Norfolk, Virginia

Located in the artistic district of Ghent overlooking a small body of water known as The Hague, the Chrysler Museum of Art is one of the major art museums in the Southeastern United States and one of the best things to do in Norfolk, Virginia. Originally founded as the Norfolk Museum of Arts and Sciences in 1933, the museum grew through a large donation of art by automotive heir Walter Chrysler and today is home to over 30,000 objects that span thousands of years of world history.

The collection includes sculpture from the Middle Ages, and American and European paintings by famous artists such as Tintoretto, Eugene Delacroix, Edouard Manet, Auguste Rodin, Paul Gauguin, Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol and Franz Kline. The Museum also houses one of the world's greatest collections of glass, distinguished decorative arts, and an excellent collection of photography. Admission is free.

One Memorial Place, Norfolk, Virginia, Phone: 757-664-6200

Norfolk Botanical Garden is a 155-acre public botanical garden that features over forty themed gardens, including seasonal gardens and a special WOW Children’s Garden.

Located on Azalea Garden Road, themed gardens include a tranquil Japanese Garden designed in the traditional hill and pond style of Japanese gardens; an Enchanted Forest filled with ancient oak, hickory, and pine trees that creates a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers; a Hummingbird Garden that boasts a mixture of annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees that attract these tiny birds; and an amazing Tropical Display House, which features lush foliage and bright flowers that are found in tropical rainforests around the world. If you are wondering what to do in Norfolk, Virginia with kids, this is a great place to visit.

The World of Wonders: A Children’s Adventure Garden is a must for the kids with several interactive educational areas where children can learn about plants and botany through play.

6700 Azalea Garden Road, Norfolk, Virginia, Phone: 757 441 5830

Virginia Zoo is situated next to Lafayette Park in Norfolk and is home to more than 500 animals from the African elephant to the tiny dart frog, as well as countless plant species.

The Zoo features several specific habitats that house animals from Africa, Asia, Australia, North America and a variety of excellent exhibits. ‘Trail of the Tiger’ features unusual and rare animals from Asia such as Malayan tigers and tapirs, orangutans, oriental small-clawed otters, siamangs, and binturongs.

The Zoo is also well known for its beautiful gardens, which are designed to provide fresh plant treats for the zoo’s residents. The Zoo holds a variety of educational and conservation-focused events throughout the year, including the popular ‘Zoo Snoozes,' where visitors spend a fun-filled night at the zoo, playing games and activities and visiting the nocturnal animals.

3500 Granby St, Norfolk, VA, Phone: 757-441-2374

The USS Wisconsin is a battleship that served in the Pacific during World War II and later during the Korean War. After being decommissioned, it was reactivated in 1986 and was used during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. After being once again decommissioned in late 1991, it became a museum ship operated by Nauticus, the National Maritime Center.

Visitors can take self-guided tours where they can see several areas and levels of the ship including officers’ staterooms, offices, a post office, a chapel, and the mess where sailors ate their meals.

On the 90 minute guided “Topside Tour,” visitors can see additional areas such as the captain’s cabin, the admiral’s cabin, and more.

Battleship Wisconsin, One Waterside Drive, Norfolk, Virginia, Phone: 757-664-1000

If you are interested in history, watch this video about battleships.

Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:

Founded in 1988, Nauticus National Maritime Center opened to the public in 1994 at the location of the former Banana Pier. The nautical-themed center includes many activities and things to see including a large screen theater, hands-on exhibits and interactive theaters.

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum is on the second floor where visitors can see other science exhibits, a shark lab, and a horseshoe crab touch tank. Opened in 2007, the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center is a cruise ship pier, an event venue, a marina, and a museum. The USS Wisconsin is also a part of Nauticus.

One Waterside Drive, Norfolk, Virginia, Phone: 757-664-1000

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

Naval Station Norfolk is the largest naval station in the world. The base takes up about four miles (six km) of waterfront and contains seven miles (11 km) of pier space. There are 11 aircraft hangars and 14 piers as well as 134 aircraft and 75 ships.

The base is also the home of the largest number of U.S. Navy forces in the world. There are 45 minute tours guided by naval staff who show visitors the many ships and aircraft carriers in addition to one of the busiest airfields in the U.S.

9079 Hampton Boulevard, Norfolk, Virginia, Phone: 757-444-7955

The General Douglas MacArthur Memorial is a museum dedicated to the memory of General Douglas MacArthur.

It is located on Bank Street and consists of a welcome center, an education center, an archive and research center, and a theater.

The memorial preserves the story of General MacArthur and also those who fought with him during World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.

In the museum there are artifacts, murals, paintings, sculptures, and vehicles.

In addition to the museum, the memorial offers tours, outreach activities, and special events such as film screenings, lectures, and more.

MacArthur Square, 198 Bank Street, Norfolk, Virginia, Phone: 757-441-2965

Located on North Shore Road, the Hermitage Museum and Gardens is a historic home and art museum. The Sloane house sits on the shore of the Lafayette River and is an example of an arts and crafts estate dating from the early 20th century. The Sloane collection consists of more than 40,000 objects that represent 5,000 years of fine art and history from 30 different countries.

In addition to its permanent collection, the museum offers temporary exhibits in its Changing Galleries space. The gardens consist of 12 acres of forest, wetlands, and semi-formal gardens that are often used as the setting for special events.

7637 North Shore Road, Norfolk, Virginia, Phone: 757-423-2052

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Sailing Harbor Cruises is a cruise company located on Waterside Drive. It has been operating the American Rover since 1986 and offers cruises through the waters around Norfolk and surrounding areas. Carrying up to 129 passengers, the ship is 135 feet long and is known for its red sails: these are red tan bark sails.

There are two hour narrated harbor cruises and sunset cruises. The topside deck is shaded while the two lounges below deck are climate controlled. On board there is also a bar and a store. The American Rover can be rented for special events such as corporate meetings, birthday parties, weddings, and more.

333 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, Virginia, Phone: 757-627-7245

Mermaid Factory, located on West 21st Street between Colley Avenue and Hampton Boulevard, is a craft store and studio that makes clay mermaids and dolphins. All of the mermaids and dolphins are hand made in Norfolk. Visitors can purchase mermaids that have already been hand painted; or visitors can decorate the blank mermaids at the studio by using a variety of materials such as charms, fabrics, glitter, paint, rhinestones, shells, and much more.

The studio can accommodate up to 25 people and can be rented for corporate events, parties, and more. The craft shop also sells other dolphin, mermaid, and nautical-themed gift items.

919A W 21st Street, Norfolk, Virginia, Phone: 757-233-0733