19 OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO ON NORFOLK NAVAL BASE
By Rachael Fisher
Introduction
Once you arrive at Naval Station Norfolk, find some fun to help shake off that PCS stress and get to know your new community. Navy Community Recreation offers leisure skills classes, outdoor recreation and rentals, auto skills, sailing parks and picnic areas and green spaces, information and resources, tickets and travel, command and fleet support and special events. There are also abundant recreational activities in Norfolk and the surrounding Hampton Roads area — music, sports, theater, museums, parks and shopping. Take a ride back in time on the Hampton Carousel, or use some pedal power to bike along the historic Colonial Parkway. Treat the kids to interactive education at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, or marvel at treasures of marine history during the Norfolk Harborfest. Read on to get some ideas or if you already know what you want to do, click the numbers below to jump to specific activities: (1) Trip Advisor's Top Attractions in Norfolk (2) Bowling (3) Golfing (4-5) Gyms (6) Marinas (7) Movies (8) MWR Liberty Program (9) Parks, Rivers, and Lakes (10-12) Special Events (13-18) Attractions (19) MuseumsSuggested Read
: Naval Station Norfolk: In-Depth Welcome CenterCOVID-19 Notice
Due to the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, many businesses, venues, and parks may be temporarily closed or operating under restricted hours. Many, if not all, of the ones listed here, are likely subject to health restrictions, though new re-openings and closings occur all the time. Check websites and call ahead to learn each listing’s current status.Things to Do on Norfolk Naval Base
Trip Advisor's Top Attractions in Norfolk
1. Nauticus & The Battleship Wisconsin
1 Waterside Drive Norfolk, VA 23510Phone
: 1 (757) 664-1000 Berthed at Nauticus, the Battleship Wisconsin is one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy. Explore its deck through a self-guided tour or join a guided tour that will take you back in time to experience the ship that earned five battle stars during World War II. Today, it also tops Trip Advisor's Top Attractions in Norfolk. Search for “norfolk naval base museum” and Google will point you to the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, owned and operated by the U.S. Navy. On Level Two of Nauticus, the museum houses a collection of authentic uniforms, weaponry, underwater artifacts, detailed ship models, and artwork. For more information, visit their website.
Bowling Alley on Norfolk Naval Base
2. Pierside Lanes
B Ave. Bldg. CEP-127 Norfolk, VA 23511Phone
: 1 (757) 445-0646 Undergoing renovations in October 2020, when the bowling alley on Norfolk naval base reopens it will offer daily bowling as well as league action. Amenities include a pro shop, internet access, and a snack bar.Norfolk Naval Base Golf Course
3. Sewells Point Golf Course
660 Ruthven Road Bldg. CA-99 Norfolk, VA 23511Phone
: 1 (757) 444-5572 Established in 1927, Sewells Point Golf Course is an 18-hole PAR 71 championship golf course designed by Donald Ross. Enjoy the Pro Shop as well as golf lessons available with a PGA professional at this Norfolk naval base golf course.
Norfolk Naval Base Gym
4. N-24 Gymnasium
1570 Gilbert St. Bldg. N-24 Norfolk, VA 23511Phone
: 1 (757) 444-2276 Norfolk Naval base gym, N-24, features cardiovascular equipment, strength training machines, free weight equipment, two basketball courts, volleyball, group exercise room, lockers showers, and a sauna.5. Q-80 Waterfront Athletic Complex
1910 Decatur Ave. Bldg. Q-80 Norfolk, VA 23511Phone
: 1 (757) 444-1232 Norfolk Naval base gym, Q-80 Waterfront Athletic Complex, features an indoor track, cardiovascular equipment, strength-training machines, free-weight equipment, a basketball court, two racquetball courts, showers, lockers, and a swimming pool.
Norfolk Naval Base Marina
6. The Sailing Center and Marina
LAG-88 9672 Massey Hughes Drive Norfolk, VA 23511Phone
: 1 (757) 444-2918 At The Sailing Center, you can learn to sail, kayak, rent boats, and fishing gear. The center also offers boating classes for adults and summer camps for children. The wide array of rental boats includes kayaks and paddleboards, power boats for fishing and water skiing, and a fleet of sailboats from dinghies to cruising keelboats. The Marina offers deep-water slips, conference rooms with a view, a nearby fishing pier, boat ramp, ice, bait and fishing supplies, WiFi, and dinghy storage.Movie Theater Naval Station Norfolk
7. Main Gate Movie Theater
1500 Mall Drive Norfolk, VA 23511Phone
: 1 (757) 440-1500 The movie theater at Naval Station Norfolk, Main Gate Movie Theater, is temporarily closed through December 2020. Check the website for updated reopening info.MWR Liberty Program
8. Wind & Sea Rec Center
Address 1
: Bldg. C-9Phone 1
: 1 (757) 444-4033Address 2
: Bldg. Q-80Phone 2
: 1 (757) 444-1216 The Liberty Program is geared toward offering low cost or free recreational opportunities to single junior enlisted sailors E-1 to E-6. From special events to tournaments to destination trips – this program brings the fun. Additionally, both locations offer movie viewings and computers with WiFi.
Parks, Rivers, and Lakes
9. Norfolk Botanical Garden
6700 Azalea Garden Road
Norfolk, VA 23518
Phone
: 1 (757) 441-5830This botanical wonder stretches across 175 acres and spotlights 52 themed gardens full of stunning plants. A Virginia Historic Landmark, the garden has a rose garden, Japanese garden, butterfly house, wildflower meadow, mirror lake, picnic shelter, and much more. Known not only for its natural beauty, but the garden also features a boat ride through canals, educational programs, bicycle tours, a honeybee festival, and special fun runs through trees sparkling with festive lights at night. Visit the website for hours, ticket information, special event schedules, and tips on what flowers are in bloom.
