The City of Norfolk, Virginia is the home of the world's largest Naval base, has miles of sandy Chesapeake Bay beaches, a historic downtown district, a complex of waterfront shops and restaurants, a collection of cruise boats and ferries, and an excellent selection of museums. Norfolk truly has something for everyone.
Norfolk is centered around the port of Hampton Roads, one of the largest, naturally deep, ice-free harbors in the world. You can see tugs, barges, sailboats, commercial vessels, and navy ships moving in and out of the port through the Elizabeth River.
Norfolk's downtown waterfront area is located right on the banks of the Elizabeth River. The Norfolk Waterside Marketplace, the centerpiece of the waterfront district, offers dining and shopping. Special events, such as the annual Norfolk Harborfest, are held next to Waterside, at the waterfront Town Point Park.
Nauticus, the National Maritime Center, is a must see. The Nauticus museum complex is located on the Norfolk downtown waterfront, adjacent to Waterside and Town Point Park. Nauticus includes the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration exhibits, and the historic Battleship Wisconsin docked alongside. Exhibits at Nauticus include touch tanks, shark petting lagoon, weather deck, and an Aegis-class destroyer battle simulation. You can take a self guided tour of the Wisconsin's main deck Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Victory Rover offers daily two hour cruises of the Norfolk Navy Base from the Nauticus pier.
You can explore downtown Norfolk and the Elizabeth River via a number of cruise offerings. The tall ship Amercian Rover sails daily April through October from Waterside. The paddle wheeler Carrie B takes you on a tour of the Norfolk Harbor, including a ride amongst the Navy ships at the Norfolk Naval Base.
The Spirit of Norfolk is the largest ship cruising the harbor and has two climate controlled decks, open strolling decks and lounge seating, dance floors, and buffet dining. The Spirit of Norfolk offers daily lunch and dinner cruises. The Victory Rover sails daily from the Nauticus Pier on tours of the Navy Shipyard. You can also board the Elizabeth River Ferry to visit Olde Towne Portsmouth, which is located right across the river from Norfolk, or travel via HarborLink to downtown Hampton.
The NorVA theater and Backstage Cafeare located at 317 Montecello Avenue, right across the street from McArthur Mall and a few blocks from Waterside. Past performers have included James Brown, Matchbox 20, Little Feat, Ringo Starr, Stone Temple Pilots, Brian McKnight, and Tracy Chapman. NorVa concert schedule. The adjacent Backstage Cafe features rock and roll memorabilia. Open Mon-Fri 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m, & Sat 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Norfolk Scope and Chrysler Hall are the home of Norfolk's major sporting and concert events. Scope's domed roof and distinctive support structure is a well known downtown Norfolk landmark. Scope is the home of the Norfolk Admirals Hockey team and the Norfolk Nighthawks arena football team. Scope is also the venue for many concerts and events throughout the year. Scope schedule of events. Chrysler Hall, located adjacent to Scope, is Norfolk's fine arts venue. Chrysler Hall is the home of the Virginia Symphony, and hosts traveling Broadway shows and other concert events. Chrysler Hall calendar of events.
The AAA Norfolk Tides baseball team plays in downtown Norfolk at Harbor Park. You can see ships coming and going beyond the outfield wall at this excellent ballpark. The Norfolk Tides are the AAA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles.
Radisson Hotel Norfolk. Catering to conventions and business travelers, the Radisson features extensive meeting and convention facilities. Located across the street from Norfolk Scope/Chrysler Hall, this hotel is an excellent choice for concert goers. Traveler Reviews and Rate Comparison
March 28 -- The Occasional Downtown Doo Dah Parade. Main Street, downtown Norfolk. This foolishly fun parade takes place on Main Street where people from all walks of life and professions gather in downtown Norfolk to celebrate Mankind’s right for harmless lunacy in broad daylight.
May 10 -- Virginia Wine Festival. Wine tastings, gourmet food, live entertainment, and new releases from Virginia wineries at Town Point Park on the Norfolk waterfront. More Information.
May 17 -- Virginia Beer Festival. Town Point Park.More info.
Sundays, June 1 to Aug 31 -- Big Bands on the Bay. Ocean View Beach Park. Free concert and dancing to big band classics under the gazebo at the beach.
June 6 - 8 -- Annual Norfolk Harborfest. Town Point Park. More info.
June 20 -22 -- Bayou Boogaloo & Cajun Food Festival. Town Point Park. More info.
July 4th -- Great American 4th of July Picnic and Fireworks. Town Point Park. Fireworks at 9:30. More info.
July 25 - 26 -- Annual Norfolk Jazz Festival. Town Point Park. More info.
September 12 - 14 -- Virginia In-Water Boat Expo. Town Point Park and Waterside Marina. More info.
October 18 - 19 -- Town Point Virginia Wine Festival. Town Point Park. More info.
Nov. 22 -- Grand Illumination Parade. Norfolk kicks off the holiday season with the lighting of downtown buildings. Parade includes lighted floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus. 7:00pm.
