If you are looking for Norfolk Virginia Hotels, you have come to the right place. Norfolk is home to historical attractions, world-class museums, delicious restaurants, and unique retail shops. You will find it easy to reach all that Norfolk has to offer; most places are within a short walking distance, car or train ride!
Visitors can learn to sail, kayak, play a round of golf or hike only minutes from the downtown area. Cruise the beautiful harbor on the tall ship American Rover or tour the city by foot, on bike, or light rail.
Families traveling with children will find plenty of options for kids in Norfolk. Along with a wide variety of water sports, you will find interactive fun both indoors & out at places like the Virginia Zoo, Norfolk Botanical Garden and Nauticus, to name a few!
Norfolk Virginia Weather – When to Visit
The best time to visit Norfolk Virginia is from late May to early September, when you’ll experience oceanfront culture in full swing. This is the peak season. The city and beach can get crowded during these months, and room rates at beachfront hotels are generally higher between Memorial Day and Labor Day. For lower prices and comfortable temperatures, visit in spring (from March to mid-May) or fall (between mid-September and November). You can also save some coin if you visit in December, January or February, but you’ll need to bundle up.
Best Norfolk Virginia Area Beaches
Oceanview Beach & East Beach
Ocean View and East Beach will leave you feeling as though you’re in a whole other world- one filled with fresh seafood, sand and seaside fun. Kayaking, sailing, fishing, crabbing, swimming or simply watching the waves roll in, Oceanview and East Beach are a beach lovers paradise. Enjoy fishing on the Ocean View Fishing Pier or if you’d prefer to stay on land, schedule a round of golf at the Ocean View Golf Course located one block from the Chesapeake Bay and marina.
.
.
.
Chick’s Beach
The beach is very nice, the water is more calm and less cold because of the geography. The environment is super nice and calm, plenty of families, friends and couples enjoying the beach. Dogs schedule is respected.
.
.
.
Willoughby Beach
A beach area that is not well-known outside of the local area is Willoughby in Norfolk. While Ocean View is somewhat part of the same area, there are different areas you can visit to explore Norfolk’s sandy beaches. This is a really important bird habitat here, great for bird watching.
.
.
Buckroe Beach & Park
Buckroe Park has 3/4 of a mile of clean beach. Lifeguards are on duty Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. There’s a spacious nautical-themed playground to entertain the children and large restroom facilities with outdoor showers next to the playground.
.
Norfolk Virginia Tours & Activities
Spirit of Norfolk Dinner Cruise on the Elizabeth River
Sail along the scenic Elizabeth River on a dinner cruise aboard the Spirit of Norfolk that features a dockside launch party, onboard entertainment, and a full dinner buffet with coffee and tea. See the Norfolk skyline light up after dark, have perfect views of passing submarines and Navy ships, and enjoy a fun evening of games and dancing on deck. Book your Spirit of Norfolk Dinner Cruise here.
Spirit of Norfolk Lunch Cruise on the Elizabeth River
Take a break from the city on a midday lunch cruise through the Elizabeth River. In addition to on–board commentary that gives context to key landmarks, enjoy sweeping views of the Navy’s Atlantic Fleet rarely seen by visitors to Norfolk. A seated buffet lunch with unlimited tea and coffee are served with live entertainment courtesy of your DJ. Book your Spirit of Norfolk Lunch Cruise here.
Electric Bike Rental Downtown Norfolk (self guided tour)
Use our Self-Guided History Tour app and follow Norfolk’s waterfront bikeways & greenways. Your Pedego e-bike has pedal assist and throttle to take you to all the must-see historical sites without breaking a sweat. Book your Electric Bike Rental Downtown Norfolk here.
Skip the Line: Virginia Living Museum Admission Ticket
Enjoy a day of family fun at the Virginia Living Museum during your visit to Williamsburg. Explore indoor and outdoor animal exhibits and see more than 250 species of wildlife native to Virginia, including bald eagles and endangered red wolves. Kid-friendly highlights include discovery centers, interactive hands-on exhibits, and an outdoor Dinosaur Discovery Trail with life-like dinosaurs, dig pits, and fossils. Book your Virginia Living Museum Admission Ticket here.
Electric Bike Rental- Self Guided Tour, East Beach/Norfolk, Va
Pedego Norfolk-East Beach is between the laid-back beaches of Oceanview along the Chesapeake Bay and the charming East Beach neighborhood at Little Creek Inlet. From the East Beach shop, it is a short ride to the Oceanview Pier, craft breweries, and restaurants. If you take the 30-minute ride out to Willoughby Bay you can see our US Navy’s, Atlantic Fleet. Book your Electric Bike Rental – Self Guided Tour East Beach here.
