With its sparkling downtown waterfront, tall glimmering buildings and storied maritime heritage, Norfolk, Virginia stands today as one of the Mid Atlantic region's most dynamic and progressive cultural centers.

World-class museums, galleries, intimate performing arts halls and scores of other attractions dot the city's pedestrian-friendly downtown waterfront, while the white sandy beaches of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean lie just minutes away.

In fact, this old seaport in the heart of the Virginia Waterfront is so vibrant, the New York Times declared Norfolk a "cultural center of note," while Money Magazine dubbed it "The South's #1 big city to live in."

A city as rich in history as there are things to do, Norfolk enjoys a cost of living considerably more generous than most cities, offering business, leisure, and convention traveler the kind of value and entertainment that can be found in few other places.

Whatever the visitor may choose to do in The New Norfolk, it's easy to see that the old seaport's pulse is beating stronger than ever.

Easily accessible by air, car, train or bus, Norfolk awaits its visitors with year round moderate weather. With near perfect weather and more things to see and do than a traveler can imagine, Norfolk hosts visitors from around the world throughout the year with the busiest time being the summer when kids are out of school and tourists descend on the entire area. 

Norfolk enjoys a temperate mid-Atlantic climate moderated by its proximity to the Gulf Stream. Average yearly high temperature is 67.4°F; average low is 51°F. The overall percentage of sunshine is 65%.  Summer is exceptionally pleasant with warm breezes and temperatures averaging in the 70’s F with plenty of sunshine.  This is the perfect time to take advantage of the world renowned attractions both in the city and in nearby Williamsburg.  Spring and fall are quite pleasant and less crowded.  The temperatures are just cool enough for an invigorating walk after dinner at one of the many fine restaurants in the area.  Winters can get chilly and it does snow. Whatever the season, Norfolk is picture postcard material.  Be sure to bring a camera. 

Whatever interests a visitor might have, Norfolk has an attraction to match.  For instance, for anyone interested in the Civil War, visitors can trace Norfolk's Civil War heritage by following the Civil War Trails around the city. Sites include Fort Norfolk, the historic Freemason District, and the Black Civil War Memorial - the south's only commemoration of black Union troops. The city is also home to the Naval Station Norfolk. The Station is home port to more than 75 ships and 100 aircraft of the Atlantic Fleet.  It is the world's largest naval installation. For a little more history, the Battleship USS Wisconsin, located next to Nauticus, The National Maritime Center, is the largest and last battleship ever built by the U.S. Navy. Visitors can explore its deck through a self-guided or audiotape tour that will take one back in time to experience this majestic ship that earned five battle stars during World War II.

For a family adventure, no trip to the Norfolk area would be complete without a visit to Busch Gardens Williamsburg.  Conveniently located nearby, it’s a perfect day trip for the entire family.

Here 17th-century charm combines with 21st-century technology to create the ultimate family experience. Busch Gardens boasts more than 50 thrilling rides and attractions, ten main stage shows, a wide variety of award-winning cuisine and world-class shops.  The entertainment doesn’t stop there.  Norfolk also offers fine dining, theatre, the performing arts, nearby beaches and, just minutes away, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.

This is one city that visitors come back to visit over and over as each time creates a different memory.