A garden with more than 60 themed gardens, art collections spanning millennia, and a battleship permanently moored at Nauticus reveal Norfolk’s many different sides.
Gardens and Wildlife
The Norfolk Botanical Garden covers 175 acres and features more than 60 themed gardens. You can explore the gardens by tram, by boat or on foot. Within the grounds, World of Wonders, A Children's Adventure Garden, covers three acres. The Botanical Garden therefore offers a range of scales, from its expansive overall grounds to this dedicated garden area.
The Virginia Zoo is home to more than 700 animals representing over 150 different species. The African Safari Trail is home to animals including rhinoceroses, giraffes, lions, turtles and cheetahs. You can explore the zoo’s wildlife through both its overall numbers of animals and species and the specific selection along this trail.
The Hermitage Museum & Gardens also brings together nature and culture. Set beside the waters of the Lafayette River, the estate covers 12 acres of semi-formal gardens, woodland and wetlands. Its art collection spans more than 5,000 years. The site thus brings together a collection with a vast span of history and several distinct landscape features on one property.
Art, Architecture and History
Norfolk’s art collections differ not only in their works, but also in their scope: the collection at the Hermitage Museum & Gardens spans more than 5,000 years, while the Chrysler Museum of Art holds more than 30,000 original works of art dating from a period of over 5,000 years. The Wells Theatre adds an architectural highlight. Built in 1912, it is considered an outstanding example of Beaux-Arts theater architecture in Virginia. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Other historic traces reveal different chapters in the city’s history. Fort Norfolk dates back to the American Revolution, when it was built as an earthwork redoubt. A British cannonball is embedded in the outer brick wall of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. The MacArthur Memorial offers a downloadable guided audio tour, providing another way to explore history.
Maritime Attractions and Getting Around
Nauticus is a maritime discovery center on the waterfront in downtown Norfolk. Its offerings include interactive exhibits and STEM-to-STERN programs. The USS Wisconsin is permanently berthed at Nauticus in Norfolk. It is the last Iowa-class battleship. Anyone interested in maritime subjects will find both a discovery center and a striking ship here.
Many of Norfolk’s museums and historic attractions are within a walkable area of 12 city blocks along the downtown waterfront. The Tide Light Rail is an option for getting between museums and attractions in the downtown area. Mermaid figures are also part of the cityscape: you can find them in downtown Norfolk and in many neighborhoods.
The Hunter House Victorian Museum is located at 240 W. Freemason Street in the Historic Freemason District in downtown Norfolk. It offers seasonal tours from April through December. Check current visiting options before you go.
Walking, Running or Cycling
The Elizabeth River Trail is a 10.5-mile multi-use trail for walking, running and cycling. It has 11 sections and 11 trailheads and runs from Norfolk State University to the NIT Terminals on the Elizabeth River. Bike repair stations are located along the trail. Its length and designated uses provide a clear guide for anyone wishing to include a section of the trail in their trip, on foot or by bike.
When looking for a vacation rental in Norfolk, you can start by deciding which of these themes you’d like to shape your stay: gardens and animals, art and architecture, history or maritime discoveries.
Discover more destinations: Rich Creek, Pearisburg, Narrows.
For the broader travel overview: Giles County.
