Norfolk Botanical Garden

Looking for a place where you can see nature, frolic in colorful gardens, or wander and get lost in a captivating forest?

Norfolk Botanical Garden offers these and so much more. Over 60 theme gardens across 175 acres of land, this garden features a variety of plants and flowers that are available throughout the entire year.

The garden started during the late 1930s. Initially, thousands of azaleas and rhododendrons were planted along with a variety of trees and shrubs. Through the years, the garden steadily diversified and developed into a huge garden, being maintained regularly by staff and volunteers.

The garden offers boat and tram tours during the summer as a way to leisurely explore the place. Seasonal events are also available throughout the year, one of which is the yearly-held Dominion Garden of Lights, which runs from November to January.

During Sundays, visitors may avail of the Sunday Dog Days promo, where dogs are given free admission and are allowed to run around the gardens (while on a leash).

Battleship Wisconsin And The Nauticus Maritime Center

The decommissioned WWII Battleship USS Wisconsin, which is being managed by Nauticus, is conveniently located on the riverfront in downtown Norfolk. While the ship is amazing on many levels, it is one of the largest battleships ever built by the US Navy, and it possesses an imposing presence on the Norfolk harbor. It was also one of the final battleships built by the US Navy, having been launched in December 1943. Wisconsin saw action in WWII, Korea, and Operation Desert Storm in 1991, as well as serving as a training ship in between.

Before walking out onto the deck, visitors must first pass through the Nauticus building, which contains an extensive and well-thought-out series of displays which are related to the ship’s history and layout. Once on board, you can walk from one end to the other, climb the stairs leading to some of the upper levels, and take a self-guided tour of the ship. Following recent changes, previously closed areas are now open to the public unaccompanied. The CPO Lounge, Ship’s library, Galley and even the Brig are among the new spaces which were made available.

There are also guided tours being offered. The Top of the World tour, which brings tourists to the external command center, is one of the best. This tour gives you the opportunity to see the panoramic views of the ship and Norfolk itself from a vantage point in the sky. Another is the From Foc’sle to Fantail tour which takes a closer look at everything that happens on the main deck, from the bow to the stern.

Chrysler Museum of Art

The Chrysler Museum of Art is a rare find, housing inspiring collections of art and antiquities in a lovely building that was renovated in 2014. This free museum houses one of the country’s most important glass collections. Even visitors who are not interested in art are awestruck by the beauty and creativity on display in this collection.

Painting and sculpture from Europe and America, as well as modern and contemporary art, photography, decorative arts, and ancient art are on display at the museum. From Henri Matisse to Andy Warhol, the museum’s permanent collection has something for everyone, and temporary exhibitions keep visitors coming back for more.

The Chrysler Museum Glass Studio, also known as Perry Glass Studio, is located next to the main museum and is where artists come to work on their craft and visitors are given the opportunity to witness glass blowing demonstrations. Classes and workshops are also made available to the public.

Virginia Zoo

The Virginia Zoo is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, thanks to its large collection of well known animals. A variety of animals including elephants, giraffes, tigers, lions, and kangaroos can be seen in large, well-spaced enclosures.

Some of the animals can be seen from elevated boardwalks, which provide a bird’s eye view or a nearly face-to-face encounter with a giraffe. Visiting the zoo in the afternoon can be a hot excursion during the summer, so visitors may want to arrive early. On-site, there is a cafeteria-style restaurant as well as three other fast food outlets serving take-out drinks and snacks.

 

American Rover

Not far from Nauticus, docked in downtown Norfolk is the tall ship American Rover. This three-masted schooner sails on the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads Harbor, providing spectacular views of the city and surroundings. From April through October, these guided cruises span an hour and a half to two hours.

If guests prefer to get their hands dirty, they can help with the sailing or simply enjoy the journey. Snacks and refreshments are available for purchase on board, but guests are also encouraged to bring their own meals.

Cruises can be booked up to 30 days in advance, however tickets are frequently available at the last minute. There are afternoon and sunset cruises available, as well as special sailings, such as night cruises, on occasion.

Victory Rover Naval Base Cruise

The Victory Rover Naval Base Cruises on the downtown waterfront at Nauticus are a great way to explore the area by sea. These narrated excursions take you past Battleship Wisconsin, downtown Norfolk, shipyards, the Portsmouth Naval Hospital, the Portsmouth Coast Guard Station, and the Norfolk Naval Station, among other places. The Norfolk Naval Station is the world’s largest of its kind, which is why seeing it is surely a once-in-a lifetime opportunity.

The 150-passenger vessel has an open upper duck and a closed cabin with air conditioning. Snacks are also available for purchase at the snack bar. From March to November, cruises run on a regular schedule, with only a few sailings in December.

Macarthur Memorial

The MacArthur Memorial honors Douglas MacArthur, a US general and Chief of Staff of the United States Army, as well as Americans who served in the Civil War, Spanish American War, World War I and II, the Japanese Occupation, and the Korean War.

The Memorial is housed in a grand old courthouse, but the complex includes both the memorial and a large visitors center next door. Visitors enter through the building, which houses a gift shop and several exhibits, including MacArthur’s staff car, and then walk through the courtyard to the courthouse.

The tombs of General and Mrs. MacArthur are located in the center of the memorial building, directly beneath the massive dome. Galleries on the main and upper levels are organized by year and chronicle MacArthur’s life and events of the time.