10 June 2026

Hot Out? Best Things to Do Indoors in Norfolk, VA

Norfolk is known for its sprawling water views and outdoor activities, but when the weather or the mood calls for some indoor fun, we’ve got options! Whether you’re looking to sit down for a bite or a drink, explore some of Norfolk’s indoor attractions, create something new or shop for that perfect outfit or souvenir, you’ll have everything you need to spend a day indoors in Norfolk. Here are our picks for best things to do indoors in Norfolk.

Eat & Drink

Hot and humid?

During the beloved summer months, Norfolk can bring some hot and steamy days where there’s nothing better than a light meal and place to cool off. For lunch or dinner, opt for fresh, local seafood at A.W. Shucks, or meander into Waterside District, where a plethora of foodie options are available with a view of the Elizabeth River. Dig in to creamy gelato at Strawberry Fields, where flavors are made fresh daily, then stop by Mermaid Winery and catch a buzz with a refreshing flight of white wines or visit COVA Brewing Company for an iced latte or cold beer.

RAINY OR COLD?

Looking to get cozy during a cold or rainy day? Try some of our favorite comfort food restaurants! Indulge in authentic ramen at Alkaline, grab made-from-scratch soups and rosemary biscuits at The Stockpot Norfolk, warm up with the spices of Indian Chaat street food at Tamarind or take a seat at Grilled Cheese Bistro with one of their gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. Foodie tip: Enhance your grilled cheese with an order of fresh tomato bisque.

Explore

Museums

Discover Norfolk’s maritime history at the Hampton Roads Naval History Museum located inside Nauticus on the second floor, peruse paintings, dolls and glass art at the Barry Art Museum, view a permanent collection of objects representing 30 countries at the Hermitage Museum & Gardens, or explore over 30,000 original works of art that span more than 5,000 years at Chrysler Museum of Art. All venues offer free admission every day. New for 2026: explore the mind-blowing new space at the Perry Glass Studio.

Performance Venues

Later in the day, you can catch live music at The NorVA, named the No. 1 concert venue in the country by a 2013 Rolling Stone readers’ poll. Or, you can watch local artists shine while enjoying a tasty craft beer at Smartmouth Brewing Company’s warehouse entertainment space. Check out the latest musical, comedy and theater performances at some of Norfolk’s top venues including Chrysler Hall, Harrison Opera House, Attucks Theatre, Wells Theatre or Little Theatre of Norfolk.

Indoor Fitness

If you’re wanting to get active, try Latitude Climbing + Fitness, where adults can participate in bouldering and yoga while kiddos can tire themselves out in the kids’ corner or throughout the gym with your supervision.

Sit Back and Watch

Finally, kick back and relax while watching a Norfolk Admirals hockey game at Scope Arena, or enjoy an Indie film at the NARO Expanded Cinema.

Create

Feeling creative? Make your way to the Chrysler Museum’s Perry Glass Studio for a glass blowing class, or catch a free demonstration every Tuesday through Sunday at noon. If playing with fire isn’t your thing, paint and decorate your very own Norfolk mermaid at the Mermaid Factory, or get your hands dirty throwing clay at All Hands Pottery.

The creativity doesn’t stop there. You can paint your own pottery at Color Me Mine or delight in a combination or painting plus wine at Pinot’s Palette.

Shop

Malls, Outlets and Markets

Treat yourself to unique shopping at Selden Market, a historic indoor arcade where you will find a mix of local businesses that specialize in everything from handmade leather goods and jewelry to soy candles and streetwear fashion.

Out toward the Norfolk International Airport you’ll find the 331,000-square-foot IKEA where you can wander through Swedish home furnishings until your heart’s content. Nearby, Norfolk Premium Outlets features the styles and brands you like at prices you’ll love.

