Norfolk Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Norfolk Travel & Tourism, Free Norfolk Travel Guide Online
Norfolk Travel Guide: Discount & Cheap Norfolk Travel & Tourism, Free Norfolk Travel Guide OnlineWith its sparkling downtown waterfront, tall glimmering buildings and storied maritime heritage, Norfolk, Virginia stands today as one of the Mid Atlantic region's most dynamic and progressive cultural centers.
World-class museums, galleries, intimate performing arts halls and scores of other attractions dot the city's pedestrian-friendly downtown waterfront, while the white sandy beaches of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean lie just minutes away.
In fact, this old seaport in the heart of the Virginia Waterfront is so vibrant, the New York Times declared Norfolk a "cultural center of note," while Money Magazine dubbed it "The South's #1 big city to live in."
A city as rich in history as there are things to do, Norfolk enjoys a cost of living considerably more generous than most cities, offering business, leisure, and convention traveler the kind of value and entertainment that can be found in few other places.
Whatever the visitor may choose to do in The New Norfolk, it's easy to see that the old seaport's pulse is beating stronger than ever. Easily accessible by air, car, train or bus, Norfolk awaits its visitors with year round moderate weather. With near perfect weather and more things to see and do than a traveler can imagine, Norfolk hosts visitors from around the world throughout the year with the busiest time being the summer when kids are out of school and tourists descend on the entire area. Norfolk enjoys a temperate mid-Atlantic climate moderated by its proximity to the Gulf Stream. Average yearly high temperature is 67.4°F; average low is 51°F. The overall percentage of sunshine is 65%. Summer is exceptionally pleasant with warm breezes and temperatures averaging in the 70's F with plenty of sunshine. This is the perfect time to take advantage of the world renowned attractions both in the city and in nearby Williamsburg. Spring and fall are quite pleasant and less crowded. The temperatures are just cool enough for an invigorating walk after dinner at one of the many fine restaurants in the area. Winters can get chilly and it does snow. Whatever the season, Norfolk is picture postcard material. Be sure to bring a camera. Whatever interests a visitor might have, Norfolk has an attraction to match. For instance, for anyone interested in the Civil War, visitors can trace Norfolk's Civil War heritage by following the Civil War Trails around the city. Sites include Fort Norfolk, the historic Freemason District, and the Black Civil War Memorial - the south's only commemoration of black Union troops.The city is also home to the Naval Station Norfolk. The Station is home port to more than 75 ships and 100 aircraft of the Atlantic Fleet. It is the world's largest naval installation. For a little more history, the Battleship USS Wisconsin, located next to Nauticus, The National Maritime Center, is the largest and last battleship ever built by the U.S. Navy. Visitors can explore its deck through a self-guided or audiotape tour that will take one back in time to experience this majestic ship that earned five battle stars during World War II. For a family adventure, no trip to the Norfolk area would be complete without a visit to Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Conveniently located nearby, it's a perfect day trip for the entire family. Here 17th-century charm combines with 21st-century technology to create the ultimate family experience. Busch Gardens boasts more than 50 thrilling rides and attractions, ten main stage shows, a wide variety of award-winning cuisine and world-class shops. The entertainment doesn't stop there. Norfolk also offers fine dining, theatre, the performing arts, nearby beaches and, just minutes away, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. This is one city that visitors come back to visit over and over as each time creates a different memory. Norfolk Attractions: Norfolk Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Norfolk Travel & Tourism, Free Norfolk