Your guide to Norfolk
Norfolk highlights
Maritime and mermaids
This is a dream destination for maritime buffs. Tour restored warships or take a sunset cruise. Or you can go mermaid hunting. Norfolk adopted mermaids as a mascot in 1999, along with the nickname ‘Mermaid City’. There are some 130 fibreglass sculptures of the sea goddesses floating around town. You’re sure to spot at least a few.
Trees and trails
For decades, the Arbor Day Foundation has dubbed Norfolk a ‘Tree City’ thanks to its glorious patchwork of tree-lined streets and lush parks. Curious about regional flowers and plants? Visit the Norfolk Botanical Garden for year-round flora. Or explore the popular Elizabeth River Trail, which connects nearly 30 neighbourhoods across beautiful riverfront scenery.
Where to stay
Most of Norfolk’s hotels are clustered in Downtown near the MacArthur Center, with a few outliers further north. For an economical alternative, consider staying at a hotel near the airport along Highway 13, which borders neighbouring Virginia Beach. If you’re keen to stay near the beach, a handful of affordable motels line Highway 60 off the Chesapeake Bay.
Norfolk: Know before you go
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Currency | United States dollar ($) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT) |
| High season | June - August |
| Low season | January - February |
Things to do in Norfolk
Places to eat
From fresh-off-the-boat oysters to rich stews with ingredients from the nearby Carolinas, Norfolk’s food scene is a delicious melting pot. Seafood is the main event here. You’ll find it on nearly every menu in town, from white-tablecloth restaurants in Downtown to up-and-coming eateries in Ghent. For a sweet treat, swing through Doumar’s, a classic since 1904 for its claim to fame — the waffle cone.
Beaches
You’ll find Norfolk’s public beaches on the northeast side of the city, facing the Chesapeake Bay. From Ocean View Fishing Pier, head south to Sarah Constant Beach Park for calm waters and picnic tables. Five minutes away, Ocean View Beach Park has an old-school boardwalk and hosts summer events. Most beaches have plenty of free parking.
Take in the culture
The city’s most notable museum is the Chrysler Museum of Art. While visiting, look for the legendary Norfolk Mace. More than 270 years old, this ceremonial piece of armour is almost as old as the city. Norfolk’s famed naval history lives on in both the Nauticus maritime museum and the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Fans of traditional Western and Asian art should visit the Hermitage Museum & Gardens.