Shop Local

Head to Ghent where you’ll find a lovely collection of locally owned shops. Texture is great for gifts, baby items, home decor, women’s clothing and accessories. Decorum Furniture has all the home furnishings you need, plus a fantastic gift shop with unique wares. Kitsch is the place to go for locally and regionally made jewelry, wall art, greeting cards, accessories, baby items and decor. Less Than inspires us to put a green foot forward with their eco-friendly and sustainable home products. White Rabbit is the go-to for secondhand children’s and baby clothing, plus brand new kid gifts. Le Marche is a French-forward boutique with plates and serving ware, home decor, child and baby items and gourmet chocolates and nibbles.

Downtown is home to Selden Market and, of course, all the original Norfolk and Virginia souvenirs you could want at VisitNorfolk’s own Mermaid Market.

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08 June 2026

Ways to Enjoy the Water When Visiting Norfolk

Summer is the perfect time to make a splash with a visit to Norfolk, one of the world’s great port cities. With the Chesapeake Bay and gorgeous rivers in our backyard and 144 miles of shoreline, you’re never far from the water in Norfolk. Here are a few great things to do on the water during your visit.

Go Sailing

The Sail Nauticus First Sail experience is an introduction to sailing in a casual setting. Up to three students and an instructor will learn how to harness the winds and steer the boat on a course. All students will receive online access to Chapter 1 of a U.S. Sailing book after signing up. If you are wondering what it takes to sail and want to learn more, this is the course for you! It’s a great way to unwind or just give yourself a unique experience.

Have a Beach Day

Ready for a swim? Norfolk has three beaches in the laid-back Ocean View and East Beach neighborhood that are perfect for swimming, lounging and building sand castles. Public beach access includes Sarah Constant Beach Park, just east of 4th View Street, Community Beach Park and Ocean View Beach Park, farther east near Norfolk Avenue.

Cruise Away for Brunch, Lunch or Dinner

See incredible views of the Norfolk Harbor and the Navy’s Atlantic Fleet aboard City Cruises Norfolk. Enjoy a delicious buffet and specialty drinks. Then, dance to DJ entertainment or relax on the rooftop lounge. It all adds up to the perfect Norfolk experience. Available year-round from Downtown Norfolk, City Cruises offers lunch, brunch, dinner, cocktail, moonlit cruises and more.

Go Fishing!

No matter what your choice of the fresh catch may be, you’re sure to find it in the nearby Chesapeake Bay, home to a host of saltwater fish, including trout, flounder, cobia, croaker, red drum and striper. The Ocean View Fishing Pier offers a unique and enjoyable experience, with fishing license included in the cost of admission, equipment available for rent, on-site facilities and restaurant and head boat excursions departing once or twice daily.

Board and Tour a Tall Ship

Jennifer Collins Photography for VisitNorfolk

Want to get a lay of the land from the water? Then you’ll want to set sail aboard Norfolk’s own tall sailing ship, the American Rover. This three-masted topsail schooner with its familiar red “tanbark” sails has been a signature sight along the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads Harbor since 1986, offering one-and-a-half and two-hour narrated Harbor or Sunset Cruises, April through October.

Step off the Garden Path

Norfolk Botanical Garden offers more than strolls through beautiful landscapes. This must-see attraction also offers Sunset Kayaking guided tours along Lake Whitehurst. Enjoy a relaxing paddle with experienced guides as you explore the world of plants and animals inhabiting the shores and waters. Kayaks, paddles and safety equipment is provided. No experience necessary. Visit their website for details and tour schedules.

Cruise by the Base

The Victory Rover is your front row seat to the U.S. Navy’s Norfolk-based fleet. Departing from a berth just a short walk along the Downtown Norfolk Harbor from Nauticus, the Victory Rover offers a 2-hour narrated naval base tour. Passengers will witness the majesty of the Navy’s aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, guided missile cruisers and other vessels that make up the world’s most powerful sea-going armada.

Partake in sunsets on the river

The Hermitage Museum & Gardens is simply the place to be on Thursday nights during the summer. Guest can enjoy live music, interactive activities, drinks for purchase, dinner from a variety of food trucks and the beauty of the grounds.

Keep Calm and Paddle On

Norfolk Kayak Rentals offers a unique way to explore the beautiful Lafayette River. Spend some time bird watching, seeing fish jump out of the water and perhaps meeting some other friendly paddlers as you enjoy a fun experience for all ages!

