Norfolk Virginia Tourism

Long known for its spectacular seaport and celebrated waterfront, Norfolk also offers a host of exciting attractions that are diverse and dry. The city of Norfolk is alive with hundreds of activities and destinations for vacationers looking to explore further than the fabulous Norfolk waterfront.

Norfolk offers more than 80 unique, chef-owned restaurants that are bursting with individuality and flavor. Likewise, the late night excitement makes this the region’s mecca for nightlife. The city celebrates all night long with live entertainment and hot spots like the hip Ghent district and along Granby Street, which offer live music and dancing.

Norfolk is a picturesque place to stay and play while exploring the great outdoors. Visit one of the East Coast’s largest collections of roses, azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons or see the animals at the zoo.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is the pride of Norfolk as the oldest building and only structure to survive the British destruction of the city on New Year’s Day, 1776. A cannonball fired into the church still remains lodged in the wall today. Built in 1739, the church has never been out of commission and features Tiffany stained glass windows and a tree-lined cemetery with 17th, 18th and 19th century tombstones. Visitors can explore the church and attend daily services.

Norfolk is one of America’s great walking cities and is best enjoyed when experienced on foot. The city is also easily accessible by ferry/water taxi, the city’s complimentary electric bus service, F.R.E.D. (free ride every day), light rail system “The Tide” slated to open in 2011, sailing or motor coach, however most visitors tend to stroll through the city streets exploring the ins and outs of Norfolk at their own pace. Not to be missed: Windows on History is a series of display windows depicting four centuries of historic people, places and events. The Cannonball Trail is a walk-it-yourself tour through downtown historic Norfolk which connects the historic sites through storytelling. Visitors listen to stories about each site in order to form their own interpretation of Norfolk’s rich and multi-faceted history.

Norfolk is a town rich with military history and tradition. An American fort since 1794, Historic Fort Norfolk has been called the best-preserved War of 1812 location in America. During the Civil War it changed hands twice. The four-acre bastion of history still keeps watch over one of the world’s busiest harbors. The Fort now offers Civil War and War of 1812 reenactments on special occasions to entertain crowds of visitors.

The Armed Forces Memorial is tucked into the southeastern corner of Town Point Park and is situated on the Elizabeth River, connected to the park by two bridges.

Norfolk is part of the Virginia Civil War Trails program, which links Civil War sites throughout the Commonwealth. Visitors can trace Norfolk’s Civil War heritage by taking the Civil War Trail around the city. Sites include Fort Norfolk, the historic Freemason District and the Black Civil War Memorial – the South’s only commemoration of black Union troops.

Spectators and golfers have their pick of courses in Norfolk.

The Norfolk Admirals are a professional American Hockey League team that provides hours of thrills and excitement for local and visiting fans. Norfolk Scope houses the team when they hit the ice to take on professional hockey teams from across the country.

The Norfolk Tides is the AAA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The award-winning Harbor Park, home of the Norfolk Tides, provides a great view of the action from any seat. More than 70 former Tides now play for the major leagues.