Norfolk

About Norfolk

Norfolk is a historic port city in southeastern Virginia, set where the Elizabeth River meets the vast natural harbor of Hampton Roads near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Founded in 1682 and named after the English county of Norfolk, it grew into a busy colonial port, was burned during the Revolutionary War, and rebuilt itself around shipbuilding and trade. In 1917 the U.S. Navy established a base here that has grown into Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval base in the world, home port of aircraft carriers, submarines and destroyers.

Today Norfolk has about 235,000 residents and a revitalized waterfront downtown at the center of the Hampton Roads region of more than 1.7 million people. The battleship USS Wisconsin, one of the largest and last battleships ever built, is berthed at Nauticus, the city's maritime discovery center, and harbor cruises pass the gray warships and container cranes that line the river. The Chrysler Museum of Art, with its world-famous glass collection and free glass studio demonstrations, is one of the finest art museums in the South.

Norfolk mixes history with relaxed coastal life. The Freemason and Ghent historic districts have handsome old homes and lively restaurants, the MacArthur Memorial honors General Douglas MacArthur, and St. Paul's Episcopal Church still has a British cannonball from 1776 embedded in its wall. The Norfolk Botanical Garden is famous for its azaleas and boat tours, the Virginia Zoo is close to downtown, and the Ocean View beaches on the Chesapeake Bay offer calm water, while Virginia Beach's oceanfront is about 30 minutes away.