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26 May 2026

The Ultimate Guide to Seafood in Norfolk

From the Chesapeake Bay to the Elizabeth River, Norfolk is surrounded by water; we have 144 miles of shoreline to be exact. This means an abundance of fresh seafood is available in our restaurants. You can find seafood in almost every form, including raw, grilled, baked, sautéed, boiled and fried to please everyone’s seafood flavor palate. Below are the best seafood restaurants in Norfolk.

Downtown

Freemason Abbey

Freemason Abbey encompasses three pillars of our city: astounding art, rich history and a thriving culinary scene. The building that Freemason is housed in was once a church and dates back to 1873, making it one of the oldest establishments in the city. The restaurant’s stained glass windows are stunning works of art and original to the building. The seafood here is celebrated and awarded. Most popular is their award-winning she crab soup. Another scrumptious dish is the seafood fantasia (shrimp and sea scallops sautéed with peppers and onions, tossed with linguini in a white wine Old Bay cream sauce and topped with lump crab meat).

Saltine

Hilton Norfolk’s The Main hotel houses three restaurants including the popular seafood restaurant Saltine, located at street level. Saltine offers an airy, open environment, with garage door windows that open to the main streets of downtown Norfolk. We recommend their VA Blue Crab Cake appetizer served with a celeriac remoulade and their whole roasted stuffed trout served with scallop mousse line, succotash, pickled watermelon rind relish and watermelon molasses.

Todd Jurich’s Bistro

This downtown bistro has been open since 1992 and offers rotating seasonal menus. Chef Todd Jurich uses only the freshest ingredients from local vegetable gardens and Virginia produce farms. The Bistro holds the Triple AAA Four Diamond Award and serves hand-harvested oysters from Virginia’s Eastern Shore that are served on the half shell, fried or in his famous oyster stew.

Norfolk Seafood Company & Big Easy Oyster Bar

A bi-level seafood restaurant that is tucked away off Granby Street is Big Easy, as locals call it. They have a speakeasy-style atmosphere in their downstairs dining room with a full mahogany bar and a more upscale scene on the upper level. No matter which floor you dine on, their menu offers seafood with a cajun creole twist.

Historic Ghent

AW Shucks Raw Bar and Grill

Located in the heart of Norfolk’s Ghent neighborhood, AW Shucks is an unpretentious, shanty seafood restaurant where locals can be found. Their laid-back atmosphere makes slurping down a fresh oyster most enjoyable. Their seafood selection is endless, and their raw bar is extensive with locally caught oysters, shrimp, crab, clams and mussels.

Railroad District

The Fishin’ Pig

Known for both seafood and barbecue, The Fishin’ Pig couples the finest from land and sea to offer a menu that’s pleasing to all. Their seafood appetizers include Better Than Bang Bang Shrimp and blacked ahi tuna. Entree favorites are creole baked salmon, Billy’s seafood platter, Caribbean jerk redfish, plus baskets with either fried Alaskan pollock or catfish. Finally, their delicious shrimp, catfish or blackened tuna can be found on tacos, salads and sandwiches.

Ocean View and East Beach

Longboards East Beach

Longboards sits on the docks of East Beach Marina, where their Hawaiian tiki decor will make you want to relax and sip a Mai Tai all day long. Their seafood dishes range from fish tacos and seafood platters to their big fish sandwich (fried, wild-caught Atlantic cod, lettuce and tomato topped with sunset remoulade sauce). Or, go all in with their crab and bacon burger.

Stony’s Dockside Bar & Grill

Looking for a water view with your seafood? Then head to Stony’s! They have a great screened-in outdoor space to keep the summertime buzzing of bugs away from you while you dive into their seafood mac and cheese (lobster, scallops, crab and shrimp tossed in cajun cream sauce). Also a hit with the locals is their fresh catch sandwich!

Captain Groovy’s Raw Bar & Grill

Dive down into the local culture to discover the buried treasure known as Captain Groovy’s, a haven for the hungry, thirsty and sandy. Their breezy atmosphere, friendly staff and appetizing morsels have earned a place in the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors alike.