Norfolk Naval Base Special Events
Community events can help newcomers quickly connect with new neighbors and make new friends.
10. Norfolk St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Norfolk, VA It began in 1967 with a few Irish-Americans marching with trash-can lids and brooms around the tiny Ocean View headquarters of the Father Kealey Council 3548 of the Knights of Columbus. When they stopped for liquid refreshments, the leaders decided it was so much fun they wanted to launch a real parade the following spring. That little gathering has evolved into a parade up Granby Street through Ocean View that annually features nearly 200 bands, marching units, clowns, and floats and is one of the largest St. Patty’s celebrations on the East Coast. Visit http://norfolkvaparade.com for up-to-date info.11. Norfolk Harborfest
Norfolk, VA Every June, the city of Norfolk hosts one of the East Coast’s favorite festivals, the Norfolk Harborfest. This free festival is the largest, longest-running, free maritime festival in the nation. Enjoy three days of tall ships, the Parade of Sail, festival foods and beverages, live performances, fireworks displays on the coast and plenty of fun for the whole family.12. Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival
Norfolk, VA Hampton Roads’ longest-running outdoor Jazz Festival returns every August for two nights along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront. On a warm summer evening, chill to the legendary sounds of top national smooth jazz and R & B recording artists. This popular festival features a variety of seating and ticket options, food and beverage vendors, plus a festival marketplace with crafts, retail items and more.
Nearby Attractions
Hampton
13. Langley Speedway
11 Dale Lemonds Drive
Hampton, VA 23666
Phone
: 1 (757) 865-7223This speedway, the only NASCAR-sanctioned Weekly Racing Series track in Hampton Roads, has been voted one of the top five NASCAR Weekly Racing Series tracks. Enjoy Late Models, Grand Stocks, Modifieds, Legends, Super Trucks, UCARS, Bandoleros, Super Streets, Pro Wing Champ Karts and Pro Six racing. Call or visit the track website for special events and ticket prices.
14. Virginia Air & Space Center
600 Settlers Landing Road
Hampton, VA 23669
Phone
: 1 (757) 727-0900The sky is no limit to your imagination and learning at this world-class facility, which features the Adventures in Flight and Space Quest galleries as well as hands-on exhibits telling the story of air and space exploration. Special attractions include the Apollo 12 Command Module, a Mars meteorite and a 3 billion-year-old moon rock. For more information, call or visit the website.
Williamsburg
15. Busch Gardens Williamsburg
1 Busch Gardens Blvd.
Williamsburg, VA 23185
Phone
: 1 (757) 229-4386The cultures of England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany and Italy serve as settings for Busch Gardens’ 150 acres of fun-filled exploration, including culinary experiences, world-class shopping and exciting live shows. The park is also home to more than 50 rides and attractions, including KIDsiderate areas especially for the park’s youngest guests, and has been voted the World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park every year since 1990 by the National Amusement Park Historical Association. Call or visit the website for park hours and ticket prices.
16. Colonial Williamsburg
101 Visitor Center Drive
Williamsburg, VA 23185
Phone
: 1 (888) 965-7254The motto of Colonial Williamsburg is, “The future may learn from the past.” The 301-acre historic area is an interpretation of a Colonial American city, with exhibits including dozens of authentic or re-created colonial houses, many relating to American Revolutionary War history. The site has buildings dating from 1699 to 1780, a number of them reconstructed on their original sites during the 1930s. Notable structures include the Capitol and the Governor’s Palace, each re-created and landscaped to what is known of their late 18th-century condition, as well as Bruton Parish Church and the Raleigh Tavern. Call or visit the website for information on tickets, bus tours and a calendar of special events.
17. Water Country USA
76 Water Country Parkway
Williamsburg, VA 23185
Phone
: 1 (757) 229-4386Escape the summer heat when you dip into Water Country USA, the mid-Atlantic’s largest water park. With its 1950s and ’60s surf theme, resort-style amenities and state-of-the-art water rides and attractions, including a 300-foot speed slide that drops straight down! Call or visit the website for seasonal hours and ticket prices.
Yorktown
18. Colonial Parkway
P.O. Box 210
Yorktown, VA 23690
Phone
: 1 (757) 898-3400The Colonial Parkway, a 23-mile scenic three-lane highway, connects the Historic Triangle of Yorktown Battlefield, Colonial Williamsburg and Historic Jamestowne. Follow along the James River, pausing periodically for points of historical significance and scenic views on cobble aggregate pavement meant to simulate an early colonial roadway.
Pro Tip
: Obey all traffic laws along the route which apply to cyclists as well as the vehicle traffic.
Norfolk Naval Base Museums
Virginia Beach
19. Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
717 General Booth Blvd. Virginia Beach, VA 23451Phone
: 1 (757) 385-3474 Take an underwater journey, learning about habitats and animals from local rivers to the floor of the Atlantic Ocean at this museum complex that uses 800,000 gallons of water in its fresh and saltwater displays. Two major exhibits — the Bay and Ocean Pavilion and the Marsh Pavilion — are connected by an outdoor nature trail running alongside Owls Creek Salt Marsh, along with overhead zip lines and challenge climbing bridges. From cownose rays to loggerhead turtles to sand tiger sharks, an amazing variety of sea creatures will delight the mind and eyes.Conclusion
These are just a few of the many recreational opportunities in Norfolk and Hampton Roads. Whatever your hobbies and interests are, there is much to do, see and experience in the local and surrounding areas while stationed at Naval Station Norfolk.The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
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