Things To Do in Norfolk

Attractions

Events

Quick Facts

Nauticus Maritime Museum - A spectacular entertainment & educational museum that's part interactive museum, science center, and aquarium. Through special hands-on exhibits, movies, computers, and games visitors can land a jet fighter on an aircraft carrier, navigate an ocean-going vessel, rescue precious sea life in the world's first group virtual reality attraction. You can make decisions in a highly realistic Naval Battle.

d'Art Center - A live working studio for the visual arts, d'Art Center provides space for thirty artists to create, display and sell original art. Visitors are welcome and invited to see sculptors, painters, jewelry makers, and potters as they work.

Fort Norfolk - Commissioned by George Washington in 1794, Fort Norfolk is one of the best War of 1812 Historical Sites in America, as well as the oldest Fort on Virginia's waterfront. Many special events & Military re-enactments are hosted throughout the year.

See all Norfolk attractions

Norfolk Harborfest - This huge nautical event begins with a spectacular Parade of Sail cruising down the Elizabeth River to downtown Norfolk. The traditions of the East Coast's Premier Waterfront Festival are celebrated with nautical history, maritime events, visiting vessels, children's activities, local, regional and national entertainment.

4th of July Great American Picnic - Leave the grilling to us and build your own picnic dinner with family and friends from 5-10 pm in Town Point Park! Dine on traditional hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue, seafood, buttered corn on the cob, juicy watermelon, lemonade, and much more! While waiting for the fireworks show, relax on the lawn and enjoy patriotic sounds by various performers.

The Grand Illumination Parade - The Grand Illumination Parade begins when spectators join in a synchronized community countdown, signaling the illumination of more than 12 miles of lights outlining the downtown Norfolk and Olde Towne Portsmouth skylines. The parade itself is filled with festive lighted floats, marching bands, giant helium balloons, horses, dancers, and of course ‘Ole Saint Nick’ himself.

See all Norfolk events

Norfolk History

Famous People from Virginia

Official Norfolk Website

Restaurants

Max & Erma's - We believe that a great experience starts with our food. That’s why we use the freshest, highest quality ingredients in everything we serve. Favorites include our delicious chocolate chip cookies, Tomato Mozzarella Chicken Sandwich, Cajun Shrimp & Pasta, Laredo Steak, Santa Fe Salad, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, hand-battered Onion rings and our famous gourmet hamburgers.

Doumar's Cones & Barbecue - Come to the place where the waffle cone was invented! Abe Doumar immigrated to America from Syria and after inventing the ice cream cone, continued his creative genius by purchasing a waffle and topping that off with ice cream! Come try these home made waffles and sandwiches!

Shula's 347 Grill - Shula's 347 Grill has everything from gourmet salads to fresh specialty fish, and exclusively serves Premium Black Angus Beef burgers and steaks, the best beef money can buy. At 347 we serve Shula Cuts using the same custom cuts and aging process from the legendary Shula's Steak House.

See all Norfolk restaurants