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20 April 2026

Best Tacos and Margaritas in Norfolk

There’s nothing quite like the pairing of savory, sometimes spicy tacos and a cool margarita. We love indulging in irresistible Mexican cuisine during Cinco de Mayo but also on any ole day of the week (especially Taco Tuesdays). Wondering where to find the most authentic Latin cuisine in Norfolk? Look no further; here’s a rundown of the best places to find tacos, margaritas and more!

Chorizo Mexican Eatery

This quaint Mexican eatery near ODU prioritizes fresh ingredients and an authentic experience. Taking pride in their Mexican roots, Chorizo features a menu that embodies an icon discovery made by their ancestors: maiz or corn. Every taco and quesadilla is made with handmade corn tortillas filled with your choice of protein. Pair your food with Chorizo’s margarita made with Jimador Blanco, organic agave nectar and fresh-squeezed lime and orange juice.

COLLEY CANTINA

Colley Cantina is a Norfolk staple in Ghent where you’ll find locals hanging out, chowing down on chips and salsa and sipping on tasty margaritas. Enjoy their daily specials from the patio!

Jessy’s

There are two very distinct Jessy’s locations in Norfolk, and you should think of them as sister restaurants but certainly not twins. The original Jessy’s Taqueria in Ocean View is splendidly authentic in their cuisine and atmosphere. Once featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, the OG in OV is known for their expansive menu and Mexican tienda located on site. Meanwhile, Jessy’s Taco Bistro in Ghent offers some of the favorites you’re looking for, plus some gussied up margaritas that may not have been on your radar.

Lola’s Beach Cantina

This upscale neighborhood restaurant and cantina in Norfolk’s East Beach community serves authentic Mexican cuisine with a Latin American flair. Look for a variety of tacos, from carne asada to blackened tuna, which can easily be paired with a fresh selection of margaritas and other cocktails.

Luna Maya

On Colley Avenue in the historic Ghent neighborhood, you’ll find one of Norfolk’s most beloved restaurants, Luna Maya. Owned by Bolivian sisters Karla and Vivian Montano, Luna Maya is well known for their fresh guacamole, refreshing mojitos and unforgettable tamales.

Pelon’s Baja Grill

Pelon’s Baja Grill is ultimately known for their famous fish tacos, perfectly crisp and dressed simply with shredded green cabbage, Baja cream sauce and salsa fresca. But, with their dreamy selection of burritos, nachos, rolled tacos, elote corn and more, you simply can’t go wrong, especially if you go for a margarita. The flavors here will dazzle: coconut, classic, Cadillac, spicy pineapple and watermelon. Cheers!

Perro Blanco

Simply put, Perro Blanco does it right. A neighborhood taco and mezcal spot in the Railroad District, the restaurant has 50 mezcales and 40 tequilas, along with fresh tortillas and salsas every day. Stop in for dinner, and don’t miss their brunch on the weekends.

Sanctuary

As with Jessy’s, there are also two separate locations for Sanctuary, each serving tacos made-to-order, a full bar of delights and not-your-average art on display. Their original location, Sanctuary 10X80 is a small spot in the NEON District, and their newer location, Sanctuary DMZ is located near ODU on Bowdens Ferry Road. Each have a system of patrons filling out simple order sheets to check boxes on all the delicious toppings they want on their tacos (which are served hard, soft or in a bowl).

Tacos y Tequila

Two of the best pairings come together in one of Norfolk’s greatest neighborhoods. Tacos y Tequila, located in Ghent, is a Mexican restaurant serving favorite dishes and Taco Tuesday specials. For much of the year, you’ll find crowds sitting in the adjoining streatery on Calley Ave. where people-watching never gets old.

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20 April 2026

2026 Mother's Day Events in Norfolk, VA

Show mom how much you care this Mother’s Day by taking her out and about in Norfolk! There are many Mother’s Day events planned throughout the city that give you and mom a chance to be outside, brunch hard, get on the water and spend some time bonding. It’s a Mother’s Day that neither of you will forget!

