Norfolk, Virginia the first city I called “home” aside from my hometown! A charming historic town located in the heart of the hustling bustling Hampton Roads community. The City of Norfolk is HUGE and divided up into different neighborhoods all featuring their own unique aspect from Downtown to the Bayside to the Historic Ghent, there is a little something for everyone; which is great because it is a military town!!
Norfolk is home to the largest Naval Base in the United States which brings a wave of all types of cultures. Military is what took me to Norfolk to begin with because my husband was stationed there when we first met. I was able to do lots of exploring between visiting and moving there myself. Giving me the perfect opportunity to provide you with the Ultimate Norfolk Travel Guide.
Places to Eat:
The unique cultural mix found in Norfolk is great because it brings a plethora of food options that will satisfy any cravings your tastebuds have. My top two favorite places to find food are in Downtown and throughout Ghent. In this Norfolk Travel Guide you can find where my food focus drooled while I lived there.
Downtown Dining Options:
- The Grain – beautiful rooftop views!
- Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint
- Grace O’Malley’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
- The Grilled Cheese Bistro – I feel like this one speaks for itself but it is a MUST!
- Ya Ya Asian Gourmet House – the best asian cuisine I have ever had!
- Lamia’s Crepes – Lamia herself holds a special place in my heart… her crepes just add to the love!
- aLatte Cafe
- Waterside District
- Byrd & Baldwin Bros Steakhouse
Ghent Dining Options:
- Charlies – best country fried steak ever!!!
- Jessy’s Taco Bistro
- TASTE
- The Handsome Biscuit – Homemade sweet potato biscuits layered with LOVE!
- 80/20 Burger Bar
- Doumar’s Cones & Barbecue – home of the original cone and it is delicious!!!
- The Fishin Pig
- Island Krave
- Cogan’s Pizza
- Orapax Restaurant & Bar
Norfolk Travel Guide Things to Do:
Norfolk is HUGE and depending on your reason for being in Norfolk it can be easier to focus spending time in one area. Whether strolling through downtown or walking along the bay, you can find activities for you and the kids.
- The Virginia Zoo
- Nauticus & The USS Wisconson – great opportunity to experience the Navy Life by walking through a decommissioned Naval ship.
- Pagoda & Oriental Garden
- Naval Base Cruise – take a peak of the largest Naval Base and beautiful sunsets with a Naval Base Cruise.
- Hunter House Victorian Museum
- MacArthuer Memorial & Museum
- Circuit Social
- The Bayside Beach – snag a drink from the Bold Mariner Brewing Co and stroll across the beach to the bayside. You might even get a glimpse of boats passing.
Where to Stay:
If you are in town for work, Downtown is the way to go!! If you are there for military purposes, you have endless options to choose but the airport area is always the most convenient.
- Sheraton Norfolk Waterside
- Norfolk Waterside Marriott
- Hilton Norfolk The Main – Roof Top Bar The Grain
- Glass Light Hotel & Gallery
- AirBnB
- VRBO
Hopefully this ultimate Norfolk Travel Guide will help you whether visiting or moving there yourself! I deeply cherished my time in Norfolk, Virginia. It brought so many joyful memories for my little family to cherish. If you are looking for my other travel guides, you can find them here!!
Excited to travel with you on your next adventure. Be sure to comment if you visited.
