An excellent way to get the feel of a place is to visit its most unique places. You will get to know what the people value, how they go about their day-to-day activities and even travel down memory lane to see how they got there. If you are in Norfolk, Virginia, and have no idea where to go to experience this lovely city, we have compiled a list of the best attractions to get you started.

Norfolk Botanical Garden

You will find this breathtaking nature haven on Azalea Garden Road. It has been around since the end of the 1930s and sits on over 150 acres. Once you walk into this place, you will be treated to more than 4o gardens with varying themes, such as the “Enchanted Forest,” “Hummingbird Garden,” and “Japanese Garden.” Walking around the gardens can be so fulfilling, but if you’re not up for a walk, you can take a tram tour that will last for about half an hour. Water surrounds three sides of the garden, so you can also opt for a boat tour. If you visit Norfolk towards the end of the year, look out for the “Dominion Garden of Lights” event from November into the New Year. The garden is open every day from 9 am to 7 pm, and on Sundays, you can tag your dog along as long as you keep it on a leash.

Virginia Zoo

If you love animals, the Virginia Zoo on Granby Street will be a fun place for you. The zoo has more than 500 wildlife from various places worldwide. You can look forward to seeing tigers, orangutans, lions, and elephants, among other wild animals. The zoo also has beautiful, well-kept gardens that serve some of the animals on site. There are a few food joints in the area, and you can look out for various fun events all year round. An exciting one is “Zoo Night,” where you get to visit the Virginia Zoo at night and see some of the nocturnal animals in action.

Hermitage Museum and Gardens

The Hermitage Museum preserves early 20th-century artwork from various places in the world. They host various exhibits on selected dates, so be sure to catch 1 or 2 when you can. If you visit over the summer, you can look forward to the “Sunsets on the River” concert every Thursday. The museum is surrounded by 12 acres of manicured gardens that occasionally host events. The gardens will also give you a good glimpse of the Lafeyette River. 

Chrysler Museum

You will find beautiful artwork over 5,000 years old in this museum that has been in operation since the 1930s. Get to see some photography, sculptures, and contemporary, ancient art. The museum has exhibitions on selected dates, so you can look out for them. This iconic place is also home to the Perry Glass Studio, which has beautiful glass art among the best in the USA. You can watch how things are made or sign up for a class. Chrysler Museum is at One Memorial Place in the Ghent district.

USS Wisconsin BB-64

If the idea of history and war machines fascinates you, you will love seeing the USS Wisconsin Battleship at Nauticus Maritime Center on Waterside Drive. This battleship has been through World War II and the Korean War. You can tour it on your own or take a guided tour of the various areas on the ship and have a feel of how things happened as you learn some history.

Pagoda & Oriental Garden

Along West Tazewell Street, you will come across a beautifully structured Pagoda. This Pagoda was a gift to Norfolk from Taiwan’s governor in 1989. An oriental garden surrounds it, so you will get the perfect feel of tranquility when you visit. The garden has over a hundred plant species and a koi pond with water lilies and lotus. There is a restaurant on-site with delicious and affordable food, so you can comfortably spend a day here.

Neon District

Your visit to Norfolk will not be complete if you do not go downtown to the Neon District. This is Norfolk’s art district, which is clearly shown by the countless murals coloring the street walls. Local and nationally recognized artists have taken part in painting these murals, so be sure to check them out and take some life-filled pictures.

Moses Myres House

This is another famous attraction for history lovers. Moses Myers and his family were the original owners of this house, and they were the first Jewish-American residents of Norfolk. The Myers family is vital to Norfolk because they helped build many parts of Norfolk through the years. A tour around the house will have you see some of the original property and furnishings of the family that have been well-preserved. A beautiful garden surrounds the house on Freemason Street.

Mermaid Factory

If the mermaids you keep bumping into as you tour Norfolk fascinate you, consider going to West 21st Street for the real mermaid experience. This small factory makes mermaids and dolphins out of clay or wood. You can buy one of your own for memories’ sake or have fun decorating some right at the craft store. The place takes a little over 20 people and is usually pretty busy, so consider making a reservation beforehand.

American Rover

This is arguably the most famous cruise ship in Norfolk, and you can spot it from afar by its towering red sails. Sailing Harbor Cruises has been running this ship along the Elizabeth River since 1986. It fits more than a hundred people, and you can buy snacks and drinks on board. You are also free to carry your food. Check it out if you love cruises, and make a reservation early to be on the safe side.

Wrapping Up

Norfolk, Virginia, may seem like a boring city, but if you give it a chance, you will find many beautiful places to see and fun things to do. Consider using our compilation to create your itinerary, so you don’t miss out on any essential spots.