Have a Mother’s Day event in Norfolk you’d like added to this story? Contact us via email with details.

Mother’s Day Afternoon Sail

May 10, 2026
Waterside

Join us for a two-hour Cruise aboard the elegant sailing ship American Rover. Enjoy a gourmet snack box as you cruise the smooth waters of the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads Harbor. Our top deck provides ample comfortable seating with plenty of shade. Relax with Mom and be entertained by our ship’s musician.

Includes: one complimentary mimosa or champagne for Mom plus a charcuterie snack box by Gourmet Gang.

Mother’s Day Brunch at Saltine

May 10, 2026
Saltine

Brunch Special | $16 Petite Quiche with spinach, tomato, and white cheddar, served alongside lump crab salad, a spring berry and candied walnut salad with lemon vinaigrette, and a slice of house-made coffee cake.

Dinner Special | $34 Herb & Grano Padano Crusted Salmon featuring a dill mustard crust, served with a creamy chickpea and spinach fricassée.

Learn More

Mother’s Day Brunch at Green Onion

May 10, 2026
Green OnioN

A newly-revamped menu at Greenb Onion awaits Moms and their guests on Mother’s Day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Learn More

Glass Studio Mother’s Day Sale

May 2, 2026
Perry Glass Studio

Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Show those moms, moms-to-be, and mom-like figures a lot of love with a unique gift of glass. The Perry Glass Studio is hosting its annual Mother’s Day Glass Sale.

Members’ Presale, 9-10 a.m. sale continues for the public, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Support local makers and shop for unique gifts created by the Perry Glass Studio team. Find jewelry, décor, and more.

Learn More

Clay Crafts: Mother’s Day Edition

May 8-9, 2026
All Hands Pottery Studio

Join Artesstry’s Tess O’Malley for a fun evening of crafting with clay!

You’ll use small cookie cutters to shape your charms, then pick your favorite colors to glaze your creations all in one workshop. For the Mother’s Day Edition of Clay Crafts, the main cutter shapes will be florals, leaves, and hearts! Other simple shapes will also be included. No previous art experience required, the studio will provide all materials, instruction, and basic techniques for working with clay. This class is a hand-building workshop and does not involve the use of a pottery wheel.

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A Mother’s Day Tea

May 10, 2026
Hunter House Victorian Museum

Seatings at 12pm & 3 PM

$30 Members/$45 Not-Yet Members/$15 Children under 13

A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity. It dares all things and crushes remorselessly all that stand in its path” – Agatha Christie

Come honor the mothers and Mother figures in your life. Toast to those you love and enjoy floral themed delights and endless pots of tea.

Learn More

Mommy & Me + The Village

March 28, 2026
Selden Market

Celebrate Women’s History Month with Mommy & Me + The Villge! Music, crafts & community.

Join us for a special Women’s History Month celebration honoring mothers, caregivers, and the beautiful village that helps raise our little ones.

This Mommy & Me experience is designed to create a safe, joyful space for connection, community, and fun. Enjoy music, kid-friendly activities, light refreshments, and meaningful moments with your little one(s) — while connecting with other amazing parents in the room.

Learn More

Mothers Day at the Main

May 10, 2026
Norfolk Hilton the Main

Celebrate Mom in style at Grain’s Mother’s Day Brunch, a festive rooftop experience filled with delicious flavors and beautiful waterfront views. Treat the special women in your life to a plentiful buffet featuring brunch favorites, fresh seasonal selections, and indulgent desserts—all crafted to make her day unforgettable. Gather with family and friends, raise a glass, and enjoy a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere as we honor Mom with great food and even better company.

Mom Era Market

May 9, 2026
435 Monticello Ave.

Welcome to your Mom Era — where softness, strength, and self-care meet creativity.Mom Era Market is a curated celebration of motherhood in all its forms — the nurturing, the chaotic, the healing, the funny, and the deeply beautiful. This themed market invites guests to shop, connect, and celebrate the people who hold everything together (even when they pretend they don’t ).
Whether you’re shopping for Mom, bringing Mom, celebrating yourself, or honoring someone special — this experience is built for heart,
comfort, and community.

