Photo: Joey Sheely, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Norfolk is a waterfront city, and it is located in the southeastern part of Virginia. Norfolk city was founded in the year 1682. As per the statistics of the year 2018, the population in this city is estimated to be 244 076. This city is home to museums, zoos, warships, and botanical gardens, which are amazing; hence you can visit any of them during the year.
Here are the best things to do in Norfolk, Virginia.
# 10 – Chrysler Museum of Art
If you love art, you should never fail to visit the Chrysler Museum of Art while in Virginia. This museum building is amazing and breathtaking. Additionally, during your visit to this museum, you will find an inspirational collection of arts and antiquities. Inside this museum located in one memorial place, you will get a chance to view over 30000 items collected since the 1930s. Moreover, you will get a chance to view the sculptures. You will also get a chance to view paintings from famous artists like Tintoretto, Delacroix, and Edouard Manet. Further, you will get a chance to see one of the greatest collections of glass that are housed in this museum during your visit. There is also an excellent collection of photography and distinguished decorative arts in this museum.
# 9 – The Virginia Zoo
Do you love animals and nature? Well, you should not fail to visit this zoo while in the region. You can also bring your kids to have fun in this zoo during your visit. This zoo is home to over 500 animals from all over the world. There are different varieties and species of animals in this zoo, ranging from the biggest African elephant to the tiny dart frog.
Additionally, during your visit to this zoo, you will be able to see several habitats that house the animals. You will get a chance to see the rare species of animals like the Malayan tiger, tapirs siamangs, and binturongs, among others. Furthermore, inside this zoo, there are beautiful gardens too. You can also attend various educational and conservation-focused events held in this zoo throughout the year.
# 8 – Hermitage Museum and Gardens
Are you interested in having a taste of how this beautiful city of Norfolk looked like in the old day? Well, if you do, you should visit this museum. Additionally, you can visit this museum and gardens if you want to escape from the city noise. During your visit to this museum and gardens that is located along 7637 North Shore road, you will get a chance to see over 40,000 objects that represent over 4000 years of fine art and history from several countries in the world. Moreover, there are both permanent and temporary exhibits in this museum. You can also take a stroll along the waterfront or visit the 42 rooms in the Sloane house.
http://www.thehermitagemuseum.org/
# 7 – Norfolk Botanical Garden
If you are a nature lover, then you should never fail to visit Norfolk Botanical Garden while in the region. During your visit to this over 150 acres botanical garden located along 6700 Azalea Garden Road, you will be able to see seasonal plants and trees that blossom throughout the year. Additionally, there are over forty gardens in this botanical garden with a distinct theme each. There is also a special WOW Children Garden in this botanical garden for young kids. Some birds nest in this garden too that you can watch while sitting under the ancient oak, hickory, and pine trees.
# 6 – Hampton Roads Naval Museum
This naval museum is found at 1 Waterside Drive in the Nauticus building. During your visit to this museum, you will get to know the history of the U.S. Navy in Virginia and the civil war through the cold war. Inside this museum, there are collections of different ship models, naval prints, and underwater archeology. Additionally, there are materials on the Chesapeake, civil war, and world war battles.
http://www.history.navy.mil/museums/hrnm/index.html
# 5 – Naval Station Norfolk
Do you have some interests in military equipment? If you do, then you should visit Naval Station Norfolk while in the region. Naval Station Norfolk is the largest station in the world, and you should not miss a chance to visit. This naval station is located at 9079 Hampton Boulevard in Norfolk. During your visit, you will get a chance to see over 75 impressive naval vessels and 134 aircraft hosed in this naval station. Additionally, there are 11 aircraft hangars and almost 14 piers that you can visit while at the naval station. You will get a chance to be toured around by the naval staff during your visit.
# 4 – General Douglas MacArthur Memorial
This museum is dedicated to a U.S. general and chief of staff of the United States and the Americans who served in different wars in the past. During your visit to this museum found at 198 Bank Street, you will get a chance to view the artifacts, murals, paintings, and sculptures. Besides, you will get a chance to view the different antique vehicles. There are memorial tours and outreach activities in this museum.
http://www.macarthurmemorial.org/
# 3 – Hunter House Victorian Museum
Hunter House Victorian Museum is a house that was built in the year 1894. Inside this museum, there are Victorian decorative arts that you will get a chance to view during your visit. Additionally, there are furnishing that belonged to the Hunters family that will see during your visit. Various special events are hosted in this museum during the year that you can attend.
# 2 – The Moses Myers House
If you love historical houses, you must visit The Moses Myers House if you are in the region. This historical house was built in 1795, and it is believed to be the first brick building in Norfolk. During your visit to this historic house, you will get a chance to see the original furnishings used by Moses Myers. Additionally, there is a permanent exhibition on the story and history of Moses Myers that you will get a chance to see during your visit.
# 1 – Battleship Wisconsin and the Nauticus Maritime Center
If you are interested in vessels used during the past wars like the Second World War and the Korean War, you must visit the Nauticus Maritime Center if you are in Norfolk, Virginia. During your visit, you will get a chance to board and view one of the largest battleships built and used during the wars in the past. Additionally, you can take a self-guided tour while on the ship and visit different parts like offices, a mess, and on board chapel, among others. There is a guided tour also that will enable you to understand the full history of The USS Wisconsin and see its other parts.
