Looking for something to do in Norfolk, Virginia beach or something near your stay in Hampton or Virginia Beach? Norfolk is right in the middle and heart of what the locals call ‘Hampton Roads’ (this is the name of the 7 cities that cover the coast of Virginia, from Williamsburg to the North Carolina border).
I have personally done a few variations of these walks myself and can vouch you will capture quiet, city business, beauty, old architecture, new modern dines and eats, and more on just a couple mile walk when you are exploring downtown Norfolk. The best parts of the city that are easily walkable are located in and around downtown Norfolk. Let’s walk through (pun intended!) some of the best gems of the city together!
I’d recommend you start your day off with a short stop in Ghent, which is just northwest of Downtown. It perfectly combines historical flavor with modern and eclectic creative design, and is specifically known for it’s dynamic array of amazing food, covering any type of cuisine you could want. Peppered with adorable little shops, coffee houses, and more, this can make for a fun hour long stop in the area to get out and walk around in the historic district. I’d recommend parking near the Chrysler museum to start!
Once parked, for an affordable price, you can go into the Chrysler Museum and see a wide array of artwork that is constantly rotating to keep it’s patrons interested and captivated. Not into indoor art? Well take a quick turn north and you will land yourself in what we call the Neon District. You’ll see why immediately once you get there! This area is covered with beautiful murals and artwork all over the buildings, as well as interactive artwork on the road that you can experience as you pass by.
Once you find Granby Street, head south towards the waterfront. Granby street is also an area known for it’s nightlife and food. It ranges from small pizza joints to black-tie-affair dining at Byrd and Baldwin’s - an excellent romantic dining experience I may add. This is the true center of Norfolk dining, and we would like to make some recommendations:
Bar Food: The Grain Rooftop Bar, The Barrel Room
Pizza: Benny’s (The slices are 1 pound each!)
Pub: O’Malley’s Irish Bar
Fancy Dining: Byrd and Baldwin’s
Coffee: Cafe Genevieve (You must try their macaroons!)
Once you grab a bite to eat, it’s time to explore the waterfront! Here you will find multiple piers with a variety of purposes: The US Navy ships, the Nauticus museum - a hallmark of Norfolk where you can tour an old WWII Battle Ship, the Elizabeth River Boat Tours - providing a dining experience while you sail through the Elizabeth Channel, and the Waterside District.
The Waterside District is a large space that has a variety of dining options, bars, and a PBR dance club in it. It is the ultimate environment to watch a sporting event in or end the night with a little dancing.
Heading back up north, follow the sidewalk up closest to the water. Not only will this land you an incredible view of the USS Wisconsin from the Nauticus museum, but you will also walk through a surprisingly quiet part of the town on cute brick roads and all brick homes. Hidden in the middle of this quiet community are views of the channel but also you will walk right through the Oriental Garden built in the middle of the city - a truly peaceful escape. For just a few minutes, or a few hours, catch the peace of the water fountains, beautiful greenery, and enjoy the beautiful temple in the middle of the garden.
Heading just a little further north, you’ll run into the College area, an adorable part of the community surrounding Tidewater Community College. The brick roads and buildings are a reminder of the history found within the city that speak to what this country has grown to be.
From here, you aren’t too far away from your car! Keep wandering at your leisure or take a last bite to eat at Freemason Abbey. This restaurant shows it’s history in it’s decor and menu, but also has made history in another sense. Their Shecrab soup is so good, it has been banned from participating in any competitions since they continually won consecutive years in a row. While they may not be taking any golds home anymore, it is still regarded as the #1 place to get Shecrab soup in the entire Hampton Roads area.
Looking for other recommendations for trails?
1. Walk or Bike the Elizabeth River Trail, you can find more information on their interactive map.
2. Strictly Historical Tour, do the Cannonball Trial in Downtown, it only takes about 2 hours to finish.
3. Looking for more to do in Norfolk? Visit the city’s website.