Mother’s Day Charcuterie Workshop

May 3, 2026
COVA Brewing Co.

Come join us at COVA Brewing Company for a festive and fun Mother’s Day Charcuterie Workshop with Boards and Moore! Learn how to create the perfect charcuterie board to impress your guests or have a quiet night in. Kellie, owner of Boards and Moore, will guide you through selecting the best meats, cheeses, and accompaniments.

Need more brunch options? Check out our brunch guide here! For more events? Here’s our full calendar. Happy Mother’s Day!

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31 March 2026

5 Must-Have Norfolk Experiences for the Solo Traveler

Traveling solo can be a truly liberating experience. From start to finish, you’re in full control of your time, your meals and your adventures, making your travel experience exactly what you want it to be. Norfolk is an ideal destination for the solo traveler because of our culturally diverse attractions, incredible culinary scene, abundance of outdoor activities and unique stores for taking a piece of Norfolk home with you.

Here are five must-have experiences to get you started on planning a solo trip you’ll love.

Chrysler Museum of Art and Perry Glass Studio

The Chrysler is renowned for its illustrious collection of glass with more than 10,000 glass objects spanning nearly 3,000 years. The museum is celebrated for its Tiffany glass collection, along with a robust European painting and culture gallery, modern, contemporary and decorative arts galleries, an ancient worlds gallery and a strong photography collection. Perfect for a rainy morning or a humid afternoon, the Chrysler invites travelers to block several hours to enjoy the beautiful pieces found in this cultural enclave. Bonus — the Chrysler Museum has free admission! Adjacent to the museum sits the Perry Glass Studio, an educational facility with a full slate of public demonstrations and performances. Plus, there’s free glassblowing demonstrations Tuesday–Sunday at noon!

Abundance of Locally-Owned Restaurants

Filled with a vibrant mix of chefs, bakers and makers, Norfolk has blossomed into one of the Southeast’s most dynamic foodie destinations. The city’s captivating urban appeal and history lure visitors in, and the culinary creations keep them here. Being right on the coast means an abundance of fresh seafood served in both traditional and eclectic ways. But there’s also a myriad of eateries focused on anything from healthy fare to desserts to international cuisine.

Water activities

There are so many ways to enjoy the water in Norfolk. Grab your suit, a beach chair and magazine and head to Ocean View Beach to soak in a day of leisure! Cruise the Elizabeth River harbor aboard the American or Victory Rover, or learn the ropes with Sail Nauticus. Spend some quiet time journeying along the Lafayette River with Norfolk Kayak Rentals. Finally, for unmatched water views, head to Grain — located on the fifth floor of Norfolk Hilton The Main — to enjoy a cold beverage on a rooftop beer garden. See more ways to enjoy the water here.

Explore the Elizabeth River Trail

Hop on a bike, walk or run along the Elizabeth River Trail, a 10.5-mile urban biking and pedestrian trail built on several former railroad right-of-ways. Spend the morning or afternoon exploring the waterfront and the historic Freemason District, Ghent and Chelsea neighborhoods. Along the way, you’ll pass Plum Point Park, Weyanoke Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary, Hermitage Museum and Gardens and beautiful residential streets. See more things to do along the ERT.

Shop Locally

Norfolk is a city bustling with creativity, which extends to the eclectic wares and souvenirs featured at local stores. You’re likely to come across locally poured candles, leather goods, art, jewelry, clothing, accessories, home goods, plants and more during your time browsing through shops. Here’s an outline of the best gift shops, artisan wares, consignment and antique stores that are scattered throughout the city.

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31 March 2026

Best Brunch Spots in Norfolk, VA

From pillowy biscuits to piled-high Benedicts and waffles topped with all the fixings, brunch in Norfolk never disappoints. No matter what your taste buds are craving, these popular brunch spots have all the essentials. Gather your brunch squad, order a mimosa or Bloody Mary and get ready to dig in!