Norfolk is the home to the largest naval base in the world, Naval Station Norfolk, and is a busy port city for global commerce. Situated in southeastern Virginia, Norfolk is practically surrounded by water – the Elizabeth River (to the west) as well as the Chesapeake Bay (to the north). In addition, it’s got lively art and restaurant scene and is near popular beaches. It’s less than 20 miles from Virginia Beach – a mecca for sun and beach lovers. Given its proximity, Norfolk makes a great day trip from the beach or from Virginia’s Historic Triangle (Jamestown, Williamsburg, Yorktown). There are lots to see and do in Norfolk. This article highlights three of the best places to visit in the city: the Chrysler Museum of Art (free!), the Nauticus National Maritime Museum, and the expansive Norfolk Botanical Garden.
Chrysler Museum of Art
323 E. Freemason Street | 757-664-6200
Step inside the Chrysler Museum of Art and explore the dozens of galleries, a large art reference library, a gift shop, and a cafe. There is no charge to visit and peruse the collections, which include ancient art pieces as well as American and European art dating back centuries. Also included are galleries dedicated to glass and porcelain creations. On the first floor is the Wonder Gallery, designed for fun, interactive experiences.
This museum was born from the collections of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. – the son of the founder of the automotive company, the Chrysler Corporation. He was an art collector and philanthropist who gifted thousands of works from his private collection to Norfolk, his wife’s hometown.
Other Chrysler Art Museum Properties
A short walk is the Perry Glass Studio (745 Duke Street), where artists provide free glassmaking demonstrations. Also, consider visiting the Moses Myers House (323 E. Freemason Street), a short drive away. This is a home dating to 1792 that is furnished with mostly original pieces from the early owners, a merchant, and his family.
Tips for Visiting the Chrysler Museum of Art
- The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday.
- Viewing the online museum map may help you plan your visit.
- Check online to verify what parts of the museum may be temporarily closed.
- There’s street parking as well as in a small, nearby lot.
- Wisteria, the onsite cafe, has grab-and-go fare.
- The museum encourages visitors to take pictures inside the museum and share them on social media using @chryslermuseum and #ChryslerMuseum.
Nauticus National Maritime Center
One Waterside Drive | 757-664-1000
The Nauticus National Maritime Center is a maritime science museum that features exhibits on the U.S. Navy, international shipping, and environmental impacts on the seas.
The highlight of a visit is surely a tour of the U.S.S. Wisconsin, one of the last battleships built for the U.S. Navy. The Wisconsin and her various crews served in World War II, the Korean War, and Operation Desert Storm – 47 years (1944-1991) in total. Visitors can opt for a self-guided or guided tour of the battleship. (A very knowledgeable and personable army veteran led the battleship tour my husband and I took. Our guide shared many stories and trivia about the ship, its missions, and life aboard.)
Also onsite (on the second floor) is the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, staffed by Navy veterans. There are plenty of displays about and artifacts from the Navy. Videos throughout the museum recount personal accounts and testimonies; they provide insight into the personal challenges and overall experiences of some of the country’s brave service members.
Tips for Visiting Nauticus
- There is no onsite parking. Plan to park on the street (if you can find a space) or in one of the nearby city parking garages. There’s a public parking garage at 135 West Plume Street, a very short walk away.
- Plan your time wisely. There’s the Battleship Wisconsin to tour, of course, but there are also extensive displays and aquatic life to view in the museums. Your visit may easily take up to 2-4 hours if you plan on taking it all in.
- The museum recommends purchasing tickets online ahead of your visit.
- There is a museum shop as well as a cafe.
Norfolk Botanical Garden
6700 Azalea Garden Road | 757-441-5830
The Norfolk Botanical Garden is a treat to stroll through. There are over 50 gardens. Some are focused on particular types of plants (like hydrangeas or camellias) or themes (including the Renaissance, colonial, and sensory gardens). In addition, there’s a children’s garden, a kitchen garden, and a butterfly garden. Want a break from walking? If so, there are tram tours through the property as well as boat tours on the internal waterway.
Tips for Visiting the Norfolk Botanical Garden
- There’s plenty of onsite parking.
- Plan on spending a couple of hours here, at least. There are dozens of gardens to view as well as the tram and boat tours.
- The botanical garden website helps prepare you for your visit. There’s a feature where you can see what plants to expect to be in bloom in various gardens when you plan to visit. It also has a complete list of events, including “walks and talks” in the gardens and family activities.
- Use the Norfolk Botanical Garden map to plan your visit – where will you head to first?
- At the time of publication of this article, Norfolk Botanical Garden requested that guests make an online reservation ahead of their visit.
- The cafe serves salads, sandwiches, and beverages.
Where is Norfolk?
Norfolk is in the southeastern corner of Virginia — on the Chesapeake Bay. Norfolk is an easy drive from Virginia Beach (about 20 miles away) and Williamsburg (about 50 miles away). Also, it’s about a three-hour drive from Raleigh or Washington, D.C.
Related Articles
- Charlottesville – Explore America’s colonial history by visiting the estates of three of the country’s founding fathers, walking and hiking scenic trails, and visiting some notable wineries.
- Charlottesville Trails: Take a Walk Back in History – Discover some inviting trails at historical estates — Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Monroe’s Highland, James Madison’s Montpelier — and nearby parks.
- Charlottesville Wineries: Sensational Sips in Virginia’s Heartland – Visit one — or all — of the top ten wineries in the greater Charlottesville area.
- The Historic Triangle: Jamestown, Williamsburg, Yorktown
- Mount Vernon: A Detailed Guide to George Washington’s Home – President George Washington’s home and farm. In addition to a tour of his home, visitors can visit his gardens, tomb, farm, unique 16-sided barn, wharf, and numerous outbuildings that supported the property and those who lived here — including enslaved people.
- One Week in Historical Virginia – Consider our itinerary for a fabulous visit to this special part of the state.
- 16 Best Monuments and Memorials in Washington, D.C. – Visit a few or all of these great monuments, including the most recent ones. Use this guide to plan your visit!
Final Thoughts
My husband and I visited Norfolk as an add-on to our larger trip to central Virginia (including Charlottesville, Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown.) We enjoyed each of these three places that are unique to this area. The Nauticus National Maritime Center was at the top of his list of places to visit. I prioritized the Norfolk Botanical Garden as I knew it was a beautiful place to visit – and I always like to gain some inspiration for my home garden. And we both were looking forward to visiting the Chrysler Museum of Art.
The end result: we both enjoyed each other’s picks a lot. These are three great places – in relatively close proximity to each other in downtown Norfolk – with experiences that we both relished. (I learned a lot more about battleships and the important role Norfolk plays in global trade and the country’s naval history. He happily wandered through the beautiful gardens with me and enjoyed its special features.) Taken together, these three sites turned out to be a win-win-win for an enjoyable Norfolk stay!
Comments?
Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences from a visit to the Norfolk area. 🙂