Travel Guide OnlineAmerican Rover Tall Ship Cruises The Waterside Festival Marketplace 333 Waterside Drive Norfolk, VA 23510 757-627-7245 Hours: 2 and 3 hour cruises available, call for reservations Admission Charged This graceful sailing ship is the largest three-masted, 149-passenger topsail schooner under the US flag. The Armed Forces Memorial Town Point Park Norfolk, VA 23510 757-664-6620 Hours: Call for additional information Admission Free Cast in bronze, excerpts from 20 letters written home by US service members who lost their lives in war are scattered across a portion of Town Point Park as if blown there by the wind. A truly moving tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Basilica of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception 232 Chapel Street Norfolk, VA 23504 757-622-4487 Hours: Tues – Thurs, 1pm – 5pm Admission Free The parish of this beautifully renovated church dates back to 1791, with the arrival of the Catholic laity and priests, seeking refuge from the French Revolution. Battleship USS Wisconsin One Waterside Drive Norfolk, VA 23510 757-322-3108 Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm, Sunday, noon – 5pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday Admission Free Located next to Nauticus, The National Maritime Center, the USS Wisconsin is the largest and last battleship ever built by the U.S. Navy. Explore its deck through a self-guided or audiotape tour that will take you back in time to experience this majestic ship that earned five battle stars during World War II. Busch Gardens Williamsburg One Busch Gardens Boulevard Williamsburg, VA 23187 800-343-7946 Hours: Vary by season, call for additional information Admission Charged Take a journey to the unexpected at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, where 17th-century charm combines with 21st-century technology to create the ultimate family experience. Busch Gardens boasts more than 50 thrilling rides and attractions, ten main stage shows, a wide variety of award-winning cuisine and world-class shops. Cannonball Trail 401 East Freemason Street (Start of walking tour) Norfolk, VA 23510 757-664-6620 Hours: Open year round, 24 hours a day Admission Free Hike the Cannonball Trail, a self-guided downtown walking tour where you'll wind your way through 400 years of Norfolk's History. Let the signs be your guide. Carrie B Waterside Festival Marketplace 333 Waterside Drive Norfolk, VA 23510 757-393-4735 Hours: Call for reservations and additional information Admission Charged Tour Norfolk's naval shipyards and naval operating base aboard a Mississippi-style paddle wheeler–the Carrie B. The top deck provides an unobstructed view of Navy aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, the nation's oldest dry dock and historic Fort Norfolk. Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Route 60 (Shore Drive) and Route 13 Virginia Beach, VA 23510 757-331-2960 Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Admission Charged An engineering marvel connects Virginia Beach/ Norfolk and Virginia's Eastern Shore. Acclaimed as one of the "Seven Wonders of the Modern World," this 17.6-mile link is the world's largest bridge-tunnel complex. Chrysler Museum of Art 245 West Olney Road Norfolk, VA 23510 757-664-6200 Hours: Wed 10am - 9pm; Thurs - Sat 10am - 5pm; Sun 1 - 5pm. Closed Mon, Tue, and major holidays Admission Charged Visitors can view the museum's world-renowned Tiffany-glass collection, Art Nouveau furniture, works of art from African, Egyptian, Pre-Columbian, Islamic and Asian cultures, and an extensive European and American collection of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts. Civil War Trail Norfolk, VA 23510 757-664-6620 Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Admission Free Norfolk is a participant in the Virginia Civil War Trails program, an effort that links over 200 Civil War sites located throughout the Commonwealth. Visitors can trace Norfolk's Civil War heritage by following the Civil War Trails around the city. Sites include Fort Norfolk, the historic Freemason District, and the Black Civil War Memorial - the South's only commemoration of black Union troops. Crispus