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Downtown Norfolk Summer - Things to Do

Hot Days, Cool Activities.

There is no shortage of things to do in Downtown Norfolk this summer. We've rounded up some of Norfolk's best events, attractions, activities, art, and free fun for you here. It's all Downtown and uniquely Norfolk. To see specifically what's going on tonight, tomorrow, or any time this summer, be sure to check out our event calendar. 

  • Maritime Museum & Battleship Wisconsin
    • Nauticus, Norfolk's maritime-themed science & technology center inspires and educates visitors about the naval, economic, and nautical power of the sea. You can also check out the Battleship Wisconsin while you're here, and explore one of the largest and latest battleships built by the U.S. Navy.
  • Historic Museums
    • Learn all about a great American hero at the MacArthur Memorial, a museum & research center dedicated to preserving and presenting the story of the life of Douglas MacArthur. Admission is free!
    • Visit the The Hunter House Victorian Museum, a rich example of Victorian decorative arts and architecture. Surround yourself with the opulence of the Victorian Era as you meet the Hunters on a tour of the home, which features the Hunter family's collection of furniture, books, decorative objects, and more.
  • Cruises & Boat Rides
    • Take advantage of Norfolk's waterfront on a cruise aboard either the American Rover or Victory Rover. You'll tour one of the world's busiest sea ports, including the world's largest naval base, all on the smooth waters of the Elizabeth River.
    • Treat yourself to spectacular views and delectable dining aboard the City Cruises anchored by Hornblower. With many lunch, brunch, dinner, holiday, and specialty cruises offered, you'll find the perfect time to dine, dance, play games, and see the mighty ships and submarines of the Navy's Atlantic Fleet from the skyline deck.
  • Art
    • If you're in the mood for a dose of culture, head to the Chrysler Museum of Art, which boasts one of America's top collections of glass art, and so much more - and admission is free! Across the street is the Chrysler Museum Glass Studio, which offers free Noon glass demos and classes.
    • Downtown Norfolk is home to Norfolk's NEON District, which is overflowing with creative murals and public art pieces. We're pretty proud of the NEON District and encourage you to go explore. Check the NEON's Facebook page to see if there are any guided mural tours coming up, or go on a self-guided mural tour using the NEON's website to guide you -- just be sure to check it out!
    • Seen the NEON District and craving more? Here's all of Downtown Norfolk's Public Art and where to find it.
  • Trails and Cycling
    • The Elizabeth River Trail stretches 10.5 miles, and part of that runs right through Downtown Norfolk along the gorgeous waterfront. With easy-to-follow trail signage, the trail is a beautiful way to enjoy a summery day and get a little exercise while you're at it!
    • Getting around Downtown Norfolk has never been easier thanks to Lime. Lime provides on-demand first- and last-mile transportation solutions that help people seamlessly move throughout their neighborhoods and across the community to meet their daily needs. It’s easy to scoot! To find a Lime near you, download the Lime app through Google Play or the Apple App Store. Lime pricing is $1.00 per ride to unlock a bike or scooter, and $0.32 per bike per minute of use or $0.41 per scooter per minute of use.
  • Norfolk Tours
    • Learn all about Downtown Norfolk's history and present on a guided tour. Norfolk Tour Company offers insightful walking tours of various parts of Downtown Norfolk.
  • Bars, Clubs, and Breweries
    • Check out Norfolk's most popular bars and hot spots. When the sun goes down, the lights come up here (literally, we have beautiful arch-lighting lining Granby Street that are oh so instagram worthy). We have some great spots to hang out, from upscale to funky to sports, and you can find live music at a variety of venues. And the best part? Everything is within walking distance of each other! Check out more information on Downtown Norfolk's nightlife.
  • Selden Market    
    • Downtown Norfolk is home to Selden Market, featuring locally-owned shops and including jewelry, Norfolk souvenirs, a café, a specialty candle and plant store, leather goods, upscale lingerie, fun restaurant concepts, and more. Tenants switch up all the time, so you are guaranteed to have a one-of-a kind shopping experience & pick up some great local finds while you're there!
  • Up-Scale Mall
    • MacArthur Center features one million square feet of amazing retail offerings for a more traditional shopping experience.