Norfolk, Virginia, may seem like a laid-back place with nothing much to see, but countless gems are waiting to be explored. From beautiful gardens, war-time machines, and historic neighborhoods to rich art, you may be at a loss on where to start. An excellent way to enjoy Norfolk is by taking one of the tours. These are well-thought-through and planned activities that will ensure you get to see every place. Whether you like walking, cruising, or cycling, you will find a tour that appeals to your taste. We have compiled some of the best tours to take while in Norfolk.
NEON District Walking Tour
Norfolk is one of the most artistic places in the USA, and you can experience this artfully in NEON District. You can book a free walking tour that will have you comb through all the art to see. The more than fifty murals decorating the district walls are among the things you will love. You will be able to learn a bit about the artists and what each mural signifies. Apart from the murals, there are unique sculptures scattered around as well. You can also catch some art shows and festivals on selected dates and sample delicious meals from the local eateries.
Historical Walking Tour
This two-and-a-half-hour guided walking tour is excellent for history buffs. You will learn about the people, architecture, and artifacts that have built Norfolk over the years. You can look forward to a stop at Freemason District, the oldest in Norfolk. You will also get to tour the Moses Myers House, whose owners were the first Jewish family in the city. The armed forces memorial, the Pagoda, Ghent District, and the 250-year-old Chrysler Museum of art are other historically significant places you will see. If you have a pet, you are free to bring them along.
The Brewery Tour
If you love sampling beer from various places, you will be thrilled to have a Brew-hop pass from Visit Norfolk. This pass is valid for up to sixty days and gives you access to up to six breweries around Norfolk. You can spend two hours at each stop, and the most exciting feature of this tour is the free beer wherever you pop in. Some of the breweries on the itinerary are Reaver Beach Brewing, Maker’s Craft Brewery, and COVA Brewing Company.
Electric Bike Tour
Hop onto an electric bike and glide through Norfolk with a friendly, knowledgeable guide. You will ride along the famous Elizabeth River Trail, see all the best attractions, learn some history, and get more insight into everything you see. The Pagoda, Chrysler Museum of Art, and Plum Point Park are some exciting stops to enjoy. Each biking group comprises not more than ten people. If you are not interested in a guided tour, you can rent an electric bike and cruise around for fun.
Cemetery Tour
Some people are into history and spooky stuff, and this tour caters to such interests. You can sign up for a guided tour of the historic Elmwood cemetery and have fun. You can choose to take one or all the excursions provided. For instance, you can visit the graves and learn about the founders of Norfolk and the people who helped build the city. There is also a tour of the graves of notable women in Norfolk, and you will learn about who they were and how they lived their lives. If you’re looking on the more spooky end, learn about ancient Norfolk’s secret societies and their sacred rituals.
Scavenger Hunts
Scavenger hunts make for fun group activities, so consider signing up for one if you visit with family or friends. You can make a game out of exploring and learning about Norfolk City. They’re pretty straightforward, as you will get all your directions from an app and set out to solve mysteries and hack various challenges. You will find scavenger hunt options from multiple tour companies, so compare the features and see which one suits you best.
Norfolk Cruise
If you’re looking for a more laid-back time, consider signing up for a 2-hour lunch or dinner cruise over the Elizabeth River. You will enjoy a view of Norfolk from the water as you get a treat of buffet meals to your satisfaction. You can also look forward to seeing the navy’s Atlantic Fleet and learning about it. Games and other entertainment options will be available during the cruise, so you can be sure you will enjoy your time all through.
Norfolk Pedal Tour
This is another excellent tour to take as a group, although you can still sign up as an individual and meet new people on board. Pedal your vehicle together through Norfolk with an informative guide to make your tour worthwhile. You will see the fantastic sites in Downtown Norfolk, and you can look forward to a bar crawl in Ghent District.
Discounted Norfolk Self-guided tour
Visit Norfolk has an excellent deal that gives you a chance to tour Norfolk independently. This is a perfect option if you are not interested in interacting with people throughout your exploration. You will purchase a pass that gives you exciting discounts and passes to the best attractions in Norfolk. Some places you get a guaranteed entry to are the Virginia Zoo, Norfolk Botanical Garden, and the Battleship Wisconsin. You will have direct access to the tram tour at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. Besides the three places, you can also take food tours, cruises, and other tours you may be interested in at discounted rates.
Wrapping Up
If you are visiting Norfolk, Virginia, for the first time and are not sure whether you will be back, these tours are a perfect way to ensure you see all the notable places. Check out the rates and make reservations in advance to avoid inconveniences.