Attucks Theatre 10 Church Street Norfolk, VA 23510 757-623-1111 Hours: Call for additional information Admission Charged The Attucks Theatre has been a landmark for the African-American community since 1919. The Theater stands as a shining tribute to Norfolk's cultural past and boasts 675 seats. D'Art Center 125 College Place Norfolk, VA23510 757-625-4211 Hours: Call for days and hours of operation Admission Free Always free of charge and open to the public, d'ART Center is a hub of contemporary visual art in Hampton Roads where you can meet artists, see artists create and buy original fine art. Hampton Roads Naval Museum One Waterside Drive Norfolk, VA 23510 757-322-2987 Hours: Call for days and hours of operation Admission Charged The Hampton Roads Naval Museum at Nauticus highlights the region's naval history featuring large Civil War and World War II galleries, guided tours, model-making demonstrations and a research library. Harbor Park/Norfolk Tides 150 Park Avenue Norfolk, VA 23510 757-622-2222 Hours: Call for schedule Admission Charged Take yourself out to the ball game at beautiful Harbor Park, the 12,000 - seat home of the AAA Norfolk Tides, the New York Mets' top minor league team. Fun, affordable and family friendly. Harbor Park is perched on the banks of the Elizabeth River along Norfolk's downtown waterfront. Hermitage Foundation Museum 7637 North Shore Road Norfolk, VA 23505 757-423-2052 Hours: 10am - 5pm Monday thru Saturday, 1 - 5pm Sunday Admission Charged Set along a tree-lined riverbank, this 1908 Tudor home appears frozen in time, offering visitors an extraordinary trip through antiquity. Historic Fort Norfolk Front Street Norfolk, VA 23510 757-625-1720 Hours: Call for additional information Admission Charged Fort Norfolk is the last remaining of 19 harbor-front forts authorized in 1794 by President George Washington. Stepping through the fort's arched entryway transports visitors to another era. The fort's four-acre site overlooks the Elizabeth River and includes earthwork embankments, ramparts, a dungeon, officers' quarters, powder magazine, barracks, and guardhouse. Most structures in the fort date to 1810. Hunter House Victorian Museum 240 W. Freemason Street Norfolk, VA 23510 757-623-9814 Hours: Call for additional information Admission Charged In Norfolk in 1894, the Boston architect W.D. Wentworth designed and built a home in the Richardsonian Romanesque style of architecture for the prominent merchant and banker, James Wilson Hunter. MacArthur Center 300 Monticelo Avenue Norfolk,VA 23510 757-627-6000 Hours: Monday through Saturday 10am - 9pm; Sunday 12pm - 6pm Admission Free This 1 million square-foot center features the region's first Nordstrom, the East Coast's flagship Dillard's, an 18-screen cinema megaplex, a 600-seat food court, more than 70 new-to-the-market retailers and 75 other retail favorites. It's where you will find extraordinary new levels of shopping, dining and entertainment. Martin Luther King Monument and Plaza Brambleton Avenue/Church Street Norfolk, VA 23510 757-333-4266 Hours: Call for additional information Admission Charged This soaring, heartwarming monument dedicated to the slain civil rights leader stands at the corner of Brambleton Avenue and Church Street. Moses Myers House 331 Bank Street Norfolk, VA 23510 757-333-6283 Hours: Call for additional information Admission Charged One of Norfolk's first Jewish residents built the elegant Federal Period home in 1792. Superb collection of period furnishings and noted original artwork. Nauticus, The National Maritime Center One Waterside Drive Norfolk, VA23510 757-664-1000 Hours: Open daily, call for hours of operation Admission Charged A fun and exciting interactive science and technology center exploring the power of the sea. It features more than 150 exhibits including computer and video interactives, films on a giant screen, exotic aquaria, touch pools, shark petting, national-caliber traveling exhibits, and the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Battleship USS Wisconsin is berthed alongside. Naval Station Norfolk 9079 Hampton Boulevard Norfolk, VA 23505 757-444-7955 Hours: Varies by season, call for exact schedule Admission