4 Fun Ways Norfolk is Great for Groups

Norfolk is one of those special destinations that comes with a little extra allure.  It has incredible attractions, an epic history, rich culture, and amazing food – packaged beautifully in a charming city with an oceanfront view.  Here are 4 fun ways Norfolk is great for groups!

Battleships and Beaches

One of the first shipyards in America and host to the battle of The Monitor and Merrimack, Norfolk is now home to the largest naval base in the world.  Take a tour of the Nauticus National Maritime Museum and visit the Battleship Wisconsin, one of the largest and last battleships built by the U.S. Navy.

Be sure to stop at the MacArthur Memorial, the final resting place of General Douglas MacArthur and home to award-winning exhibits.

Come aboard the Spirit of Norfolk, which offers panoramic views of Norfolk and the Navy’s Atlantic Fleet while cruising on the Elizabeth River. The Spirit of Norfolk offers dinner cruises that feature an all-you-can-eat buffet and entertainment.

Then on to the beach…

Explore the beauty of Virginia Beach.   It’s truly a magnificent place for walks on the beach, casual beachfront lunches, or breath-taking sunsets.  Groups love the energy and excitement of the boardwalk or just playing in the waves.

When you’re ready to shake off the sand, a trip to the Virginia Aquarium Marine Science Center is a great option for cool, indoor fun!  More than 10,000 animals are featured in countless interactive exhibits.

Follow your wildlife encounters by taking to the treetops as you climb and zipline your way through Adventure Park.

Wine and Dine

From seaside seafood to fantastic food trucks, you’ll love the local flavors as you wine and dine your way through Norfolk.  Finger-licking barbeque, craft breweries, and the state’s only urban winery are just a few of the ways to tempt your tastebuds.

Take a guided brewery tour, an historic guided food tour, or relax with the group at one of the fantastic, group-friendly restaurants.

Oh- and don’t forget a stop at Doumar’s, Home of the World’s First Waffle Cone!

All That Jazz

If your group gets jazzed for jazz, plan a trip to the Norfolk Waterfront this summer!  Enjoy the smooth sounds of local, regional, and national musicians during the region’s longest-running outdoor jazz festival.  The Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival is a delight to the ears and a balm to the soul.

While you’re here, enjoy the Norfolk Botanical Garden, Chrysler Museum of Art, and the Spirit of Norfolk’s annual Jazz Brunch Cruise with live entertainment!

Virginia International Tattoo

Does the sound of a drum corps put a spring in your step?  Do you shiver with delight when you hear the strains of a bagpipe?  Will Celtic dancing get your toes tapping?

Each spring, Norfolk, Virginia welcomes military bands, massed pipes, drums, drill teams, Celtic dancers and choirs from around the world to participate in the Virginia International Tattoo.  Jaw-dropping performances at the Scope Arena will leave you breathless, inspired, and waiting for the next spectacular display.  Each presentation is a feast for the eyes and ears.

Tattoo began in 1997 and is the signature event of the Virginia Arts Festival.  It is a powerful presentation of sight and sound.  (One person even compared it to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games!)

The magnitude of performance is unmatched for its energy and patriotism.  It culminates in an international collaboration of showmanship that will leave you speechless.

The Norfolk NATO Festival Parade of Nations kicks off Tattoo with marching bands and choral groups.  It features more than 100 units representing the 29 NATO member nations.  It’s the only parade in the U.S. that honors NATO.

It truly makes you proud to be part of an international community!

Norfolk is Great for Groups

When you’re ready to plan a trip to a fresh and fabulous destination, remember that Norfolk is great for groups.  It’s warm, welcoming, and packed with group-friendly things to do!  There are definitely more than four! ?

Learn more about what your group can do in Norfolk – check out this week’s episode of Destination Dispatch with Mel Hopper from Visit Norfolk!

Destination Dispatch and Visit Norfolk