Norfolk – Things to do with your Team

Norfolk is a city on the coast in eastern Virginia that is part of the greater Hampton Roads area that also includes Newport News, Hampton, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach.

When your team has a day off there are many great sights and fun activities in the vicinity that are available to you. Many of them are water-based since Norfolk is a port and home to the largest naval base in the world. The popular vacation destination of Virginia Beach is also a short drive from Norfolk.

 

Naval Station Norfolk

Naval Station Norfolk is the largest naval station in the world. The base takes up about four miles of waterfront and contains seven miles of pier space. There are 11 aircraft hangars and 14 piers, as well as 134 aircrafts and 75 ships. The base is also the home of the largest number of U.S. Navy forces in the world.

There you and your team can embark on a 45-minute guided tour conducted by naval personnel. On the tour you’ll have the opportunity to see aircraft carriers, destroyers, amphibious assault ships, and one of the busiest airfields in the country, averaging 275 flights per day. 1530 Gilbert St, Norfolk, VA 23511

 

Nauticus featuring the USS Wisconsin

Nauticus offers many activities and things to see including a large screen theater, hands-on exhibits and interactive theaters. It is also home to the USS Wisconsin.

The USS Wisconsin is a battleship that served in the Pacific during World War II and later during the Korean War. After being decommissioned, it was reactivated in 1986 and was used during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. After being once again decommissioned in late 1991, it became a museum ship operated by Nauticus.

Visitors can take self-guided tours where they can see several areas and levels of the ship including officers’ staterooms, offices, a post office, a chapel, and the mess where sailors ate their meals. On the 90-minute guided “Topside Tour,” visitors can see additional areas such as the captain’s cabin, the admiral’s cabin, and more. One Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510

 

Hampton Roads Naval Museum

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum is a maritime museum that is a part of the Nauticus complex. Operated by the Naval History & Heritage Command, the museum commemorates the history of the U.S. Navy’s presence in the Norfolk area.

The museum’s collections include ship models, naval prints, and underwater archaeology. It contains material on the 1781 Battle of the Chesapeake, the American Civil War, World War II, and the Cold War. There are also the remains of two Civil War shipwrecks: the USS Cumberland and the USS Florida. One Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510

 

Norfolk Botanical Garden 

The Norfolk Botanical Garden is a 155-acre public botanical garden that features over 40 themed gardens, including seasonal gardens and a special children’s garden.

Located on Azalea Garden Road, themed gardens include a tranquil Japanese Garden designed in the traditional hill and pond style; an Enchanted Forest filled with ancient oak, hickory, and pine trees that creates a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers; a Hummingbird Garden that boasts a mixture of annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees that attract these tiny birds; and an amazing Tropical Display House, which features lush foliage and bright flowers that are found in tropical rainforests around the world.

If you are wondering what to do with kids during your trip this is a great place to visit. The World of Wonders: A Children’s Adventure Garden is a must-see for little ones. It features several interactive educational areas where children can learn about plants and botany through play. 6700 Azalea Garden Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518

 

Virginia Zoo

The Virginia Zoo is situated next to Lafayette Park in Norfolk and is home to more than 500 animals ranging from the majestic African lion to the tiny dart frog, as well as countless plant species.

This zoo is a world of discovery that features several specific habitats and exhibits that house animals from Africa, Australia, the Americas, and beyond. Trail of the Tiger features unusual and rare animals from Asia such as Malayan tigers and tapirs, orangutans, and Asian small-clawed otters. The zoo is also well known for its beautiful gardens, which are designed to provide fresh plant treats for the zoo’s residents.

The Virginia Zoo also holds a variety of educational and conservation-focused events throughout the year, including the popular Zoo Snoozes, where visitors spend a fun-filled night at the zoo, playing games and activities while visiting the zoo’s nocturnal residents. 3500 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23504

 

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is about a 25-mile drive on I-264 E from Norfolk. It is one of the most popular beach vacation destinations on the east coast.

There is boardwalk that stretches a few miles with many of the typical boardwalk attractions including rides, games, and fantastic dining options. Of course there is also the beach, which offers great opportunities for aquatic activities like swimming and body surfing.

First Landing State Park is on the north side of Virginia Beach, which features hiking and biking trails and is also a good place for bird watching. Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

 

Harbor Park

Catching a game of baseball at Norfolk’s Harbor Park is guaranteed to be a home run for you and everyone else in your group. The stadium is home to the Norfolk Tides, who are the Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles.

Nestled on the banks of the Elizabeth River, this 12,067 seat stadium boasts 20 luxury suites and Hits at the Park, a 300-seat on-site restaurant. Harbor Park also features a picnic area for private parties and an exceptional variety of concession stands serving up classic ballpark fare. 150 Park Ave, Norfolk, VA 23510

 

Norfolk Premium Outlets

Opened in June 2017, Norfolk Premium Outlets is the area’s newest and only outlet shopping destination conveniently located in the heart of the Coastal Virginia region.

Shoppers from Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and beyond all visit Norfolk Premium Outlets not only for great deals, but also for a standout shopping experience in a comfortable setting.

Norfolk Premium Outlets features an exciting selection of name brand stores where your group can enjoy savings of 25 percent to 65 percent. The selection of stores at Norfolk Premium Outlets includes Michael Kors, Nike Factory Store, Under Armour, Tommy Hilfiger, Columbia Sportswear, Levi’s Outlet, and more.

Featuring quick-service eateries like Charleys Philly Steaks, Kung Pao Wok, and Auntie Anne’s, the food court at Norfolk Premium Outlet is sure to please even the pickiest of palates. 1600 Premium Outlets Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23502

 

As one of the oldest cities in Hampton Roads, Norfolk is considered to be the historic, urban, financial, and cultural center of the region. You’ll definitely notice this when you visit Norfolk for yourself with your team because of all the unique historical sights and tourist-friendly attractions you’ll find there.