Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk is a town where the water is never far away! It’s a beautiful place to visit with a vibrant arts scene, mouthwatering gastronomy and 144 miles of shore to explore solo, with friends or with the entire family.

Travel and Leisure magazine noted that Norfolk is one of the top 50 places to visit in 2017. My last trip was in August of 2017, and I can see why this beautiful port city ranked so highly! You are simply going to love visiting!

fast facts

Destination Name: Norfolk
State: Virginia
Closest Major Airport(s): Norfolk International Airport (ORF) 2200 Norview Ave, Norfolk, VA 23518
Time Zone: Eastern
Currency: US Dollar
Continent: North America
Country: USA
Primary Language: English

get there and around (transport)

Location: Norfolk is located along interstate 64 about three hours south of Washington D.C. and an hour from Richmond.

Air: ORF is the biggest airport. American, Delta, United, Southwest and Allegiant all have flights in and out of the Norfolk International Airport.

Car: If you are not driving to Norfolk, I suggest you rent a car to explore.

Train: Amtrak has a station in Norfolk.

when to go (the weather)

Peak Season: Summer
The summer months are the wettest months of the year; July and August receive the most rain and are also the warmest months of the year. The average high temperatures are a balmy mid-80s during the day, and the nighttime temperatures decrease only to the lower 70’s. Most tourists visit during the summer months because the great temperatures mean great beach vacations.

Value Season: Winter

Shoulder Season: Spring & Summer

Video: Erik's Travel Tip No.167- What To Do When It Rains

where to stay

Norfolk has plenty of hotels, motels, B&B's and Air B&B's from which to choose. I recommend the Freemason Inn Bed & Breakfast, a charming, restored 1890’s B&B, and the Norfolk Waterside Marriott, which is located in the Norfolk’s downtown historic district and within walking distance to the USS Wisconsin and cruises on the Spirit of Norfolk.

what to do & where to eat

Norfolk boasts of historic diners, innovative burger bars, the region’s finest breweries, and the American birthplace of the waffle cone. You can even plan your trip around one of Norfolk’s beer festival during the spring or summer, which pairs well with any type of burger. While in downtown, visit “restaurant row” on Granby Street, where you can dine in one of the many renowned, chef-owned restaurants. From traditional southern fare and fresh local seafood to trendy, Nouveau Cuisine, there’s something for every appetite.

official tourism resources

Most destinations in the U.S. have an official tourism bureau. Learn more by watching this video. In addition, here are links to the official bureaus for this destination, the state and the USA.

The VisitNorfolk Tourist Information Center
232 East Main Street Norfolk, Virginia
Open: Monday – Friday from 8:30am – 5pm; 11am – 2pm on Saturday and Sunday

Official State Tourism Bureau Site

Official USA Tourism Site