Things to do in Norfolk

Things to do in  Norfolk

Nautical and nice

Situated on the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay and home to Naval Station Norfolk (the world’s largest naval base), one of the top things to do in Norfolk is explore the waterfront. Nauticus, a maritime discovery center, is a good place to get introduced—in addition to its nautical exhibitions, it hosts the USS Wisconsin, the last battleship constructed in the US. Things culminate each year at Harborfest in June, which offers tall ships, live performances, and all-you-can-eat blue crab. For a cultural break, venture to the Chrysler Art Museum and historical neighborhoods such as Ghent.

Learn more

Top 2 attractions in Norfolk

#1

USS Wisconsin

star-3.523
Experience military and maritime history aboard the USS Wisconsin, one of the biggest battleships ever built. Having been through three wars, “Wisky” now serves as a floating museum docked next to the Nauticus Maritime Center in Norfolk.More
Tours & Tickets
#2

Virginia Living Museum

star-4.528
Visit the Virginia Living Museum to escape the static setting of your average museum. Instead, the zoo-like natural heritage site comes alive with interactive and educational displays of native animals and plants. View endangered wildlife, touch live marine creatures, and explore the region’s distant past on the Dinosaur Discovery Trail.More
Tours & Tickets

Explore Norfolk by interest

Top activities in Norfolk

Limousine Transportation....Round Trip Pick-Up and Drop-Off Special.

Limousine Transportation....Round Trip Pick-Up and Drop-Off Special.

From
$384.00
per group
Electric Bike Rental Downtown Norfolk (self guided tour)

Electric Bike Rental Downtown Norfolk (self guided tour)

star-5
38
From
$60.00
Skip the Line: Virginia Living Museum Admission Ticket

Skip the Line: Virginia Living Museum Admission Ticket

star-4.5
28
From
$22.39
Norfolk Mother's Day Signature Dinner Cruise

Norfolk Mother's Day Signature Dinner Cruise

star-4.5
68
From
$175.60
Norfolk's Passport to Fun Admission Tickets and Savings

Norfolk's Passport to Fun Admission Tickets and Savings

star-4
15
From
$37.32
Neon District Contemporary Art Walking Tour

Neon District Contemporary Art Walking Tour

star-3.5
2
From
$32.00
Nutty Norfolk Scavenger Hunt
Special Offer

Nutty Norfolk Scavenger Hunt

star-5
1
From
$21.60
$27.00  $5.40 savings
Scavenger Hunt in Norfolk by 3Quest Challenge

Scavenger Hunt in Norfolk by 3Quest Challenge

From
$10.00
Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Newport News by Zombie Scavengers

Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Newport News by Zombie Scavengers

star-5
1
From
$20.00
per group
Norfolk Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise

Norfolk Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise

From
$126.43
Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise

Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise

star-4.5
4
From
$101.14
Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Norfolk by Operation City Quest

Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Norfolk by Operation City Quest

From
$10.00
Full-Day Electric Bike Rental in Norfolk

Full-Day Electric Bike Rental in Norfolk

From
$100.00
Nutty Newport News Scavenger Hunt
Special Offer

Nutty Newport News Scavenger Hunt

From
$21.60
$27.00  $5.40 savings
Norfolk 4th of July Buffet Dinner Cruise

Norfolk 4th of July Buffet Dinner Cruise

From
$181.55
Bamville Transportation (Private & Airport Transfers)

Bamville Transportation (Private & Airport Transfers)

From
$275.00
per group
Norfolk Buffet Brunch Cruise

Norfolk Buffet Brunch Cruise

star-4.5
7
From
$84.02
Norfolk City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Wacky Walks

Norfolk City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Wacky Walks

From
$10.00
Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Norfolk with Holly Jolly Hunt

Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Norfolk with Holly Jolly Hunt

From
$20.00
per group
Scavenger Hunt in Newport News by Operation City Quest

Scavenger Hunt in Newport News by Operation City Quest

star-4.5
2
From
$10.00
See all Norfolk tours

All about Norfolk

When to visit

Summer is the most popular time to visit Norfolk. It’s ideal for enjoying the nearby beaches and for getting out on the water, though temperatures can soar in the late summer. Summer is also the best time to feast on blue crabs, spot dolphins, and take part in festivals like Harborfest. Visit in the spring and early summer for more temperate weather and in winter for the opportunity to see humpback whales.

Getting around

Norfolk has a limited public transit system, with infrequent buses and a light rail with select stops. It is handy mainly for exploring the central downtown area, which also is walkable. As an alternative or supplementary mode of transportation, opt for a bike share or scooter share, and explore more than 60 miles of bike trails. Ferries and private water taxis are also available. Other options include taxis, rideshares, and rental cars.

Traveler tips

Although Norfolk is most known for its naval connection, there’s actually a vibrant art scene, much of which can be experienced for free. The city’s Neon District is full of murals and art installations. There also are more than 130 decorated mermaids around the city. Self-guided walking tours focused on art offer a great way to explore. Old Dominion University’s Barry Art Museum, known for its glass sculptures, also offers free admission.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
EDT (UTC -5)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
2
Tours
28
Reviews
106
EN
b8215c2f-2a03-4d88-8e39-da30bc58e47a
geo_hub

People Also Ask

What is Norfolk, England, known for?

On England’s North Sea coast, low-lying Norfolk is green with sweeping sandy beaches that draw migrating birds. It’s known for Norfolk Broads waterways and Norwich with its historic castle and cathedral. Also popular are market towns like King’s Lynn, stately homes like Houghton Hall, and cute villages like Burnham Market.

...More
What is the prettiest town in Norfolk?

Norfolk has many pretty towns and villages. Wells-Next-the-Sea boasts a fishing port and a pine-fringed beach lined with colorful beach huts. Burnham Market is a 17th-century village with a green, duck pond, and lovely stone cottages. Walsingham, an ancient shrine, boasts a ruined abbey and medieval timber-framed houses.

...More
Why is Norfolk so popular?

Less than two hours from London by train, Norfolk is an easy getaway and change of pace. And there’s plenty to do, from beach walks to a weekend boating on the Norfolk Broads. Norwich offers heritage, vintage shops, and cocktail bars, while central King’s Lynn offers Hanseatic riverside charm.

...More
Which is the nicest part of Norfolk?

Urban travelers adore Norwich, a university city with an 11th-century cathedral, a 12th-century castle, and a warren of lanes housing indie stores and eateries. Beach lovers enjoy Wells, with its scenic walk to Holkham Beach and the chance to see breeding seals in season. Boaters flock to the Norfolk Broads.

...More
How do I spend a weekend in Norfolk?

To enjoy a weekend in Norfolk, base yourself in Norwich. Spend one day exploring the historic city, colorful boutiques, and flourishing food scene, and then go boating on Norfolk Broads. Or, stay in Burnham Market or Wells-Next-the-Sea to enjoy long beach walks and a stately home or two.

...More
Is Norfolk worth visiting?

If you are based in England or a regular visitor, Norfolk is well worth exploring. If you’re a first-time visitor who only has a week or two to discover all of England, then Norfolk is not for you—unless you adore bird-watching, canal boats, or long beach walks.

...More
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top things to do in Norfolk?
A:
The top things to do in Norfolk are:
Q:
What are the top activities in Norfolk?
A:
Q:
What are the top things to do near Norfolk?
A:
Check out things to do near Norfolk:

More Tours in Norfolk