Norfolk Area Activities
Getting from the Hotel to various downtown destinations:
 Norfolk
Electric Transit or NET is the complimentary downtown bus
service provided by the City of Norfolk and operated by Hampton
Roads Transit. The weekday route is designed to accomodate
the needs of commuters by connecting the park and ride lots
with the major employment sites downtown. The weekend route
has the visitor in mind, providing service to the major attractions
in the downtown area. Download
a copy of the NET schedule.
The Armed
Forces Memorial
Town Point Park, Norfolk, VA 23510 • 757-664-6620
Tucked into the southeastern corner of Town Point Park, the
Memorial is situated on the Elizabeth River, connected to
the park by two bridges. Within the Memorial are 20 inscriptions
from letters written home by US service people who lost their
lives in war. The letters have been cast in thin sheets of
bronze, and are scattered across the ground as if blown there
by the wind. Seats, which face out to the waterway, encourage
rest and contemplation of the words from people who never
came home.
Battleship
Wisconsin
One Waterside Dr. (adjacent to Nauticus), Norfolk, VA 23510
• 757-322-3108
Located next to Nauticus, USS Wisconsin is the largest and
last battleship ever built by the U.S. Navy. Explore its deck
through a self-guided or audiotape tour that will take you
back in time to experience this majestic ship that earned
five battle stars during World War II. Knowledgeable volunteers
are stationed throughout the tour areas and can answer any
question you might have.
Chrysler
Museum of Art
245 West Olney Rd., Norfolk, VA 23510 • 757-664-6200
Stroll through 5000 years of art history at the Chrysler Museum,
home to Walter Chrysler Jr.'s world-class collection of more
than 30,000 pieces of art. In addition to its envied collection,
Chrysler Museum is filled with exciting free programs and
activities,and Cuisine & Company Restaurant. The 300-seat
theatre is host to many musical performances, children?s programs,
and lectures. The museum is open Wednesday 10a.m.- 9p.m. by
voluntary contribution; Thursday-Sunday 10a.m.- 5p.m.; Sunday
1-5p.m.; Closed Mondays, Tuesdays and Holidays. Students with
ID and visitors ages 18 and under are admitted free of charge.
Civil
War Trails
Norfolk, VA 23510 • 757-441-1852
Norfolk is a participant in the Virginia Civil War Trails
program, an effort that links over 200 Civil War sites located
throughout the Commonwealth. Visitors can trace Norfolk's
Civil War heritage by following the Civil War Trails around
the city. Sites include Fort Norfolk, the historic Freemason
District, and the Black Civil War Memorial - the south's only
commemoration of black Union troops.
Hampton
Roads Naval Museum
One Waterside Dr. (adjacent to Nauticus), Norfolk, VA 23510
• 757-444-8971
The Hampton Roads Naval Museum introduces guests to over two
centuries of naval activity in and around the great harbors
of Hampton Roads, Virginia. Recently rated number one among
small museums by Hampton Roads Magazine, the Hampton Roads
Naval Museum is one of 11 museums in the United States operated
by the U.S. Navy. The facility showcases over 50 exhibits
including a priceless collection of naval ship models, 19th
century naval artwork and underwater archaeological finds
from the American Civil War. Visitors to the museum encounter
the history of the Navy in Hampton Roads beginning with the
story of the common sailor during the Revolutionary War, all
the way to life aboard today's floating city - the modern
aircraft carrier. Additionally, a talented staff of historical
interpreters and impersonators bring that history to life.
Open daily from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Closed Mondays from September-May.
Extended Summer hours. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve
and Christmas Day.
MacArthur
Memorial
MacArthur Square, Bank Street & City Hall Ave., Norfolk,
VA 23510 • 757-441-2965
The final resting place for General Douglas MacArthur and
his wife. Located in Downtown Norfolk's restored 1850 City
Hall, the complex contains a museum, theater and special exhibit
galleries, gift shop, and archives. The MacArthur Memorial's
extensive collection of military and personal artifacts allows
visitors to discover the compelling story of General of the
Army Douglas Macarthur and the millions of American men and
women who served our nation during the Spanish American War,
World Wars I,World War II, the Occupation of Japan, and the
Korean War.
