🏖️ Norfolk & Virginia Beach One-Day Trip Guide

Just a 3+ hour drive from DC, Norfolk is the perfect stop before heading to Virginia Beach—only 20 minutes away! 🌅 Morning: Riverside Stroll & History Elizabeth River Trail + Town Point Park + Nauticus & USS Wisconsin • Start with a walk at Town Point Park 🌳—enjoy views of the Elizabeth River, dotted with bridges and fishing boats. • Continue to Nauticus Maritime Museum and the WWII battleship USS Wisconsin 🚢—a must-see for naval history lovers! • This riverside route takes 1–2 hours and is both easy and fascinating. Naval Station Norfolk Tour (ID required) • Hop on a bus tour of the largest naval base in the world! 🚌 $22 for a 1-hour guided experience. 🍽️ Lunch: Historic District / Downtown • Grab a bite in the charming Freemason area ☕️ • Or try fresh seafood or Southern comfort food at a downtown restaurant 🦞 🎨 Afternoon: Art & Nature 3. Chrysler Museum of Art 🖼️ • Home to 30,000+ works—including pieces by Rubens, Titian, Monet, Gauguin, and Matisse! • Don’t miss the glass collection and live glassblowing demos 🔥 • Free admission and parking! Norfolk Botanical Garden 🌺 • A 20-min drive from downtown. Explore rose gardens, a Japanese garden, a butterfly house, and more 🦋 • Perfect for a relaxing walk or a guided tram/boat tour 🚂 🌃 Evening: Waterfront Dining & Nightlife 5. Waterside District or Night Market • Head back to the river for dinner with live music and scenic views 🎶 • Try spots like PBR Norfolk for a casual vibe 🍻 Night Cruise or Classy Lounge • Join the Spirit of Norfolk dinner cruise 🚢 for skyline views • Or unwind at Gershwin’s Piano Lounge 🎹 with cocktails and live music ⚓️ Bonus Stop: • MacArthur Memorial – A free museum honoring General MacArthur 🪖 Rich in history and solemn atmosphere. A perfect blend of history, nature, art, and coastal vibes! 🌊 #Virginia #DMVTravel #Norfolk #VirginiaBeach #DayTrip #TravelGuide #EastCoastUSA #HistoryLovers #ArtAndNature ⛱️🇺🇸