History

Settlers first came to Norfolk in the early 1600s, and have left their mark on history throughout this coastal city.  From Fort Norfolk, one of the last remaining forts authorized by President George Washington, to a walking tour that guides visitors through Norfolk’s heritage, there is plenty for you to discover. The city of Norfolk is an important 400-year-old port city and home to the largest naval base in the world. The history of Greater Norfolk coincides with the birth of our nation, and throughout the region, evidence of this important past can be enjoyed today.

End of Massive Resistance Wall

Unveiled in 2023, this 57-foot long and eight-foot high wall is composed of…

Learn More

Waterways to Freedom

Learn More

Nauticus Museum / Battleship Wisconsin

Nauticus is a maritime discovery center located along the…

Learn More

Battleship Wisconsin

The Battleship Wisconsin is one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S…

Learn More

Chrysler Museum / Perry Glass Studio

The Chrysler Museum of Art is a cultural enclave that includes more…

Learn More

Hermitage Museum and Gardens

The Hermitage Museum & Gardens is a waterfront estate featuring an Arts and…

Learn More

Must Seas: History Edition

Learn More

Norfolk State University

A Historically Black College/University founded in 1935, Norfolk State is committed to…

Learn More

Events

Every season is event season in Norfolk. See what’s on deck.

There are no upcoming events, but still plenty to do in Norfolk

See All Events

The Latest

Check out the latest, and greatest, happenings in the city.

A Weekend in Downtown Norfolk

Downtown Norfolk is the perfect destination for a fun-filled weekend. It’s got with never-ending historic…

Learn More

Date Night on Colley Avenue

Colley Avenue, starting in Norfolk’s Ghent neighborhood and expanding all the way to Larchmont, is the…

Learn More

Black History in Norfolk

Norfolk’s rich African American history has shaped our city into the diverse community we know and love. We’re…

Learn More

A History Lover’s Guide to Norfolk

Norfolk’s history dates back to 1682 when it was first founded. It was settled by an Englishman…

Learn More

What to Do Along the Elizabeth River Trail

The Elizabeth River Trail, also known as the ERT, is Norfolk’s 10.5-mile-long…

Learn More

Cold Out? Best Things to Do Indoors in Norfolk, VA

Norfolk is known for its sprawling water views and outdoor activities…

Learn More

Norfolk Holiday Bucket List

If you haven’t yet spent a holiday weekend in Norfolk, you’re in for a festive treat. There’s many ways to get in…

Learn More

How to Spend Veterans Day In Norfolk

Veterans Day is an opportunity to pause, reflect and pay tribute to those who have served in the…

Learn More

Restaurants

You’ve got 600+ indie restaurants in Norfolk to try. Start here.

Four Eleven York

Learn More

Ocean View Fishing Pier Restaurant

Learn More

Doumar’s

Learn More

Omar’s Carriage House

Learn More

Monastery Restaurant

Learn More

Freemason Abbey

Learn More

Guides & Itineraries

Looking for a little help or inspiration? Use Norfolk’s curated city guides and itineraries to get the most out of your time in our city.

Waterways to Freedom

Learn More

Must Seas: History Edition

Learn More

Civil War Sites in Norfolk

Learn More

Tales by Rails Guide

Learn More

Norfolk’s Cannonball Trail

Learn More

Armed Forces Memorial Guide

Learn More

City Guide

Learn More

You May Also Like

Love in Norfolk 2026

There's something about Norfolk in February. Maybe it's the way the harbor lights catch the Elizabeth River at dusk, or how…
Learn More

Festivals in Norfolk

Norfolk plays host to plenty of extraordinary festivals and special events, providing entertaining and culturally enriched…
Learn More

Woman-Owned Businesses in Norfolk, VA

Supporting women-owned businesses is important, not just during Women's History Month but…
Learn More

Your Guide to Norfolk Mermaids

The idea for Norfolk’s collection of mermaids began in 1999 with Norfolk attorney Peter Decker…
Learn More