12 Cool Things Norfolk is Known For
Many know the East Coast for its variety of sprawling metropolises, all the way from Boston down to Miami. What many don’t know is the hidden treasure that’s the waterfront city of Norfolk, Virginia.
Norfolk, Virginia is known as the home of the scenic Chesapeake Bay and the Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval base that houses the U.S. Navy’s Fleet Forces Command. Impressively, the North American Headquarters for NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) also calls Norfolk home.
This article will discuss interesting facts about Norfolk, the Naval Station Norfolk, and NATO’s North American headquarters. I’ll also share with you some Norfolk gems you should explore upon your visit to the city.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission for purchases made through links in this post, at no extra cost to you.
Norfolk Was Once Occupied by the Chesapeake Tribe
Long before colonizers arrived, the modern area of Norfolk was occupied and cultivated by the Chesepian, or Chesapeake, Native American tribe. Chesepiooc is Algonquian for “at a big river.”
Settlers didn’t arrive in Norfolk until the early 1600s. There, colonizers recognized its value as a convenient port city. It then became a crucial trade outlet. Around this time, Norfolk was given its name after Norfolk county, England.
During the Revolutionary War, militiamen burned down nearly all of Norfolk to prevent its use by the British. It re-found prosperity once it was connected to a railroad system in the mid-1800s.
Norfolk thrived after that as a trading port for coal, tobacco, and other food products, in addition to housing a booming shipbuilding industry.
The Naval Station in Norfolk Was Built During WW1
The U.S. Navy began to develop a base near Norfolk’s ports at the start of World War I.
Its location on the Chesapeake Bay is advantageous. By 1918, 34,000 enlisted men lived and worked on the base. However, the military didn’t initially invest many resources into the base.
World War II saw the need for an expansion of military services. The base at Norfolk was no different.
It got a makeover: the Navy built new facilities, ramps for seaplanes, and runways for aircraft. At this point, it was dubbed the Naval Air Station.
In 1986, the U.S. government chose the Naval Air Station to be the Recovery Control Center Atlantic. The station was responsible for providing communications and ships to recover the parts of Apollo 7 that fell back down to Earth.
The Naval Air Station was renamed Naval Station Norfolk in 1999.
Today, Naval Station Norfolk accommodates 11 aircraft hangars, 14 piers, 75 ships, and 134 aircraft! Air Operations at the base conducts a flight every 6 minutes.
If you find yourself in the Norfolk area, be sure to take a tour of Naval Station Norfolk.
If you’re looking for a deep dive into Norfolk’s history you have to check out this book on Amazon.
Norfolk Is Home to NATO’s North American HQ
If you didn’t know, NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is a military alliance between 28 European countries, the U.S., and Canada.
NATO is essentially an expansion on the Treaty of Dunkirk, a defensive alliance between France and the United Kingdom in preparation for an attack from Germany post-WWII. The U.S. entered NATO in 1949.
Norfolk being home to NATO’s North American headquarters proves significant. If any of the member countries experience conflict on Atlantic waters near North America’s coast, then the U.S. and Canada are expected to respond with most communications originating from Norfolk.
NATO’s official headquarters are located in Belgium. From these two vantage points, NATO has responded to hostilities with Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Libya, among others.
Specifically, Norfolk harbors NATO’s Allied Command Transformation and Joint Force Command Norfolk. In layman terms, this means that Norfolk is a hot spot for NATO communications.
While you can’t tour NATO’s North American headquarters, its Norfolk location does hold an annual Norfolk NATO Fest. According to its website, this festival is the only one of its kind which “honors the NATO Alliance and its member nations.”
The festival includes educational sessions and an “international village,” where visitors can explore international art and culture. If you’re itching to attend the Norfolk NATO Fest, it’s usually held in June of each year.
Norfolk Offers All Types of Fun Attractions
While the Norfolk Naval Station and NATO’s North American headquarters put Norfolk on the map, the charming town still has plenty of other attractions to explore and enjoy.
From scenic beaches to botanical gardens, zoos, and rich museums, one attraction is bound to catch your eye. Continue reading to learn about these standouts.
