A cannonball fired by Lord Dunmore’s British fleet is still embedded in the southeastern wall of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. This tangible trace of history sits alongside the major art collections and maritime discoveries that define Norfolk. St. Paul’s Church also tells the story of the city: built in 1739, it is Norfolk’s oldest building.
Art and History in Many Forms
The Chrysler Museum of Art houses more than 35,000 objects spanning 5,000 years of art history. Its collection ranges from European and American painting and sculpture to glass and photography, as well as African, Asian, ancient Mediterranean, and ancient American art. Its broad range of periods and subjects makes a visit appealing to anyone interested in discovering different art forms and cultural traditions side by side.
The Hermitage Museum & Gardens offers another connection between art and place: the 12-acre estate stretches along the water beside the Lafayette River in Norfolk. Its nationally recognized art collection spans more than 5,000 years. Here, art history is encountered in an estate with a distinctive connection to the water.
The MacArthur Memorial is dedicated to the life and legacy of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur. The Memorial includes a museum, an archives and research center, an education center, a theater, a visitor center, and a museum shop. Its focus differs markedly from the broad art collections: at its center is the life of a single historical figure.
On the Cannonball Trail, you can follow granite inlays and medallions set into the sidewalk. This brings the exploration of Norfolk’s history to small details in the streetscape. St. Paul’s Church and the cannonball embedded in its masonry also offer two tangible points of interest for visitors drawn to history.
Maritime Themes on the Waterfront
Nauticus is a maritime discovery center on the waterfront in downtown Norfolk. Interactive exhibits and the STEM-to-STERN program share knowledge about the maritime environment, the maritime industry, and the military. The subject matter ranges from the natural marine environment to the sea’s economic and military importance.
The Battleship Wisconsin also offers an introduction to naval history. It is one of the largest and among the last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy, and can be explored on a self-guided tour. A guided tour goes through the captain’s cabin, the pilothouse, and the Combat Engagement Center; another tour takes visitors seven decks down into the engine room area. Check access information and tour options in advance.
On the Norfolk Harbor cruise aboard the Victory Rover, passengers see destroyers, submarines, and other ships as they tour the harbor. The Elizabeth River Trail–Atlantic City Spur offers a different perspective: it runs 10.5 miles between Norfolk State University and the Port of Virginia. The cruise showcases the harbor from the water; the stated trail route connects two named points on land.
Gardens, Animals, and Coastline
The Norfolk Botanical Garden covers 175 acres and includes more than 60 themed gardens. You can tour the gardens by tram, boat, or on foot, and see plants ranging from cultivated to wild species. The variety of garden areas and plants offers a clear contrast with the collections in Norfolk’s museums.
The Virginia Zoo is home to more than 700 animals from Africa, Asia, Australia, North America, and other regions. The African Safari Trail features rhinos, giraffes, lions, tortoises, and cheetahs; Asia: Trail of the Tiger showcases exotic animals from dozens of Asian countries. Behind-the-scenes tours introduce visitors to zookeepers and animals such as rhinos and giraffes. As tour availability may change, it’s a good idea to check current offerings.
Norfolk has more than 7.3 miles of publicly accessible Chesapeake Bay shoreline, as well as 13 official kayak and canoe access points throughout the city. One specific waterfront location is the East Ocean View Community Center Pier on the shore of Pretty Lake, which serves anglers and boaters. Ocean View Beach Park hosts concerts and dance events in summer—a seasonal option for visitors looking to combine their explorations with outdoor events.
Local Discoveries and Getting Around
At Selden Market, local artists and chefs share the space with pop-up shops that change weekly. Norfolk also offers a three-day beer pass for sampling local beer; availability may change. The Perry Glass Studio hosts a live, narrated glassblowing demonstration at noon, Tuesday through Sunday. As the demonstration schedule may change, check the current times before visiting.
For getting around the city, the light rail, The Tide, connects Fort Norfolk Station with Newtown Road Station, with stops near the Chrysler Museum of Art, the MacArthur Memorial, and Harbor Park Baseball Stadium. The Virginia Zoo is served by Hampton Roads Transit Route 1; the stop is at Lafayette Park, within walking distance of the zoo. Routes can change, so it’s a good idea to check the latest information before traveling.
Discover more destinations: Norfolk, North Camellia Acres, Brunswick County, Newport News, Goochland, Amherst County, Prince Edward County, Rockbridge County.
For the main travel overview: Virginia.