Charged Home port to more than 75 ships and 100 aircraft of the Atlantic Fleet, Naval Station Norfolk is the world's largest naval installation. The Naval Station Norfolk offers 45 minute bus tours which are conducted by Navy personnel, passing giant aircraft carriers, destroyers, submarines, frigates, amphibious assault ships and one of the busiest airfields. The tour also passes historic homes from the 1907 Jamestown Exposition. Norfolk Botanical Garden 6700 Azalea Gardens Road Norfolk, VA 23518 757-441-5830 Hours: 9am - 7pm Apr15 - Oct15 | 9am - 5pm Oct16 - Apr 14 Admission Charged 155 beautiful acres intertwined by bridges, coastal waterways, and 12 miles of pedestrian trails. With one of the largest collections of roses, azaleas, camellias and hollies on the East Coast, Garden guests are surrounded with year-round beauty. Spirit of Norfolk 208 East Main Street Norfolk, VA 23510 757-625-FUNN Hours: Call for additional information Admission Charged Board the Spirit of Norfolk for a fun lunch or dinner cruise that has it all! Enjoy live entertainment, a delicious buffet, and great views of the Norfolk Naval Base! The MacArthur Memorial MacArthur Square, Bank Street & City Hall Ave. Norfolk, VA 23510 757-441-2965 Hours: Open Mon-Sat 10am - 5pm; Sun 11am - 5pm Admission Free The MacArthur Memorial's extensive collection of military and personal artifacts allows visitors to discover the compelling story of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur and the millions of American men and women who served our nation through five wars. Nine permanent and two changing exhibit galleries. Tugboat Museum Docked at Nauticus, One Waterside Drive Norfolk, VA 23510 757-627-4884 Hours: Memorial Day - Labor Day 11am - 5pm every day, Off Season Tuesday - Sunday - 11am - 5pm Admission Charged Step aboard a living piece of history. Built in 1933 by Newport News Shipyard Apprentices, the Tug Huntington assisted in docking and launching hundreds of aircraft carriers, submarines, and passenger lines. Victory Rover Naval Cruises Docked at Nauticus, One Waterside Drive Norfolk, VA 23510 757-627-7406 Hours: Varies by season, departs daily at 2pm Admission Charged Experience the newest and fastest way to see the World's Largest Naval installation aboard this unique navy-themed vessel. Virginia Zoological Park 3500 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23504 757-624-9937 Hours: Open daily 10am - 5pm, Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day Admission Charged With over 350 animals, the zoological park includes a 10-acre Okavango African habitat, a reptile and nocturnal gallery, a barnyard and botanical gardens. Virginia Stage Company at the Wells Theatre Monticello and Tazewell Norfolk, VA 23510 757-627-1234 Hours: Call for schedule Admission Charged Virginia Stage Company at the Wells Theatre is nationally recognized for fine productions of contemporary and classic drama, comedies and Broadway bound premiers. Virginia Stage Company resides in the beautifully restored Wells Theatre, a National Historic Landmark in the heart of Downtown Norfolk, convenient to MacArthur Center, Nauticus and the USS Wisconsin. Willoughby – Baylor House 601 East Freemason Street Norfolk, VA 23510 757-333-6283 Hours: Call for days and hours of operation Admission Charged A classic example of Georgian and Federal architecture, the Willoughby-Baylor House was built in 1794 by Captain William Willoughby, one of the members of a wealthy merchant class that evolved after the Revolutionary War. It is furnished with authentic 18th century pieces and its ground includes a charming 18th century style garden. Norfolk Events: Norfolk Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Norfolk Travel & Tourism, Free Norfolk Travel Guide OnlineEvents & Entertainment February Chinese New Year Celebration Dates vary in February Location: Norfolk 757-441-2345 April Virginia Arts Festival Held in late April – late May Location: Norfolk 757-282-2800 Staged every spring, the Virginia Arts Festival features world-renowned artists from across the globe in a fabulous, month-long showcase of the performing arts, with classical, jazz and chamber music, dance, theatre, and family entertainment. Coupled with the breathtaking pageantry of the Virginia International Tattoo, the Virginia Arts Festival is truly an event for all ages. May AFR'AM Festival Held over Memorial Day Weekend Location: Town Point Park 757-216-7518 An American Bus Association Top 100 Events in North America winner! This festival is one of the largest family-oriented ethnic cultural celebrations on the East Coast and celebrates with musical entertainment, visual arts, historical information, food, and children's activities. The Original TGIF Concerts at the Point Series Held every Friday in May Location: Town Point Park 757-441-2345