Visit the Chrysler Museum for Some Fine Arts
Do you consider yourself a patron of the fine arts? You’re in luck; Norfolk boasts The Chrysler Museum.
This impressive institution features artworks from some of history’s greatest creators, such as Auguste Rodin, Georges Rouault, and Henri Matisse, among others.
If the name Chrysler brings an automobile mogul to mind, it’s no coincidence. The son of Walter Chrysler of Fiat Chrysler automobiles donated his extensive art collection to the museum in 1971.
Fun fact: Walter Chrysler Jr.’s wife, Jean, was a native of Norfolk! No wonder they chose to donate their collection to a Norfolk treasure.
The museum is definitely worth a visit if you find yourself in Norfolk. Besides its outstanding works of art, the museum also offers free admission at all times.
During your museum visit, be sure to drop by the Perry Glass Studio, which offers glassmaking demonstrations almost daily.
The museum also provides guided tours if booked in advance. If you’re looking to be enchanted by centuries of global art, the Chrysler Museum is the perfect Norfolk attraction for you.
Take a Stroll Through the Norfolk Botanical Garden
After feasting on the sights of beautiful art, entertain your olfactory senses by strolling through the Norfolk Botanical Garden.
The Norfolk Botanical Garden has the honored title of being Virginia’s most extensive botanical garden. This accolade is especially impressive considering that renewable energy completely powers the garden.
The garden brags over 60 different gardens with rotating gardens through the seasons depending on what flora is in bloom. Some gardens include a variety of blooming flowers, while others showcase a specific type of plant.
The Norfolk Botanical Garden maintains a butterfly house for visitors, especially insect lovers, to walk through and enjoy. It flaunts more than 50 different species of butterflies native to Virginia and is surrounded by an additional 2.5 acres (1 hectare) of butterfly gardens.
While meandering through the gardens, you might notice art installations peppered throughout the grounds. The garden displays majestic statues as well as statement pieces made out of recycled materials.
Interestingly, the garden’s art collection includes Moses Ezekiel statues. This statue series depicts the likeness of notable historical figures, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Rembrandt, among others.
The garden is open daily from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., except on holidays. You can purchase your admission ticket online.
You can also learn more about the Botanical Garden and it’s history here.
See Over 150 Animal Species at the Virginia Zoo
Norfolk offers something for animal lovers at the Virginia Zoo. The zoo exhibits animals from all regions, including the Americas, Asia, and Africa.
It represents over 150 species, including endangered species such as the Bornean orangutan, the red panda, and Malayan tigers. Fortunately, your visit can contribute to these species’ conservation through the Virginia Zoo’s conservation fund.
The zoo also holds zoo science classes and sustainability workshops. If you’re passionate about these topics, you should certainly engage with these activities during your visit.
Don’t worry if you tire of walking the zoo’s expansive grounds. You can hop on the Norfolk Southern Express in the Zoo Plaza for a fun locomotive tour around the zoo! It only costs $2 to ride.
During the summer, the zoo occasionally holds “Late ‘til 8” visits. After 5 p.m., the zoo only opens to adults, and visitors can find beer, wine, and other spirits available for purchase.
The zoo currently operates under limited capacity, so be sure to make your reservation online if you would like to visit.
Join Various Fun Activities at Ocean View Beach
Ocean View Beach boasts over 7 miles (11.27 km) of calm, protected coastline. It’s Norfolk’s premier beachfront destination and is much quieter than its nearby neighbor Virginia Beach.
Many visit the beach to enjoy fishing, kayaking, crabbing, and sailing. It accommodates multiple beachside parks that visitors can use for picnics or grilling. Occasionally, these communities host live music festivals.
You can also scout out the Ocean View Fishing Pier, which stands out as a remarkable feature along the coastline. You can sit down at the Ocean View Fishing Pier Restaurant at the end of the pier for a fresh seafood meal.
In July and August, Ocean View Beach Park offers different themed parties and movie nights for families to enjoy. These events present an excellent opportunity to enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean while meshing with the local community.
