, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (104)
MacArthur Memorial
- Address: 198 Bank St, Norfolk, VA 23510, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (95)
Weyanoke Bird and Wildflower Sanctuary
- Address: 1509 Armistead Bridge Rd, Norfolk, VA 23507, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (72)
Moses Myers House
- Address: 323 E Freemason St, Norfolk, VA 23510, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.9 (60)
Pagoda & Oriental Garden
- Address: 265 W Tazewell St, Norfolk, VA 23510, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (57)
Norfolk VA is a world-famous tourist destination, and it’s no wonder why. Here is our list of the top 15 best place to visit in Norfolk VA – based on expert opinions and customer reviews. Did your favorite spot make the cut? Let us know in the comments above!
My family LOVES the gardens! It’s so beautiful and relaxing. There’s tons of space so you don’t have to worry about going shoulder-to-shoulder with other people. A nice place to take your kids for a peaceful walk. During the summer they have their splash pads open in their children’s garden and have a little area for babies too and the trees and flowers are absolutely beautiful! They also have little houses for kids to venture through and huge sand hill as well! Definitely worth the yearly membership!
Love the botanical gardens! Will be back for a doggy Sunday walk or to enjoy the cafe patio. The last few times I’ve been was to drive through and see the Christmas light displays, so it was interesting to walk the grounds. The botanical gardens are HUGE! Definitely take your time strolling and try to catch the circuit shuttle. Spent some time picnicking under the cherry trees, very peaceful. There are ground bee projects around the area, though the bugs didn’t bother us.
Absolutely stunning! Splash pad was great too cool off after walking. The gardens were breathtaking. The art was beautiful and inspiring. The yard games were fun. The cafe was delicious! The tour was lovely once it started raining. We didn’t even see everything. This was so well priced for everything you get and I’m really hope we come back and visit next year to finish looking at the rest of them!
Beautiful gardens. Well maintained with something to see every season of the year. Expansive space makes it easy to get a long walk in. Lots of shade from the forest my areas means you can plan your walk to be a little cooler on hot days. The rose garden, indoor greenhouse with orchids and the bonsai gardens are probably my favorite must see attractions. Sundays are dog friendly. I go to the gardens all the time. You must check them out!!!
Beautiful, large botanical gardens. Wonderful variety of local and exotic floral. You just feel happy walking around this beautiful garden.
We spent several hours here, there is ample parking, a nice visitor center with multiple bathrooms on site throughout the gardens. There’s a gift shop, and tour guides available. We did speak with several garden employees, all. We’re very friendly and knowledgeable about the different species of plants. The garden was very clean, fragrant, and just plain lovely. Went during the summer months early in the morning before it got warm. It did take several hours, and I’m not even sure if we saw it all. There are many maps throughout the gardens to help you navigate grounds, and you do receive a paper copy when you enter through the gate. The gardens itself is very child friendly, with a large children’s garden with interactive splash pads and a center. This would definitely be a cool place to take toddlers to spend the day. We took our two school age children and they enjoyed it very much. They had a good time learning about the plants, exploring the grounds, and also viewing the planes taking off on the other side of the gardens.
Would recommend bringing some water, wearing good shoes, and spending several hours here to truly explore the whole thing.