From the Elizabeth River Trail, an outdoor 10.5 mile paved pathway, to top attractions offering free admission or wheel chair rentals, Norfolk offers tremendous accessibility to all.
We will look at five wonderful places to visit during your stay in the Tidewater of Virginia.
Norfolk Botanical Gardens
Located on Azalea Garden Road, Norfolk Botanical Garden is nationally recognized for its deep-rooted history and celebrated for its blooms in every season. The 175 acre garden is home to 52 distinctive themed gardens, 95 species of birds and 30 kinds of butterflies.
Their latest garden is World of Wonders – A Children’s Adventure Garden – a 3-acre garden where kids explore the connections between plants, international culture and the environment – all while having fun! Virginia’s Largest botanical Garden is powered by 100% renewable energy!
Virginia Zoo
From the plains of Africa to your own backyard, the Virginia Zoo has a world of discovery for you. Open year round, the Virginia Zoo offers family fun, education and excitement for everyone. Meet lions, kangaroos, red pandas and more. Go nose to nose with prairie dogs in their interactive habitat or take a ride on the Zoo train. Explore the gorgeous gardens and enjoy an adventure for the entire family!
We are open to the public daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. All visitors and members will be required to make reservations online in advance, no walk-ups at this time. Some exhibits and attractions may be closed. Take a look at what you can expect on your next Zoo visit.
Macarthur Memorial
Beautifully landscaped MacArthur Square in downtown Norfolk is the site of the four buildings that comprise the MacArthur Memorial. A visit to the MacArthur Memorial provides a unique glimpse into the 20th century and can renew your faith in those American values of Duty-Honor-Country, values which motivated Douglas MacArthur as he served our nation through some of its greatest crises and finest hours.
The MacArthur Memorial reopened on July 1, 2020.
NEW HOURS:
TUESDAY-SATURDAY, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The MacArthur Memorial has also implemented several important changes to operations. Visitors can also expect:
- The Memorial building and the Visitors Center will be limited to 25% capacity to facilitate social distancing.
- Visitors will follow a labeled one-way path through the galleries
- Interactive exhibits are temporarily closed
- The theater and the Jean MacArthur Library and Research Center remain closed to the public. Please continue to send research requests by phone/email.
- Guided tours and ceremonies will not be offered during this time
- Facility Rental is temporarily suspended
- MacArthur Memorial staff members will wear face masks in public areas
- Visitors ages 5 and up will be asked to wear a face mask indoors
- Hourly cleaning and sanitizing protocols will be in place throughout public areas
- Hand sanitizing stations available throughout the buildings
As health and safety permits, the MacArthur Memorial will gradually adjust operations to restore additional services and experiences.
Nauticus
Nauticus inspires and educates with engaging & interactive experiences that celebrate our connections with today’s maritime world. Nauticus is a contemporary museum that uses the natural setting of Norfolk’s harbor to showcase global maritime commerce and the world’s largest Navy. Such as Nauticus, the Battleship Wisconsin is one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy. Explore its deck through a self-guided tour or, with an additional charge, our guided Topside Tour that will take you back in time to experience this majestic ship that earned five battle stars during WW II.
- Nauticus Admission – Explore exhibit galleries such as stewards of the sea, living sea landing, our aquarium and more. Starting January 30 explore over 70 curated and powerful photographs at our new National Geographic traveling exhibit, Planet or Plastic? (Please note 3D-theatre and high-touch exhibits will remain closed.)
- Battleship Admission – includes the outdoor decks of the battleship, the wardroom and Officer’s Country. Free educational programming and historical interpretations will occur throughout the day. Interior ship access is limited. Tickets include access all day.
Advanced, online tickets will be required for all guests and members.
Elizabeth River Trail
The Elizabeth River Trail–Atlantic City Spur runs for 10.5 miles between Harbor Park Stadium and the Norfolk International Terminals. The trail occupies a railroad right-of-way yet incorporates a sea-faring history as it follows part of Norfolk’s waterfront. Here you’ll see ships and barges, navy vessels and tankers in the waters of Hampton Roads.
Trail Etiquette
Before you hit the trail, familiarize yourself with common trail courtesy. Following these rules ensures an enjoyable trip for all, and helps protect our trail for years to come.
- Please remember the rules of the road and trail
- Keep to the right. Pass on the left
- Give a verbal signal when passing others from behind
- Bicyclists and skaters should yield to pedestrians and slower trail users
- Help keep the trail beautiful by placing all litter and recycling in the appropriate bins
- Keep your pets leashed, and remove any pet waste
Need a Snack
While visiting the Norfolk area, you must eat. Here are a couple of my favorites: Doumars,
One fabulous not-to-be-missed experience is at Doumar’s, a drive-in, opened in 1904 and still offering curbside service and carhops. The ice cream is served in handmade waffle cones and the burgers and barbecue are also tasty. Open Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until after midnight.
And
Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub
Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub offers Irish pub fare. Open weekdays 10:30 a.m. – 2 a.m. and weekends 10 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Enjoy a wonderful visit to Norfolk, Virginia which scored a B+ Accessibility rating.