Things to Do in Norfolk

Things to Do in Norfolk, VA - Norfolk Attractions

Things to Do in Norfolk

Check out must-see sights and activities:
Battleship Wisconsin at Nauticus, Norfolk Botanical Garden, Culinary Tours, Specialty Museums.
 For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Powered by AI
BETA

Book these experiences for a closer look at the region.

Top Attractions in Norfolk

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveler reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

Historic battleship with multiple decks and rooms to explore, showcasing naval history exhibits, WWII memorabilia, and an in-depth engine room tour.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Tranquil botanical escape with diverse plant displays, tranquil Japanese Garden, and seasonal Christmas lights. Features tram and boat tours through meticulously designed landscapes.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Art museum with a focus on glasswork, presenting ancient artifacts and modern sculptures. Includes regionally organized exhibits and glass blowing demonstrations.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Naval museum with veterans-led tours through multiple decks of a historic battleship. Interactive exhibits and adjacent aquarium enhance the learning experience.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Other Top Attractions around Norfolk


*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • Bob J
    19 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Special place to learn about history, and appreciate what the sailors' lives were like on board.

    This isn't the first battleship we've toured, but still very special.

    Lots of guides to answer questions or give tours.

    Written September 9, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • vegetarian-girl
    Austin, TX541 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We spent a few hours walking around & taking their trolley tour. We all enjoyed it very much & would recommend it to those who enjoy nature & tranquility.
    Written October 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Merrick S
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Writing to recommend that family vacationers in Virginia Beach do not miss this under-appreciated gem. If it were in New York it would be packed all the time. The sheer quality of the collection in a variety of fields is really incredible. The curatorship is impeccable, with a collection focused enough to interest teens and rich enough to enthrall any experienced eye. Honestly, I was stunned to find this great a collection in a smallish city. And you don't have to spring for a couple of nights in a hotel in NYC or Boston to see it!
    Written September 27, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tk B
    Pittston, PA146 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I have been wanting to visit the Battleship Wisconsin for YEARS and finally got to! The price for the self guided tour, I feel, is a deal. We could have easily spent more time than what we did there. With a normal ticket you basically get nearly free reign of the ship. From the deck to the 2 under layers, I feel like we could have easily gotten lost. I can't even imagine people being on the ship, let alone it being in several battles. There are signs along the way and plaques telling you about certain aspects and places in the ship. The history is rich and exploring the ship is rather surreal. They do offer additional guided tours where you get to see some places that were off limits, which would be amazing to do on another trip in the future now that we've seen some of the lower levels. Upon exiting the ship, you can take a tour through some Navy history. This part of the museum was very long with lots of pictures, artifacts, etc. I definitely recommend visiting if you haven't before and like military history - or just want to see what the inside of a battleship really looks like!
    Only including one picture so it doesn't spoil the inside for you as you really need to see it for yourself!
    Written September 22, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Titarica
    Jacksonville, NC22 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The weather didn’t help very much, but there were several exhibitions that were closed or under construction. They have a big variety of reptiles super cool! We really enjoy our time at the zoo.
    Written August 7, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MominOC
    Orange County, CA5,004 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    didn't do the guided tour and wish that we did to get all the historical information. Mostly drove the base and marveled at the many awesome ships in port.
    Written July 26, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Hudsonmccraw
    Virginia Beach, VA4,058 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The MacArthur Memorial complex has two buildings, which include a museum that focuses more on the general history of events while MacArthur was serving as in various capacities as a military general. The memorial building itself houses the resting place of General MacArthur & his wife. You go on a self guided, chronological tour and get a very detailed glimpse into the life of the iconic General. We were delighted to have toured the exhibits & recommend it to anyone interested in WW2 & Korean War history to visit this memorial.
    Written September 25, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TheCarrs52601
    Norfolk, VA751 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My grandson (14 years old) and I enjoyed the demonstration at the glass studio. We watched in its entirety, it was interesting and the glass artists were knowledgeable, we could tell they liked their jobs which was nice to see!
    Written June 18, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sheenah S
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Battleship is a ' must see'. Lots of interesting history. You may want to time your visit when it's not too hot and not too cold. It's cramped quarters, which can get hot, but it's on the water, so the breeze can get pretty cold at times.
    Written October 31, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Helena D
    Norfolk, VA2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The house is an amazing look into the arts & crafts past with a bit of lovely embellishments. I find the gardens a great place to walk many times a year. It is beautiful and peaceful.
    Written September 8, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dora Lee T
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The historic and beautiful theater is not to be missed! If you are fortunate enough to be in town during a show, attending a performance will be one of the most enjoyable events of your stay!
    Written September 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TCB
    Colorado1,891 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I love this mall! It is an absolute splurge to go here! There are so many different stores, boutiques, and places that are not in any other mall in the area. Great food, and parking is very convenient!
    Written April 10, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
When to visit
  • January
    42 ºF
    Coldest month
    6 days of rain
    Less busy
  • February
    45 ºF
    7 days of rain
    Moderately busy
  • March
    51 ºF
    8 days of rain
    Wettest month
    Moderately busy
    Busiest month
  • April
    60 ºF
    6 days of rain
    Moderately busy
  • May
    69 ºF
    7 days of rain
    Very busy
  • June
    76 ºF
    8 days of rain
    Very busy
  • July
    81 ºF
    Hottest month
    7 days of rain
    Very busy
  • August
    79 ºF
    8 days of rain
    Very busy
  • September
    74 ºF
    6 days of rain
    Moderately busy
  • October
    64 ºF
    5 days of rain
    Less busy
  • November
    52 ºF
    5 days of rain
    Less busy
  • December
    46 ºF
    6 days of rain
    Less busy
    Least busy month
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above hotel descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
All Norfolk HotelsNorfolk Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Norfolk
All things to do in Norfolk
RestaurantsFlightsVacation RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars