Things to do in Norfolk

    Discover amazing Norfolk activities and premium in-home experiences.

    Located where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic, Norfolk is a vibrant coastal city known for its rich naval history and bustling waterfront. With an eclectic mix of museums, theaters, and local cuisine set against stunning harbor views, Norfolk invites you to explore its cultural tapestry and maritime charm at every turn. Whether you're wandering through historic neighborhoods or enjoying a sunset cruise on the Elizabeth River, this dynamic city offers something special for everyone.

    Popular Activities in Norfolk

    Polaris Slingshot Four Hour Rental in Virginia Beach

    Drive an automatic Polaris Slingshot and explore Virginia Beach at your pace

    5.0 3 reviews

    Fair Weather Greenhouse Photography Rental

    Capture photos in a sunlit, serene greenhouse with 30–240 minute sessions

    5.0 42 reviews
    $56/ session

    Jump Around Outdoor Photography Session

    Get exclusive farm backdrops for your photo shoot

    5.0 42 reviews
    $58/ session

    Farmhouse Photo Studio Rental at Fair Weather Farms

    Build your shoot in a natural-light studio with props, backdrops, and climate control

    5.0 42 reviews
    $42/ session

    Today Was a Good Day Photography Session at Fair Weather Farms

    Create unique images across the greenhouse and farm, plus 15 minutes with the cows in a 1–4 hour session

    5.0 42 reviews
    $223/ session

    Rock the House Indoor Photography Session at Fair Weather Farms

    Access stylish Bourbon and Living Rooms for polished indoor photo shoots

    5.0 42 reviews
    $117/ session

    Axopar 37 XC Luxury Boat Charter in Hampton

    Customize your day on the water with premium comforts and space for up to 13

    5.0 40 reviews

    Street-Legal Electric Moke Rental

    Cruise locally in a quiet, street-legal EV with free delivery within 10 miles.

    $335/ moke

    6-Seater Golf Cart Rental

    Street-legal electric cart with free delivery within 10 miles

    $223/ cart

    Two-Hour Rudee Inlet Kayak Nature and Dolphin Tour

    Paddle calm Rudee Inlet with a guide and watch for dolphins and local wildlife

    4.9 120 reviews

    Private Kayak Nature and Dolphin Tour

    Explore Rudee Inlet on a 1.5-hour private guided paddle with chances to see dolphins

    4.9 120 reviews
    $88/ kayak

    Private Surf Lesson in Virginia Beach

    Progress faster with a tailored 2-hour session and dedicated CPR-certified instructor

    4.9 120 reviews
    $111/ person

    Captain Your Own Pontoon for 4 Hours on the Bay

    Navigate your own spacious pontoon for a half-day cruise with fuel and safety gear included

    4.9 1K reviews

    Suffolk Horseback Trail Ride & Petting Zoo

    Explore wooded trails with expert guides and enjoy a complimentary visit to the farm’s petting zoo.

    4.8 762 reviews
    $90/ person

    Private Guided Horseback Trail Ride

    Enjoy a private horseback ride with time for photos, perfect for special occasions.

    4.8 762 reviews
    $141/ person

    Yorktown Historic Village Walking Tour

    Discover artifacts and visible archaeology with passionate guides in Historic Yorktown

    4.9 134 reviews
    $20/ person

    Lynnhaven Tiki Tour for 1–6 Passengers

    Relax on a private, all-ages tiki cruise with flexible 2–8 hour options

    5.0 169 reviews

    Virginia Beach Jet Boat Rental

    Explore Virginia Beach by water with safety-focused staff and unbeatable views

    5.0 36 reviews

    Graze & Greet Greenhouse Dinner and Cow Feeding

    Unwind with BYO dinner in a greenhouse, then feed friendly cows

    5.0 42 reviews

    Buckroe Beach Sit-On-Top Kayak Rental

    Paddle the calm Chesapeake Bay with included gear and a quick safety briefing

    5.0 58 reviews

    Buckroe Beach Stand-Up Paddleboard Rental

    Explore the Chesapeake Bay by SUP with included gear and quick on-land instruction

    5.0 58 reviews

    Tandem Kayak Rental at Buckroe Beach

    Paddle the Chesapeake Bay together with gear included

    5.0 58 reviews

    60-Minute eFoil Lesson

    Learn to ride an eFoil with safety briefing and guided on-water instruction

    5.0 58 reviews
    $186/ board

    Private SUP Surf Lesson

    Progress fast with a 1.5-hour private SUP surf lesson for ages 15+, up to 2 participants

    4.9 120 reviews
    $111/ person

    Beginner Group Surf Lesson

    Learn surfing fundamentals in a 2-hour lesson with CPR-certified instructors

    4.9 120 reviews
    $62/ person

    Private 1-Hour Surf Lesson

    Hone your surf skills with a senior instructor and focus on your goals

    4.9 120 reviews
    $62/ person

    Virginia Beach Dolphin Watching Cruise

    Spot wild dolphins on a 90-minute cruise with expert narration and guaranteed sightings

    4.7 3.8K reviews
    $5/ person

    Rudee Rocket Dolphin Speedboat Ride in Virginia Beach

    Zoom along the Virginia Beach coast on a 1-hour speedboat ride and watch for dolphins

    4.7 3.8K reviews
    $27/ person

    WWII Biplane Flight Over Virginia Beach

    Soar in an open-cockpit WWII trainer for 20 thrilling minutes above coastal Virginia.

    4.8 3.4K reviews
    $350/ person

    Banana Boat Ride in Virginia Beach

    Bounce over the waves with friends on a thrilling 25-minute banana boat adventure.

    4.9 1K reviews
    $40/ person

    Virginia Beach Sunset Boat Rental & Cruise

    Savor golden-hour views on a private back-bay cruise where you set the soundtrack and bring your favorite beverages

    4.9 1K reviews

    Kayak Rental in Virginia Beach with Safety Gear

    Paddle serene coastal waters with safety gear and tips included.

    4.9 1K reviews
    $15/ kayak

    2-Hour Paddle Board Rental at Back Bay

    Glide across calm Back Bay waters with a flexible two-hour paddle board rental

    4.9 1K reviews

    Guided Back Bay Jet Ski Tour with Fuel & Gear

    Experience high-speed fun on Back Bay with fuel, safety gear, and expert guides included.

    4.9 1K reviews
    $135/ jet ski

    Eastern Shore Wildlife Refuge and Barrier Island Tour

    Beginner-friendly paddle through marshes to Racoon Island to spot coastal wildlife

    4.9 248 reviews
    $45/ person

    Chatham Vineyards Paddle and Wine Tasting Tour

    Paddle Church Creek to a historic vineyard and enjoy a complementary tasting

    4.9 248 reviews
    $80/ person

    Half-Day Beach Rental at Cape Charles Beach

    Arrive to a ready beach setup with chairs, umbrellas, and kayak or SUP rentals

    4.9 248 reviews

    Full-Day Beach Rentals at Cape Charles Beach

    Everything you need for a day at the beach!

    4.9 248 reviews

    Yorktown Sunset Sail on Historic York River

    Relax on a two-hour evening cruise along the York River and watch the sun set over historic Yorktown.

    4.7 1.9K reviews
    $71/ person

    Hoist Sails & Fire Cannons on Pirate Cruise

    Join a kid-friendly schooner cruise to hoist sails, fire the cannon, and earn your pirate stripes

    4.7 1.9K reviews
    $49/ person

    In-Home Experiences

    Private Massage at Your Portsmouth Rental

    Private Massage at Your Portsmouth Rental

    Turn your vacation rental into a personal wellness retreat.

    $105/ person
    Private Yoga Instructor to Your Vacation Rental

    Private Yoga Instructor to Your Vacation Rental

    Breathe, flow, and find your balance — all without leaving your vacation rental.

    $80/ person

    Explore the Charm of Norfolk

    Norfolk is a vibrant city where maritime heritage meets modern culture. Known for its bustling waterfront, it offers visitors a chance to explore both history and contemporary attractions. The iconic Battleship Wisconsin at Nauticus provides an interactive glimpse into naval history, while the nearby Chrysler Museum of Art showcases an impressive collection spanning centuries. With beautiful views along the Elizabeth River Trail, it's easy to see why Norfolk stands out as a unique destination.

    The city's thriving arts scene and diverse culinary offerings make it perfect for those seeking local flavor and creativity. Stroll through the NEON District to admire colorful murals or catch live performances that highlight local talent. For food enthusiasts, Granby Street serves up everything from fresh seafood to international cuisine in cozy eateries and upscale restaurants alike. Seasonal events like Harborfest bring energy with music, parades, and fireworks by the water's edge.

    Nature lovers will appreciate Norfolk’s proximity to natural wonders such as First Landing State Park and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge—ideal spots for hiking or birdwatching just a short drive away. Whether you're kayaking on calm waters or exploring charming neighborhoods filled with historic homes, there's always something new around every corner in this dynamic coastal city.

    Norfolk FAQs