Beyond the Obvious in Norfolk: Waterfront days and local plans
Curious about what you'll do when you live in Norfolk? If you like the idea of paddling along the Elizabeth, getting artsy sketching in the Chrysler, and are daring enough to try slurping at raw bars, Norfolk is calling you home! This list of fun things to do will take you from harbor cruises to street murals and give you a bold sampling of Norfolk's coastal culture and creative spirit.
Laura, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Laura arrived in Virginia in 1988 with a teaching job, a love of sunshine, and zero idea she’d still be here decades later—now basically an honorary ambassador for the state. She’s tracked down over 800 of Virginia’s iconic LOVE signs, a feat that probably deserves its own license plate. When she’s not at the beach or debating which El Azteca location does the best Nacho Fajitas, she’s editing Snappy Scout’s Virginia guides, helping readers discover the local quirks and hidden gems she’s been living (and loving) for years.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What Will You Do in Norfolk?
From weekend adventures to iconic road trips, here's how locals spend their time off.
on a Saturday with perfect weather
take a morning stroll along the Ocean View Beach, picnic at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, Town Point Park festival by sunset
when the gals come to town for the weekend
Rosé at Grain rooftop, NEON mural crawl, heels protesting
dude hangout
Smartmouth Saturday release, cornhole, smoked wings from food trucks
rainy dreary day
Chrysler Museum glass demos, then Nauticus storms without getting drenched
intellectually stimulating
MacArthur Memorial letters, Barry Art Museum dolls unsettlingly lifelike
artsy
NEON District scavenger hunt, every wall loudly auditioning for you
outdoorsy
Elizabeth River Trail ride, ship horns keeping tempo with gulls
if you're a shopaholic
Selden Market splurge, then Ghent’s Kitsch for unapologetic Norfolk souvenirs
with your dog
Bea Arthur Dog Park, ramp straight into the Elizabeth
family oriented
Virginia Zoo giraffes, kids narrating like tiny overcaffeinated tour guides
in need of a selfie
Mermaid statue bingo, plus the Pagoda at golden hour, end of the Ocean View Fishing Pier
you have to see this
Battleship Wisconsin’s bow, bigger than your last five apartments, Azaleas in full bloom
My Favorite Local Spot in Norfolk
El Azteca: Begin with dipping your chips into the locally famous white dip and homemade salsa. The menu is full of delicious entrees, but try the Nacho Fajitas, California Burrito, or the Burrito Veracruz.
— Laura Gray
Virginia Local Expert
Ready to See If Norfolk Fits You?
Compare cities, check the routes, or head back to the full Norfolk guide for the bigger picture.