The Annual Virginia Beer Festival
Held in mid May Location: Town Point Park Produced in partnership with the Virginia Arts Festival 757-441-2345 Virginia Arts Festival Held in late April – late May Location: Norfolk 757-282-2800 Staged every spring, the Virginia Arts Festival features world-renowned artists from across the globe in a fabulous, month-long showcase of the performing arts, with classical, jazz and chamber music, dance, theatre, and family entertainment. Coupled with the breathtaking pageantry of the Virginia International Tattoo, the Virginia Arts Festival is truly an event for all ages. The Big Band Dancing on the Bay Series Every Sunday beginning Memorial Day Sunday in May- Labor Day Sunday in September Location: Ocean View Beach Park 757-441-2345 June Annual Norfolk Harborfest Held in early – mid June Location: Norfolk Harbor 757-441-2345
Annual Bayou Boogaloo and Cajun Food Festival
Held in late June Location: Norfolk 757-441-2345 The Big Band Dancing on the Bay Series Sundays in May- Labor Day Sunday in September Location: Ocean View Beach Park 757-441-2345 July Sundays in the Park Concert Series Held the entire month of July Location: Norfolk Concerts feature Pops style performances 757-441-2345 Annual Great American 4th of July Picnic and Arena Racing Firecracker 40 Held on July 4 Location: Ocean View Beach Park 757-441-2345 The Big Band Dancing on the Bay Series Sundays in May- Labor Day Sunday in September Location: Ocean View Beach Park 757-441-2345
Annual Norfolk Jazz Festival
Held in mid July Location: Norfolk 757-441-2345
Annual Bluegrass Festival
Held in late July Location: Norfolk 757-441-2345 August Norfolk's Annual Latino Festival Held in mid August Location: Town Point Park 757-441-2345 Sundays in the Park Concert Series Held the entire month of August Location: Norfolk Concerts feature Pops style performances 757-441-2345 The Big Band Dancing on the Bay Series Sundays in May- Labor Day Sunday in September Location: Ocean View Beach Park 757-441-2345 September The Virginia In Water Boat Expo Held in early – mid September Location: Norfolk Harbor Produced in partnership with NMMA- The National Marine Manufacturer's Association. 757-441-2345
The Norfolk Seafood Sampler
Held in early – mid September Location: Norfolk Scheduled in conjunction with the Virginia In Water Boat Expo, along with the Beach Music Festival. 757-441-2345 Beach Music Festival Held in early – mid September Location: Norfolk Scheduled in conjunction with the In Water Boat Expo and the Seafood Sampler. 757-441-2345 The Big Band Dancing on the Bay Series Sundays in May- Labor Day Sunday in September Location: Ocean View Beach Park 757-441-2345 October SOL Film Festival Held in early October Location: Varies throughout Norfolk 757-343-5863 Call for additional information The festival provides awards for the best trailer, short, documentary, and feature film. Annual Virginia Children's Festival Held in early October Location: Norfolk 757-441-2345
Annual Town Point Virginia Wine Festival
