Norfolk & Virginia Beach One-Day Side Trip 🚗💨

Just over 3 hours from DC to Norfolk, then another 20 minutes to Virginia Beach — perfect for a relaxed day of exploration! 🏙️ Morning: Riverside Stroll & History Elizabeth River Trail + Town Point Park + Nauticus & USS Wisconsin Start with a walk through Town Point Park 🌳—enjoy views of the Elizabeth River, dotted with sculptures, floating docks, and fishing boats. Continue along the river to Nauticus Maritime Museum and the WWII battleship USS Wisconsin 🚢. Dive into naval history and interactive exhibits! This riverside stretch takes 1–2 hours—easygoing and full of charm. ❤️ 2. Naval Station Norfolk Tour (ID required) Hop on a guided bus tour of one of the world’s largest naval bases 🚌. $22 per person | ~1 hour | Advance booking recommended. 🍽️ Lunch: Historic District / Downtown Grab a bite in Freemason or downtown Norfolk. Try fresh seafood 🦞 or classic Southern dishes — many cozy cafés and restaurants to choose from! 🌿 Afternoon: Art & Gardens ❤️ 3. Chrysler Museum of Art 🖼️ Home to over 30,000 works — from Renaissance masters like Rubens and Titian to Impressionists like Monet and Matisse! Don’t miss the glass collection and live glassblowing demos at the Perry Glass Studio 🔥. ✅ Free admission + free parking! Norfolk Botanical Garden 🌺🌿 A 20-min drive south of downtown. Stroll through themed gardens: Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Butterfly House 🦋… Perfect in spring/summer! Hop on the garden tram or boat tour for a relaxing ride. 🌆 Evening: Waterfront Dining & Nightlife 5. Waterside District or Night Market Head back to the waterfront for dinner with live music and river views 🎶🌉. Try spots like PBR Norfolk for a casual vibe. Night Options: Spirit of Norfolk Dinner Cruise 🚢🍽️ — scenic night sailing with meals. Gershwin’s Piano Lounge 🎹🍸 — cocktails with live piano in the trendy NEON District. 🚗 7. MacArthur Memorial (if time allows!) A tribute to General Douglas MacArthur — free entry 🏛️, great for history lovers. #DMVTravel #TravelGuide #Virginia #BeachDay 🏖️✨