Norfolk

Norfolk brings together art, maritime history and travel ideas by the water. When choosing a hotel in Norfolk, it helps to consider the themes you want to shape your stay. The Elizabeth River Trail offers a way to get active by the water; museums and exhibitions provide a different focus, while gardens offer another distinct option. This lets you assess the destination based on your interests before comparing hotels.

Waterfront Trail and Outdoor Activities

The Elizabeth River Trail is a 10.5-mile National Recreation Trail route along Norfolk’s historic waterfront. It is designed for walking, running and cycling. The trail connects Norfolk’s working waterfront with scenic stretches that pass historic landmarks and parks. This offers a clearly described, multi-use route alongside museums and gardens. Temporary detours may occur, so check the route before setting out.

Art, History and Glassblowing

The Chrysler Museum of Art opened in 1933 as the Norfolk Museum of Arts and Sciences. Its collection includes nearly 35,000 objects and spans 5,000 years of history. The 1933 opening date describes the history of the museum; the 5,000 years refers to the objects in the collection.

The Perry Glass Studio offers a free glassblowing demonstration at 12 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. If you plan to attend, check before your trip to confirm it takes place on the day of your visit. The studio offers a different focus from a collection: the glassblowing demonstration is the main attraction.

Riverside Estate and Themed Gardens

The Hermitage Museum & Gardens is a 12-acre waterfront estate on Norfolk’s Lafayette River. Its art collection spans more than 5,000 years. Admission is free; it is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check the opening hours before your visit.

The Norfolk Botanical Garden is a 175-acre sanctuary with more than 60 themed gardens. In terms of area, it is considerably larger than the 12-acre Hermitage estate. The comparison highlights two different focuses: themed gardens here, and the art collection and Lafayette River setting there. If you are weighing these interests, size and theme offer a concrete way to decide.

Norfolk’s History and Waters at Nauticus

At Nauticus, Norfolk in Time is an interactive exhibition about Norfolk’s history, culture, science, technology and industry. The Nautical Neighborhood aquarium explores aquatic life from the Elizabeth River and Chesapeake Bay. The exhibition focuses on the city; the aquarium turns its attention to life in the two waterways. Check the availability of both attractions before your trip.

Also moored at Nauticus in Norfolk, the Battleship Wisconsin is one of the largest and last battleships built by the U.S. Navy. Those interested in city history and technology can compare the exhibition and ship with the aquarium’s aquatic focus.

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For the main travel overview: Norfolk.