Held in mid October Location: Norfolk 757-441-2345 Entertainment Chrysler Hall Performing Art Theater 215 E. Brambleton Avenue Norfolk, VA 23510 757-664-6464 Call for event and performance schedule Located adjacent to Norfolk Scope, Chrysler Hall is an elegant, 2,500-seat theater designed for distinctive theater and concert events. It is home to the Virginia Symphony, Norfolk Forum lectures and the popular Broadway at Chrysler Hall series. The Virginia Ballet Theatre 215 E. Brambleton Avenue Norfolk, VA 23510 757-664-6464 Call for performance schedule The Virginia Ballet Theatre is the only professional dance company in the Hampton Roads area and one of only two professional companies in Virginia. Harrison Opera House 160 East Virginia Beach Blvd. Norfolk, VA23510 757-623-1223 Call for performance schedule The elegant home to the nationally-acclaimed Virginia Opera, official opera company of the Commonwealth of Virginia, which presents four productions annually. Hurrah Players 935 Woodrow Avenue Norfolk, VA 23517 757-627-5437 Call for performance schedule The Hurrah Players, "Virginia's Leading Family Theatre Company" For close to 20 yrs the Hurrah players have been opening young minds to the wonders of live theatre creating what the Virginia Commission for the Arts calls "Virginia's Leading Family Theatre Company." TCC Roper Performing Arts Center 340 Granby Street Norfolk,VA 23510 757-822-1450 Call for event and performance schedules Originally opened as Granby Street movie palace in 1926, the former Loew's Theater has been lovingly restored by Tidewater Community College and rededicated as the Jeanne and George Roper Performing Arts Center. The Generic Theater 912 West 21st Street Norfolk, VA 23510 757-441-2160 Call for performance schedule Since 1981, The Generic Theatre in Norfolk's popular Ghent area has challenged and delighted audiences as the region's premier outlet for new, different, and off-beat theater. The Naro Expanded Cinema 1507 Colley Avenue Norfolk, VA 23510 757-625-6276 Call for performance schedule The Naro is an old-fashioned, single screen theater in the heart of Ghent. With its 70mm screen, Dolby stereo sound and comfy seats, the Naro is a favorite among locals looking for current films they missed and independent films. The NorVa Theater 317 Monticello Avenue Norfolk, VA 23510 757-671-8100 Call for performance schedule Located across from MacArtur Center, the NorVa was a 1920's movie palace and vaudeville house. This concert hall opened in spring 2000 and holds approximately 1,500 with three floors. The NorVa has featured diverse acts such as Ringo Starr, Matchbox 20, James Brown and Stone Temple Pilots. Virginia Chorale 757-627-8375 Call for location and performance schedule The Virginia Chorale is Virginia's only professional chorus, performing programs from Palestrina to Pops with 4 to 24 singers available. Virginia Opera 757-627-9545 Call for location and performance schedule The elegant home to the nationally-acclaimed Virginia Opera, official opera company of the Commonwealth of Virginia, which presents four productions annually. Virginia Stage Company at the Wells Theatre Monticello and Tazewell Norfolk,VA 23510 757-627-1234 Call for performance schedule Virginia Stage Company at the Wells Theatre is nationally recognized for fine productions of contemporary and classic drama, comedies and Broadway bound premiers. Virginia Stage Company resides in the beautifully restored Wells Theatre, a National Historic Landmark in the heart of Downtown Norfolk, convenient to MacArthur Center, Nauticus and the USS Wisconsin. Virginia Symphony Military Circle Mall, 880 N. Military Highway #1064 Norfolk, VA 23502 757-892-6366 Call for performance schedule More than 140 performances each year. Performances include classical, pop, dance, outdoor and family series. Sports: Harbor Park/Norfolk Tides 150 Park Avenue Norfolk, VA 23510 757-622-2222 Hours: Call for schedule Admission Charged Take yourself out to the ball game at beautiful Harbor Park, the 12,000 - seat home of the AAA Norfolk Tides, the New York Mets' top minor league team. Fun, affordable and family friendly. Harbor Park is perched on the banks of the Elizabeth River along Norfolk's downtown waterfront. Norfolk Facts: Norfolk Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Norfolk Travel & Tourism, Free Norfolk Travel Guide OnlinePopulation: 234,404 Elevation: 10 feet above sea level Land Area: 53.7 square miles Location: Located in the southeastern portion of Virginia, near both the Atlantic Ocean and the border of North Carolina on Interstate 64 Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (when it's noon in Norfolk, its 11am in Chicago and 9am in Los Angeles). Norfolk observes Daylight Savings Time from April - October Weather: | | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | | Averagetemp.