Best Norfolk Virginia Restaurants
Saltine $30
A street level seafood restaurant in Downtown Norfolk, Saltine offers a chic, airy space for diners to savor seasonal shellfish, seafood and spirits. Menu Telephone: 757-763-6280 Web: Saltine
Luce $11 – 30
Introduce your taste buds to an infusion of the different regions of Italy. A little from the north, some south–from Sicily to Sardinia–Italy has an incredible variety of regions and ingredients. Menu Telephone: 757-502-7260 Web: Luce
Varia $11 – 30
Featuring trattoria-style Italian fare, Varia serves as a combination lounge, piano bar and tasting room with a luxe atmosphere and unequaled wine selection. Menu Telephone: 757-763-6281 Web: Varia
Grain $11 – 30
At Grain, we’re elevating the beer garden concept, all the way to the roof of the Hilton Norfolk The Main to be exact. With one of the best selections of craft beer in Norfolk, this rooftop lounge brings the indoors out and the outdoors in with an open air patio and fire pit set against spectacular views of the Elizabeth River. Menu Telephone: 757-763-6279 Web: Grain
Grilled Cheese $11 – 30
This is a wonderful place for a variety of grilled sandwiches and french fries. If you’re into all things comfort, this a beautiful place to come and enjoy a fancy pants grilled cheese sandwich. Menu Telephone: 757-233-2512 Web: Grilled Cheese
Best Norfolk Virginia Bars
PBR Norfolk
333 Waterside Dr #104, Norfolk Telephone: 757-426-7433 Web: PBR Norfolk
The Birch
1231 W Olney Rd, Norfolk Telephone: 757-962-5400 Web: The Birch
Auntie’s Norfolk
4314 Colley Ave, Norfolk Telephone: 757-524-4909 Web: Auntie’s Norfolk
Press 626 Winebar
626 W Olney Rd, Norfolk Telephone: 757-282-6234 Web: Press 626 Winebar
Gershwin’s
332 Granby St, Norfolk Telephone: 757-226-0814 Web: Gershwin’s
Best Norfolk Virginia Hotels
Related Posts
Discover the Most Beautiful Gulfport Beaches of Mississippi’s Coast
The Most Beautiful Beaches of Hilton Head Island South Carolina
Discover the Most Beautiful Gulf Shores Beaches & Towns
Explore the Most Beautiful Del Norte County California
Explore the Most Beautiful Humboldt County Beaches
Discover the Most Beautiful Mendocino County Beaches
Norfolk sounds like such a well-rounded coastal city. I love that you can explore historic sites, hop on the light rail, and still be kayaking or sailing just minutes later. Ocean View and East Beach seem perfect for classic Chesapeake Bay sunsets, while Chick’s Beach sounds ideal for calmer water and family time. The mix of naval history, waterfront dining, and easy beach access really stands out. If someone is visiting for a long weekend, would you recommend staying downtown near the Elizabeth River or closer to Ocean View for more of a beach-focused experience?
For a long weekend in Norfolk, your choice really depends on the type of trip you want. Staying downtown near the Elizabeth River keeps you close to Nauticus, harbor cruises, rooftop dining at places like Grain, and easy access to the light rail and waterfront walking paths. It’s ideal if you want a mix of history, museums, Navy ship views, and nightlife. On the other hand, booking a hotel near Ocean View or East Beach gives you direct Chesapeake Bay beach access, calmer waters for kayaking and paddleboarding, and quieter evenings by the shore. Many visitors choose downtown for convenience and plan beach mornings at Ocean View or Chick’s Beach, since everything is only a short drive away. Norfolk’s compact layout makes it easy to enjoy both city attractions and sandy shoreline without feeling rushed.
This is a great overview of Norfolk. I love how you highlighted both the city attractions and the nearby beaches, since a lot of people don’t realize how much waterfront access Norfolk actually has. The mix of museums, outdoor activities, and family-friendly spots makes it feel like a destination that works for all types of travelers. Ocean View and East Beach especially sound perfect for a relaxed day by the water. Which area do you think is best for first-time visitors who want to balance sightseeing with beach time?
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Norfolk really does offer a nice blend of urban energy and coastal relaxation, which surprises many first-time visitors. For those wanting both sightseeing and beach time, staying near downtown or Ocean View tends to work well, since you can easily explore museums, restaurants, and harbor activities while still being close to the Chesapeake Bay beaches. Families often appreciate how accessible everything is, while couples enjoy the waterfront dining and sunset views.