Whether you live within the city limits and need a few ideas about entertainment or you’re visiting Norfolk for the first time, you can drive your Toyota to many awesome destinations. Start with these four suggestions that make sense any time of year.
Norfolk Botanical Garden
While the Norfolk Botanical Garden is arguably the most beautiful during the spring and summer, it comes to life in other ways throughout the fall and winter. For example, around the holidays, the gardens receive one million bulbs of Christmas lights to celebrate the season, transforming the paths and trails into a magical wonderland after dark.
The venue includes the titular botanical garden as well as a children’s garden, a trolley ride during group tours, a well-stocked library, and a cozy café. Admission costs $11 for adults and $9 for children, though if you plan to visit often, consider an annual membership so you can visit when you want for free.
Nauticus National Maritime Center
The Nauticus National Maritime Center offers fun for the whole family, including 3D movies, battleship personnel equipment exhibits, interior tours of the ship, and more. You will also find seasonal attractions and events, such as the haunted pirate ship exhibit that takes place every Halloween.
You’ll learn about historical events like the Jamestown Exposition. You can experience hurricane winds in a simulator, learn about how tsunamis form, listen to talks by Navy personnel, and view creatures common to the area’s tide pools in a simulated environment (but with real animals).
Virginia Zoo
The Virginia Zoo is also located in Norfolk. Bring the kids (or just your camera) and get up-close views of some of the most majestic creatures in the world. Park your Toyota in the parking lot, then walk down the zoo’s picturesque pathways in pursuit of wildlife. The venue hosts animals like elephants, bears, tigers, meerkats, monkeys, rhinos, and zebras.
The amphibian and reptile displays are equally enchanting, with residents such as snakes, frogs, and turtles. For kids who can’t get enough of the creepy-crawlies among us, you won’t want to miss invertebrates like tarantulas, millipedes, and walking sticks, as well as the infamous Madagascar hissing cockroach.
Ocean View Beach Park
If you visit during the summer (or if you’ve brought a jacket), don’t miss Norfolk’s amazing beaches. Ocean View Beach Park is the perfect destination for first-time visitors. It covers nearly seven acres of waterfront property and keeps the area safe during the summer with professional lifeguards. Take a dip in the ocean, walk the beach for seashells, or lounge in the sand for some quality rest and relaxation.
In addition to the sandy beaches, the park also boasts plenty of green space. Play a round of frisbee golf with the family or take a long walk to clear your head. If you want to visit with the fewest crowds, aim for late fall.
Norfolk, Virginia, is one of the most dynamic destinations in the Commonwealth. Drive your Toyota into town and start your adventure with one of the above attractions.
Image Via Pixabay
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