(°F) | 40.0 | 42.0 | 49.0 | 57.4 | 66.3 | 74.4 | 79.0 | 77.4 | 72.0 | 61.0 | 52.2 | 44.1 | | Hightemperature(°F) | 47.7 | 50.3 | 57.8 | 67.0 | 74.8 | 82.7 | 86.7 | 84.6 | 79.3 | 69.3 | 60.8 | 52.2 | | Lowtemperature(°F) | 32.2 | 33.6 | 40.1 | 47.8 | 57.6 | 66.2 | 71.4 | 70.1 | 64.7 | 52.7 | 43.6 | 36.0 | | Precipitation(in) | 4.0 | 3.4 | 4.2 | 3.4 | 3.8 | 3.7 | 5.2 | 4.8 | 4.2 | 3.5 | 3.0 | 3.1 | Climate: | | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | | Dayswithprecipitation | 11 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | | Windspeed(mph) | 11.4 | 11.8 | 12.3 | 11.8 | 10.4 | 9.7 | 8.9 | 8.8 | 9.6 | 10.2 | 10.3 | 10.9 | | Morninghumidity(%) | 75 | 75 | 74 | 74 | 77 | 79 | 81 | 84 | 84 | 83 | 79 | 76 | | Afternoonhumidity(%) | 59 | 57 | 54 | 51 | 56 | 57 | 59 | 61 | 61 | 59 | 57 | 59 | | Sunshine(%) | 53 | 56 | 60 | 63 | 62 | 67 | 62 | 62 | 61 | 59 | 56 | 54 | | Daysclearofclouds | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 10 | 9 | | Partlycloudydays | 7 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | | Cloudydays | 16 | 14 | 15 | 12 | 13 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 15 | | Snowfall(in) | 3.0 | 2.9 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.9 | Local Seasons: With near perfect weather and more things to see and do than a traveler can imagine, Norfolk hosts visitors from around the world throughout the year with the busiest time being the summer when school is out and tourists descend on the entire area. Norfolk enjoys a temperate mid-Atlantic climate moderated by its proximity to the Gulf Stream. Average yearly high temperature is 67.4°F; average low is 51°F. The overall percentage of sunshine is 65%. Summer is exceptionally pleasant with warm breezes and temperatures averaging in the 70's F with plenty of sunshine. This is the perfect time to take advantage of the world renowned attractions both in the city and in nearby Williamsburg. Spring and fall are quite pleasant and less crowded. The temperatures are just cool enough for an invigorating walk after dinner at one of the many fine restaurants in the area. Winters can get chilly and it does snow. Be sure to bring a camera. How to Get There: By Air: Norfolk International Airport 2200 Northview Avenue Norfolk, VA 23518 757-857-3351 Conveniently located to downtown as well as all of the attractions, Norfolk International Airport is southeastern Virginia's most dominant airport in both southeast Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. With daily flights to and from major cities throughout the United States, Norfolk International presently ranks in the country's top airports in terms of numbers of passengers served.
Ground Transportation: Most of the major car rental companies as well as taxi, limousine, and shuttle busses are available at the airport and throughout the city. By Car: Norfolk is easily accessible by car via Interstate 64 from the north (Williamsburg) and the southwest; I-264 from the east (Virginia Beach). In addition, I-664 is nearby. By Train: Amtrak Located approximately 16 miles from Norfolk at: 9304 Warwick Blvd. Newport News, VA 23601 757-245-3589 By Bus: Greyhound 701 Monticello Ave. Norfolk, VA 23510 757-625-7500 How to Get Around: By far, the best way to get around is either by personal or rental car. With so many sites and attractions available, a car allows visitors to take advantage of many more opportunities. In addition, the NET (757-222-6100) is a good means of downtown travel. The Norfolk Electric Transit or NET is the premiere transportation link for residents, visitors, shoppers, commuters and downtown Norfolk. This FREE commuting service is provided by the City of Norfolk and is operated by the Hampton Roads Transit (HRT). The NET is an integral part of the City's ongoing effort to link Norfolk's many downtown attractions with parking facilities. The NET makes a total of sixteen stops along a 2.2-mile route throughout the downtown area, beginning at Cedar Grove Parking Lot, running along Granby Street to Main and Water Streets, then to Harbor Park and City Hall, and then circling back.