Moses Myers House
331 Bank St., Norfolk, VA 23510 • 757-333-6283
One of Norfolk's first Jewish residents built the elegant
Federal Period home in 1792. 70 percent of the current collection
of furnishings was acquired by the first generation of Myers
and reflects the French influences prevalent during the period.
The collection also boasts artwork by Gilbert Stuart, Thomas
Sully, John Wesley Jarvis and many other noted American artists.
Naval
Station Norfolk
9079 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23505 • 757-444-7955
The Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest Navy Base,
offers 45 minute bus tours which are conducted by Navy personnel,
passing giant aircraft carriers, destroyers, submarines, frigates,
amphibious assault ships and one of the busiest airfields.
The tour also passes historic homes from the 1907 Jamestown
Exposition. All tours depart from the Naval Tour and Information
Center. Admission fees: Adults $7.50; Children under 12, Seniors
and Persons with Disabilities $5.
Schooner
Virginia
500 E. Main St., Norfolk, VA 23510 • 757-627-7400
The schooner Virginia is a living symbol of Virginia's historical
maritime past. This wooden hull, two-mast, gaff topsail schooner
is a replica of the 1917 Pilot Schooner Virginia. Her home
port is in Norfolk, and her mission is to serve as a Goodwill
Ambassador for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Guests of all
ages are able to join as guest-crew members aboard Virginia
for voyages between visiting ports. Youth Sail Training programs
are offered by the schooner Virginia during the summer months.
Virginia is also available to host sailing or dockside receptions.
The schooner Virginia is operated by the Virginia Maritime
Heritage Foundation.
Spirit
of Norfolk
109 East Main St. Suite 500, Norfolk, VA 23510 • 757-625-1463
/ 757-625-FUNN (3866)
The Spirit of Norfolk offers panoramic views of Norfolk and
the Navy's Atlantic Fleet while cruising on the Elizabeth
River. Enjoy lunch and dinner cruises featuring our all-you-can-eat
buffet, DJ for dancing and live musical act starring the regions
best entertainers. Open year-round.
West Point Monument at Elmwood Cemetery
238 Princess Anne Rd., Norfolk, VA 23510 • 757-441-2653
Recognized as the South's only known tribute to African-American
veterans of the Civil and Spanish-American Wars. This Virginia
Civil War Trail site is marked by a statue of Sergeant Carney,
the first black soldier to be killed in battle during the
Civil War.
Nauticus
One Waterside Dr., Norfolk, VA 23510 • 757-664-1000
This 120,000-square-foot, maritime-themed science center features
hands-on exhibits, theaters with live actors, touch tanks,
digital hi-definition films, Battleship Wisconsin exhibits,
national caliber traveling exhibits and more. Nauticus' uniqueness
is evident throughout its 120,000-square foot building. Feel
the unique texture of a nurse shark's skin, touch a tornado,
design a battleship, or participate in a simulated naval battle
aboard an Aegis-class destroyer. Complementing the maritime
experience is the Banana Pier Gift Shop and Iron Whale Cafe
on site. With admission fees.
Cannonball Trail
401 East Freemason St., Norfolk, VA 23510 • 757-441-1526
This walk-it-yourself tour is a heritage trail, which connects
historic sites woven among featured attractions in downtown
Norfolk. Begin your adventure at the Freemason Street Reception
Center.
d'ART
Center
Selden Arcade 208 E. Main St., Norfolk, VA 23510 • 757-625-4211
This unique visual arts facility features 50 resident artists,
creating, displaying and selling original fine art. Come meet
artists and see how art is made! d'ART offers adult and children's
art classes and workshops. Five sky lit galleries showcase
changing art exhibitions. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.- 5
p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m. Free admission.
Fort
Norfolk
810 Front St., Norfolk, VA 23510
Fort Norfolk is the last remaining of 19 harbor front forts
authorized in 1794 by President George Washington. Stepping
through the fort's arched entryway transports visitors to
another era. The fort's four-acre site overlooks the Elizabeth
River and includes earthwork embankments, ramparts, a dungeon,
officers' quarters, poder magazine, barracks and guardhouse.
The fort played key roles in the War of 1812 and in the Civil
War, and is used by the Army Corps of Engineers today. Open
year-round for self-guided tours during working hours Monday-Friday.
Photo ID required.