Drive the Famous Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
If you’re traveling to Maryland from Norfolk, then you’ll certainly cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
This iconic landmark is only 20 minutes drive north from Norfolk. It spans the scenic Chesapeake Bay for 17 miles (27 km) to provide maximum road trip enjoyment.
In 1965, the bridge-tunnel was named “One of Seven Engineering Wonders of the Modern World.” That same year, the structure was given the Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award by the American Society of Civil Engineering.
This remarkable tunnel periodically dips below and above the bay for nearly 20 minutes’ worth of driving time. It can certainly be a fun sight for kids to see.
Norfolk Homes Nautical Museums and U.S. Battleship
If your primary goal for visiting Norfolk is to tour its rich nautical history, there are additional attractions that you can take advantage of.
Visit Nauticus To Learn About Maritime Technology
Nauticus, or the National Maritime Center, is a maritime museum found on Norfolk’s beautiful waterfront. It dedicates itself to STEM education that excites children about working in maritime technology.
The museum offers various interactive learning exhibits, including a submarine technology exhibit, a climate exhibit, and even a shark encounter.
The museum’s complex also hosts Virginia’s only cruise terminal. Ships from this port sail to Bermuda and the Caribbean, all the way to the Arctic!
While you’re visiting Nauticus, you may want to check out its sailing academy, Sail Nauticus. Sail Nauticus pledges itself to provide sailing lessons to underserved students in the Norfolk area.
Nauticus Is the Home of the Battleship Wisconsin
Most Virginians know Nauticus as being home to the Battleship Wisconsin, which is one of the largest and most recent ships built by the U.S. Navy.
The ship defended the U.S. against Japanese battleships in the Pacific Ocean during World War II. During this time, the ship was almost destroyed when it got caught in Typhoon Cobra. The typhoon sadly cost 790 men their lives.
Wisconsin was also utilized during the Korean War and most recently served in Operation Desert Storm during 1991.
After Operation Desert Storm, the U.S. began to realize the absence of a primary threat to its homeland security. Thus, budgets dedicated to maintaining battleships were drastically cut, and Wisconsin was decommissioned.
In 2001, the ship was brought to what is now known as the Nauticus museum for public education and exhibition. Today, the price of admission to Nauticus includes tours of the Battleship Wisconsin.
During the tour, you can appreciate the ship’s nine naval guns, anti-aircraft guns, and transverse bulkhead armor. Its streamlined body was designed to make Wisconsin one of the fastest battleships of its time.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Norfolk, Virginia, is most known for being home to the world’s largest naval base as well as NATO’s North American headquarters.
Regardless, this shouldn’t stop you from exploring all the local culture and attractions that Norfolk offers, should you be in the area.
Here’s a refresher of popular Norfolk attractions and activities:
- Naval Station Norfolk
- NATO’s North American Headquarters and the Norfolk NATO Fest
- The Chrysler Museum
- Norfolk Botanical Garden
- The Virginia Zoo
- Ocean View Beach
- Nauticus, a maritime museum
- The Battleship Wisconsin
If you’re planning a trip to Norfolk be sure to check out this Insider’s Guide here on Amazon.
Disclaimer: The below text contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission for purchases made through links in this post, at no extra clost to you.
– Booking Resources –
– Plan Your Trip with Confidence! –
Viator – Discover and book a diverse array of curated tours and activities worldwide through Viator’s platform, connecting travelers with authentic experiences crafted by local experts.
See what tours Viator currently has to offer here.
Viator also offers virtual tours here.
Tours4Fun – Explore a wide selection of handpicked tours, attractions, and vacation packages globally, connecting adventurers to enriching travel experiences designed by local insiders. Find your next adventure with Tours4Fun here.
Hostelworld – Unlock a world of budget-friendly accommodation options with HostelWorld, your gateway to a global network of hostels and budget stays, ensuring affordable and convenient stays for travelers around the world. Find accommodation for your travels on Hostelworld here.
World Nomads – Protect your adventures with World Nomads. Comprehensive travel insurance for every traveler. Get coverage that travels with you, wherever your wanderlust leads. Get an insurance quote with World Nomads here.