Located on Virginia's coast, this naval city includes America's largest military base, the Chrysler Museum of Art, and miles of Atlantic beaches. A key port with deep maritime roots.
Norfolk, Virginia's third-largest city, sits at the heart of the Hampton Roads region where the Elizabeth River meets the Chesapeake Bay. Walk through the 19th-century Freemason district's cobblestone streets, explore over 30,000 artworks at the Chrysler Museum of Art, or step aboard the Battleship Wisconsin at Nauticus maritime center. You can attend concerts and festivals at Town Point Park or wander through 155 acres of themed gardens at the Norfolk Botanical Garden.
Getting Around Norfolk's Waterfront
Three bridge-tunnel complexes connect Norfolk's downtown waterfront to neighboring cities. You can walk along Waterside Drive to reach Town Point Park, where the Harborfest maritime festival happens each June and the International Azalea Festival blooms every April. The 10.5-mile Elizabeth River Trail takes you through multiple neighborhoods, with stops at waterfront viewpoints and local breweries in the Chelsea and Railroad districts.
Museums and Cultural Institutions
At the Chrysler Museum of Art, you'll find contemporary paintings, photography, and one of America's largest glass art collections, including works by Tiffany and Chihuly. Step inside Nauticus to explore working aquariums and interactive exhibits about naval history, or climb aboard the Battleship Wisconsin. The MacArthur Memorial preserves General Douglas MacArthur's personal items in the 19th-century courthouse, including his corncob pipe and military medals, while its research library holds over 2 million documents.
Norfolk's Historic Districts
Walk the tree-lined streets of the Freemason neighborhood to see Norfolk's oldest buildings, including Georgian-style homes built in the 1790s. The NEON (New Energy of Norfolk) district transforms industrial buildings into art spaces, with over 87 murals and sculptures decorating building walls and sidewalks. Ghent's streets are lined with early 20th-century homes, independent bookstores, art galleries, and antique shops.
Sports and Recreation
Watch the Norfolk Tides play Triple-A baseball at Harbor Park, a 12,067-seat stadium overlooking the Elizabeth River. The Norfolk Admirals play ECHL hockey at the Norfolk Scope arena downtown. Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University compete in Division I sports, including football and basketball. The Norfolk Botanical Garden has 60 themed gardens, including a 3-acre rose garden with 3,000 plants. Take a 2-mile canal boat tour through the property to see seasonal blooms and native wildlife.
