Norfolk Attractions

The Harrison Opera House is home to the Viriginia Opera with 16 performances performed here each season. The building, a former World War II USO theater, seats over 1,600 people.

The Hermitage Foundation Museum in Norfolk presents a permanent collection of works from around the world as well as temporary exhibitions. The Hermitage is located along the Lafayette River and features beautifully landscaped grounds with gardens and natural areas. After you have toured the museum be sure to take the time to stroll around the grounds.

The Hunter House Victorian Museum in Norfolk provides visitors with a glimpse of life in the Victorian ages. The home is designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style of architecture and has been restored to the original condition. The home is furnished in period pieces and one of the highlights to keep an eye out for is the stained glass window.

The MacArthur Memorial Museum is devoted to the memory of General Douglas MacArthur. The life and times of the famous man are chronicled and many interesting exhibits are on display. The memorial is spread out across four buildings and is located in downtown Norfolk.

The museum also functions as a Historical Center and Research Center with 2.5 million documents and in excess of 150,000 photos.

The Naval Station Norfolk can be visited on a tour that allows visitors to see aircraft carriers, destroyers, and a variety of other large equipment.

The Norfolk Botanical Gardens, in the city of the same name, make for a pleasant escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Here, amongst the beautiful and fragrant flowers, visitors can relax and enjoy the wonderful surroundings. Spread over 155 acres, the Norfolk Botanical Gardens have displays of every type imaginable from A to Z. One of the largest collections of azaleas, roses, camellias and rhododendrons on the east coast. It alsofeatures over 25 themed gardens, 95 species of birds and 30 kinds of butterflies.

St Paul's Episcopal Church located in Norfolk is the town's oldest building. It was originally built in the early 1700's, but burned until only the walls were standing in the confrontation of 1776. The church was rebuilt in 1785-86 and retains much of its original look and feel.

The Virginia Zoological Park in Norfolk features an exciting array of animals from around the world. Over the past number of years the zoo has been expanding and continues to expand all of its various "world regions" as well as a planned addition of an Education Complex and Visitor Center.