National Holidays: New Year's Day- Jan. 1 Martin Luther King, Jr., Day- 3rd Mon. in Jan. President's Day- 3rd Mon. in Feb. Memorial Day- last Mon. in May Independence Day- July 4 Labor Day- 1st Mon. in Sept. Thanksgiving Day- 4th Thurs. in Nov. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day- Dec. 24 and 25 New Year's Eve- Dec. 31 Norfolk Kids Activities: Norfolk Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Norfolk Travel & Tourism, Free Norfolk Travel Guide OnlineBattleship USS Wisconsin One Waterside Drive Norfolk, VA 23510 757-322-3108 Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm, Sunday, noon – 5pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday Admission Free Located next to Nauticus, The National Maritime Center, the USS Wisconsin is the largest and last battleship ever built by the U.S. Navy. Explore its deck through a self-guided or audiotape tour that will take you back in time to experience this majestic ship that earned five battle stars during World War II. Cannonball Trail 401 East Freemason Street (Start of walking tour) Norfolk, VA 23510 757-664-6620 Hours: Open year round, 24 hours a day Admission Free Hike the Cannonball Trail, a self-guided downtown walking tour where you'll wind your way through 400 years of Norfolk's History. Let the signs be your guide. Civil War Trail Norfolk, VA 23510 757-664-6620 Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Admission Free Norfolk is a participant in the Virginia Civil War Trails program, an effort that links over 200 Civil War sites located throughout the Commonwealth. Visitors can trace Norfolk's Civil War heritage by following the Civil War Trails around the city. Sites include Fort Norfolk, the historic Freemason District, and the Black Civil War Memorial - the South's only commemoration of black Union troops. Historic Fort Norfolk Front Street Norfolk, VA 23510 757-625-1720 Hours: Call for additional information Admission Charged Fort Norfolk is the last remaining of 19 harbor-front forts authorized in 1794 by President George Washington. Stepping through the fort's arched entryway transports visitors to another era. The fort's four-acre site overlooks the Elizabeth River and includes earthwork embankments, ramparts, a dungeon, officers' quarters, powder magazine, barracks, and guardhouse. Most structures in the fort date to 1810. Nauticus, The National Maritime Center One Waterside Drive Norfolk, VA23510 757-664-1000 Hours: Open daily, call for hours of operation Admission Charged A fun and exciting interactive science and technology center exploring the power of the sea. It features more than 150 exhibits including computer and video interactives, films on a giant screen, exotic aquatic life, touch pools, shark petting, national-caliber traveling exhibits, and the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Battleship USS Wisconsin is berthed alongside. Naval Station Norfolk 9079 Hampton Boulevard Norfolk, VA 23505 757-444-7955 Hours: Varies by season, call for exact schedule Admission Charged Home port to more than 75 ships and 100 aircraft of the Atlantic Fleet, Naval Station Norfolk is the world's largest naval installation. The Naval Station Norfolk offers 45 minute bus tours which are conducted by Navy personnel, passing giant aircraft carriers, destroyers, submarines, frigates, amphibious assault ships and one of the busiest airfields. The tour also passes historic homes from the 1907 Jamestown Exposition. Victory Rover Naval Cruises Docked at Nauticus, One Waterside Drive Norfolk, VA 23510 757-627-7406 Hours: Varies by season, departs daily at 2pm Admission Charged Experience the newest and fastest way to see the World's Largest Naval installation aboard this unique navy-themed vessel. Virginia Zoological Park 3500 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23504 757-624-9937 Hours: Open daily 10am - 5pm, Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day Admission Charged With over 350 animals including the new 10-acre Okavango African habitat, Reptile and Nocturnal Gallery, Barnyard and Botanical Gardens throughout, a day of discovery awaits your guests as they enter Virginia Zoo. Nearby Attractions Busch Gardens Williamsburg One Busch Gardens Boulevard Williamsburg, VA 23187 800-343-7946 Hours: Vary by season, call for additional information Admission Charged Take a journey to the unexpected at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, where 17th-century charm combines with 21st-century technology to create the ultimate family experience. Busch Gardens boasts more than 50 thrilling rides and attractions, ten main stage shows, a wide variety of award-winning cuisine and world-class shops. 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