 HRT
Paddlewheel Ferry
Downtown to Olde Towne • 757-222-6100
Offering a panoramic view of the Elizabeth River harbor, this
charming pedestrian ferry operates between The Waterside Festival
Marketplace in Norfolk and High Street Landing and North Landing
Ferry Docks in Portsmouth. The ferry departs every 30 minutes
with 15 minute service at peak times on weekends. Fare: $1,
Seniors and $0.50 for Persons with Disabilities.
Hunter
House Victorian Museum
240 W. Freemason St., Norfolk, VA 23510 • 757-623-9814
In Norfolk in 1894, the Boston architect W.P. Wentworth designed
and built a home in the Richardsonian Romanesque style of
architecture for the prominent merchant and banker James Wilson
Hunter. Rich in architectural detail, the house displays the
family's collection of Victorian furnishings and decorative
pieces. Open Wednesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Sunday
12:30p.m.-3:30 p.m. Closed Monday, Tuesday and major holidays.
General admission: $5 Adults; $4 Senior citizen; $1 children
Norfolk History Museum at the Willoughby-Baylor House
601 East Freemason St., Norfolk, VA 23510 • 757-441-1526
The Norfolk History Museum at the Willoughby-Baylor House
(circa 1794) illuminates the wide range and richness of the
history of the entire region by providing engaging thematic
offerings and surveys, including the decorative arts of Norfolk,
the story of Norfolk at various stages in its long history
as an international port and maritime center, the area's impressive
naval and military heritage, and the area's historic buildings
and residences at different periods in history. The grounds
have also been restored, including period oyster shell paving.
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday 12 p.m.-4
p.m. Free and open to the public.
Pagoda
Garden Tea House & Gallery
265 West Tazewell St., Norfolk, VA 23510 • 757-623-1949
The Garden for all seasons is a delight for the senses and
features over 125 species of Asian plantings and the largest
Koi pond on the East Coast. The Pagoda (a.k.a. Marine Observation
Tower) was a gift to the Commonwealth of Virginia from the
Provincial Government of Taiwan of the Republic of China in
1989 to celebrate trading ties. The Friends of the Pagoda
& Oriental Garden Foundation and the City of Norfolk dedicated
the Garden in October 2000. The Pagoda Restaurant is open
for lunch, Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. and dinner,
Tuesday through Saturday, 5 p.m.- 9 p.m. It may be closed
at times for special events.
Selden
Arcade
208 E. Main St., Norfolk, VA 23510 • 757-664-6880
The perfect link between Norfolk's nightlife and a bustling
financial district, the historic Selden Arcade nestled between
Plume and Main streets, sit squarely in the center of it all.
This magnificent structure is a bustling haven for the arts
featuring The Selden Gallery, a cultural concierge service,
and lunch time musical performances. Additionally, the Selden
is proud to be home to the working community for artists that
make up d'ART Center, as well as the Norfolk Gift Shop, and
an assortment of eateries, including Starbucks, D'egg and
Yorgo's Bageldashery. The Selden originally opened its doors
in April of 1931 and was redesigned, refurbished, revitalized
and reopened as the city's cultural arts facility in May of
2005. With 9,000 square feet of common space and soaring ceilings,
the Selden Arcade also plays an elegant host to a number of
receptions and special events throughout the year. Open daily
7 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
The
Waterside Festival Marketplace
333 Waterside Dr., Norfolk, VA 23510 • 757-627-3300
Overlooking the Elizabeth River and working harbor in downtown
Norfolk, The Waterside is the destination for food, fun and
entertainment. The Waterside features great restaurants, exciting
night clubs, specialty retailers and an international food
court. Boat tours and Portsmouth ferry leave from the premises.
Hours of Operations: Monday-Sunday 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Sunday
Noon - 6 p.m.; Restaurants and clubs remain open later.
Norfolk
Police Museum
100 Brook Ave., Norfolk, VA 23510 • 757-423-6592
The Norfolk Police Museum, established in 1919, is the oldest
museum in Norfolk. Its purpose is to document and preserve
the history of NPD and those who have served the department.
On display are extensive exhibits of early photographs, uniforms,
badges, patches, firearms, handcuffs, and other equipment
used by the police department from its inception until now.
Also, the museum maintains a permanent memorial to our fallen
officers. If unable to visit the museum during the normal
business hours of 8:00 a.m. ? 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, call
the curator and special arrangements will be made to open
the museum for the public at other reasonable times and for
NPD family members just about anytime, including nights, weekends,
or holidays.
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