A Visit to Norfolk

Home to the sandy beaches of Chesapeake Bay, a bustling museum and restaurant scene, and the world’s largest Naval base, Norfolk is a city you won’t want to miss.

To celebrate five years of Amtrak service to Norfolk, check out our guide to enjoying this historic city.

What to Do

• Chrysler Museum of Art: Located in the artsy Ghent district, the museum is filled with the more than 30,000 works of art from William Chrysler’s (of automobile fame) collection. It’s filled with sculptures, paintings, glass work, photography, and more.
• Norfolk Botanical Garden: The Botanical Garden covers more than 175 acres and is divided into 53 different gardens, each with its own theme. The plants are seasonal so you can visit and see blooms year-round. They even feature a light display during the holiday season.
• USS Wisconsin: This famous battleship was in operation during World War II and the Korean War, and only recently retired in the 1980’s. It’s now a nautical museum that offers guided or self-guided tours.
• Bike the Elizabeth River Trail: This 10.5-mile urban biking trail offers beautiful views and an exploration of the city’s history. It runs from the Norfolk Naval base into downtown and ends at Norfolk State University.

Where to Eat

• Freemason Abbey Restaurant: This classic eatery is located within a 140-year-old church in the heart of Norfolk. Enjoy your classic American fare (they are especially known for their seafood) amidst high ceilings, stained-glass windows, and a huge fresco. And whether raw, fried or steamed, don’t forget to try local oysters.
• Handsome Biscuit: If you’re on the hunt for a wildly popular local haunt, look no further. Handsome Biscuit offers sweet potato biscuit sandwiches filled with everything from roasted pork shoulder to chicken salad. But make sure to get there early to avoid the line.
• Duomar’s Cones & Barbeque: Open for more than a century, this Norfolk classic claims to have invented the ice cream cone in 1904. Fill up on great barbeque, burgers, and hot dogs, but make sure to save room for a sundae or their famous limeade. You can’t miss it- there are two ice cream cones sticking out of the building.

How to Get There

Check out the Northeast Regional for a convenient and affordable route spanning from Newport News, VA to Boston, MA. You can’t go wrong with 39+ inches of legroom and dual-plug outlets at every seat. Hampton Roads Amtrak stations are located in Newport News, VA (NPN) and Norfolk, VA (NFK) with Thruway Bus Service available for passengers to travel to Virginia Beach, VA (VAB).