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Guide to Norfolk, USA - Virginia
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Click to go to Flight Prices for Norfolk
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NorfolkOne of Virginia's most frequented port cities, Norfolk has been a top R&R spot for sailors for decades, though most of its previous attractions (bars, etc) were replaced with friendlier sites for the average tourist. Today its seafaring memories are held tightly within its museums, whether they are Virginian landmarks or hidden gems in the form of galleries. You can still get a temp job on a visiting ship at port, but the activity of Norfolk is no longer so heavily focused on stories of Atlantic voyages and such. Situated on two peninsulas, Norfolk covers quite a large expanse of land, and though downtown can offer the feel of a real commercial center, altogether things are spaced out. Few of its main attractions are within walking distance; even relying on public transportation can prove to be a difficult task. Our suggestion is to obtain the keys to your own vehicle if you plan to do a fair amount of sightseeing. The city's roadways are far from congested, and parking is ample throughout the year - albeit possibly getting cramped around the July 4th holiday weekend. Norfolk doesn't compete with other east coast locales by any means, but you'll have a hard time finding a better place for a quiet and calm environment centralized around maritime attractions and great collections of American history.
When to go:
Virginia tends to be blanketed in warmth for the majority of the calendar year, with winter as a chilly exception. For cities further inland this means long, uncomforting summers, wet springs, and lingering humidity in early autumn. You'll get both of the latter in Norfolk, but the breezes that waft up the Elizabeth and Lafayette Rivers provide a much welcome cooling. Near the water is Norfolk's most popular and oldest neighborhood, Freemason, an area with beautifully preserved 18th- and 19th-century structures now used as residences and businesses. It is highly recommended that you spend most of your stay within Freemason as it provides an unmatched combination of climate and access to portside sights.
Getting there and around:
Norfolk International Airport is a place dominated by domestic airlines, but a few international carriers may provide direct access to the port city, depending where one's origin is in the UK. Airport buses are the best - never mind the easiest - of getting to/from town. You'll be transported to the downtown district (if this causes conflicts in travel to your final destination, it's best go by taxi). Chances are that you'll want to visit more places than those offered at the waterfront, and though the ideal way of transporting oneself around town (rental car) may not be the most cost-effective, keeping free from the burden of a bus schedule or the availability of taxis provides much leeway.
Attractions:
For the beautiful side of Norfolk not associated with brick and mortar, visit the Norfolk Botanical Garden. Azaleas dominate the Garden's terrain, and the best time to view them is in late spring between the months of April and June. Separate gardens offer different takes on vegetation. A Japanese garden, fragrance garden, and Italian Renaissance garden are all on the grounds. Formerly the Norfolk Museum of Art, the Chrysler Museum of Art is an early-1900s structure that houses works by the famed Monet, Renoir and more. Statues and carvings are specialties of the museum and modern art is also highlighted wonderfully.
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