Norfolk holidays
Overlooking the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia’s third-largest city has a naval history that goes back more than 200 years. But beyond the weathered battleships, holidays to Norfolk reveal a booming waterfront with relaxing beaches, attractive marinas and all manner of eating, drinking and shopping. The city is also a hub for Virginia’s top cultural institutions, including the Virginia Opera, Virginia Symphony Orchestra and the nationally acclaimed Chrysler Museum of Art.
Norfolk holiday highlights
Maritime and mermaids
This is a dream destination for maritime buffs. While on a holiday to Norfolk, you can tour restored warships or take a sunset cruise. Or you can go mermaid hunting. Norfolk adopted mermaids as a mascot in 1999, along with the nickname ‘Mermaid City’. There are some 130 fibreglass sculptures of the sea goddesses floating around town. You’re sure to spot at least a few.
Trees and trails
For decades, the Arbor Day Foundation has dubbed Norfolk a ‘Tree City’ thanks to its glorious patchwork of tree-lined streets and lush parks. Curious about regional flowers and plants? Visit the Norfolk Botanical Garden for year-round flora. Or explore the popular Elizabeth River Trail, which connects nearly 30 neighbourhoods across beautiful riverfront scenery.
Where to stay
Most of Norfolk’s hotels are clustered in Downtown near the MacArthur Center, with a few outliers further north. For an economical alternative, consider staying at a hotel near the airport along Highway 13, which borders neighbouring Virginia Beach. If you’re keen to stay near the beach, a handful of affordable motels line Highway 60 off the Chesapeake Bay.
Norfolk: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)
High season
June – August
Low season
January – February
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Things to do in Norfolk
Places to eat
From fresh-off-the-boat oysters to rich stews with ingredients from the nearby Carolinas, Norfolk’s food scene is a delicious melting pot. Seafood is the main event here. You’ll find it on nearly every menu in town, from white-tablecloth restaurants in Downtown to up-and-coming eateries in Ghent. For a sweet treat, swing through Doumar’s, a classic since 1904 for its claim to fame — the waffle cone.
Beaches
You’ll find Norfolk’s public beaches on the northeast side of the city, facing the Chesapeake Bay. From Ocean View Fishing Pier, head south to Sarah Constant Beach Park for calm waters and picnic tables. Five minutes away, Ocean View Beach Park has an old-school boardwalk and hosts summer events. Most beaches have plenty of free parking.
Take in the culture
The city’s most notable museum is the Chrysler Museum of Art. While visiting, look for the legendary Norfolk Mace. More than 270 years old, this ceremonial piece of armour is almost as old as the city. Norfolk’s famed naval history lives on in both the Nauticus maritime museum and the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Fans of traditional Western and Asian art should visit the Hermitage Museum & Gardens.
FAQs about Norfolk holidays
Rain or shine, Norfolk is abuzz with activity. You’ll want to plan flights and hotels to Norfolk for the warmer months when spring festivals and neighbourhood bike rides give way to summer sailing events and waterfront concerts. When the weather turns cold, people head indoors as local museums and institutions launch into prime season.
January brings the coolest conditions. Organise your Norfolk trip then and you can expect lows of -1ºC (30ºF).
The warmest month in Norfolk is July, when temperatures peak at 31ºC (88ºF).
A weekend is perfect for a holiday in Norfolk. Depending on the weather, you’ll have lots of time to enjoy the shoreline as well as explore Downtown and a few neighbourhoods. For fine-dining plans, consider booking restaurants in advance.
Whether you're looking to splurge or save, your preferred travel style will partly influence the cost. When budgeting for your Norfolk flights and hotels, consider all the options, from flying business class or economy to booking simple or luxurious stays. When you go also matters, with some seasons bringing better value for a city break in Norfolk.
English is the language you're most likely to hear. Brush up on some local words and phrases during your city break in Norfolk and you'll blend right in.
You could spend weeks ticking off all the things to do in Norfolk. From Norfolk Botanical Garden to Nauticus National Maritime Centre and more, this city is a crowd-pleaser for a reason.
The United States dollar (USD) is the official currency. From shopping at local markets to tipping, carrying a little cash during your trip to Norfolk is a good idea.
Your holiday to Norfolk should be a worry-free and enjoyable experience, as the city is generally considered safe. Even so, you'll want to take some commonsense precautions. Be alert in busy areas and make sure valuables like your phone and cash are safely stored away. An anti-theft bag or money belt provides added peace of mind during your travels.
With an average rainfall of 17 cm, September is the wettest month to go on a Norfolk holiday. When the skies open up, venture indoors and make the most of the city's art exhibits, cafes, shopping centres and more.
With its many public exhibitions, delicious restaurants and wealth of accessible arts and culture, Norfolk is perfect for an urban holiday. Pedestrian-friendly corridors and the efficient light rail system make it easy to explore, and year-round events and festivals mean there’s always something fun to do.
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