Things To Do
Norfolk Botanical Garden
On Sundays, the Gardens allow dogs to visit. We go every Sunday with our boys and enjoy seeing how things change from week to week. Even in November, there should be something blooming!
Nauticus
Home of the Battleship Wisconsin. They have recently opened up even more of the ship for tours. If you do not wish to tour the museum, you can still get photos of the ship from the boardwalk. A multiuse trail runs along the riverfront and through the historic neighborhoods of downtown, with frequent park benches for those that have difficulty walking long distances.
Pagoda & Oriental Garden
Believe it or not, the Pagoda building was once a molasses storage tank! Now it is a landscaped garden and a frequent stop for photographers. We usually tour the garden, then take the multiuse trail along the river past the Wisconsin and through the park, but it is worth a stop by itself, too. It is free and open to the public from sunrise to sunset.
Virginia Zoo
We go just to see the red pandas. But the other animals are nice, too.
First Landing State Park
Previously known as Seashore State Park. There are two entrances: the one on Shore Drive, which is more popular, and the one on 64th street. Both have beaches that are publicly accessible and hiking trails. Even if you don't hike far, you should have a good view of our cypress swamps and maybe even some swamp rainbows!
Children's Museum of Virginia
A fun spot for the younger crowd. If you have time and bus fare, you can take the ferry from Waterside in Norfolk to Portsmouth to visit the museum.
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Hooray for rays (and other fish). For those that aren't afraid of heights (not Laura), there is also a ropes course.
Chrysler Museum of Art
A world-class art museum that is free to the public. The attached Perry Glass Studio has expanded and offers tours and glassblowing demonstrations. Well worth a visit no matter what your taste in art may be.
