Norfolk VA/ Simple Southern Getaways Guidebook
Sightseeing
Want to learn more about the Navy and our oceans? Then Nauticus is the place. Great for all ages. They even offer an escape room in the USS Wisconsin for a separate fee.
162 locals recommend
Nauticus
1 Waterside DrWant to learn more about the Navy and our oceans? Then Nauticus is the place. Great for all ages. They even offer an escape room in the USS Wisconsin for a separate fee.
Children's Museum of Virginia
221 High StGreat place for kids to play and explore!
Super fun for all ages. They also offer a separate ropes course.
329 locals recommend
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
717 General Booth BlvdSuper fun for all ages. They also offer a separate ropes course.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
1 Busch Gardens BlvdFun all year round!
Jamestown Settlement
2110 Jamestown RdLearn more about how our country started in Jamestown.
Continue your historical journey at Yorktown. Enjoy the free trolley and beach after you visit the Revolutionary War Museum and battlefield.
75 locals recommend
Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center
1000 Colonial PkwyContinue your historical journey at Yorktown. Enjoy the free trolley and beach after you visit the Revolutionary War Museum and battlefield.
Perfect place for dining, boat watching, fudge and music. Take the ferry over to Portsmouth and enjoy Norfolk by water.
143 locals recommend
Waterside District
333 Waterside DrPerfect place for dining, boat watching, fudge and music. Take the ferry over to Portsmouth and enjoy Norfolk by water.
Enjoy a trip across the water from Portsmouth to Norfolk or Norfolk to Portsmouth. This is a fun way to see Norfolk by water. Three stops: Waterside, High Street, and North Landing. During baseball season take a ride to the Norfolk Tides Stadium and watch a game. Make sure to bring cash for the ferry.
10 locals recommend
Ferry Stop - High St station
Enjoy a trip across the water from Portsmouth to Norfolk or Norfolk to Portsmouth. This is a fun way to see Norfolk by water. Three stops: Waterside, High Street, and North Landing. During baseball season take a ride to the Norfolk Tides Stadium and watch a game. Make sure to bring cash for the ferry.
Norfolk Tides Baseball Club at Harbor Park Stadium
150 Park AveTake me out to the ball game!
IKEA
1500 Ikea WayWhat could be better than a shopping trip and Swedish meatballs?
Norfolk International Airport
2200 Norview AveA wonderful airport for all your travel needs.
The Norfolk Botanical is beautiful! Remember to bring swimsuits for the little ones to enjoy the splash pad.
185 locals recommend
Norfolk Botanical Garden
6700 Azalea Garden RdThe Norfolk Botanical is beautiful! Remember to bring swimsuits for the little ones to enjoy the splash pad.
Come and hang out with all the wonderful animals. There is a splash pad at the end for the kiddos to enjoy.
182 locals recommend
Virginia Zoo
3500 Granby StCome and hang out with all the wonderful animals. There is a splash pad at the end for the kiddos to enjoy.
Norfolk Premium Outlets
1600 Premium Outlets BlvdShopping therapy and yummy places to eat!
The Waterside District offers wonderful restaurants, boating, and tourist attractions. Take a dinner cruise on The Spirit of Norfolk, Escape the Ship on the USS Wisconsin, learn more about our great US Navy on Nauticus, or catch the Ferry over to Portsmouth.
143 locals recommend
Waterside District
333 Waterside DrThe Waterside District offers wonderful restaurants, boating, and tourist attractions. Take a dinner cruise on The Spirit of Norfolk, Escape the Ship on the USS Wisconsin, learn more about our great US Navy on Nauticus, or catch the Ferry over to Portsmouth.
Free to the public. Talk a walk on the beach or boardwalk. Great place to see Navy ships as they set sail. Walk around the Fort and grounds. Great history lesson.
87 locals recommend
Fort Monroe
Free to the public. Talk a walk on the beach or boardwalk. Great place to see Navy ships as they set sail. Walk around the Fort and grounds. Great history lesson.
Ocean Breeze Waterpark
849 General Booth BlvdSpend a day of fun at the waterpark.
Neighborhoods of Bay Dream Cottage & Bay Lake Escape
Take a little glimpse into the neighborhoods that surround Bay Dream Cottage and Bay Lake Escape.
East Beach is a beautiful beach community nestled on the banks of the Chesapeake Bay. The neighborhood is fashioned after classic Southeastern seaboard coastal villages, and includes 700 residences, neighborhood restaurants, boutique shops, a Bay Front Club, offices, parks and public places.
26 locals recommend
East Beach
East Beach is a beautiful beach community nestled on the banks of the Chesapeake Bay. The neighborhood is fashioned after classic Southeastern seaboard coastal villages, and includes 700 residences, neighborhood restaurants, boutique shops, a Bay Front Club, offices, parks and public places.
In parallel with Chesapeake Bay and Pretty Lake, with people of all ages, cultures, interest and needs, East Ocean View is the perfect place for beachcombers, fisherman, sailor, waters, runners, and simply, lovers of the water.
East Ocean View
In parallel with Chesapeake Bay and Pretty Lake, with people of all ages, cultures, interest and needs, East Ocean View is the perfect place for beachcombers, fisherman, sailor, waters, runners, and simply, lovers of the water.
The area known as Willoughby Spit takes its name from Thomas Willoughby, who came to Virginia in 1610 and received his first of many land grants in 1625. Willoughby's son, Thomas II, was living there in the 1660s, and legend has it that his wife awoke one morning following a terrific storm (possibly the "Harry Cane" of 1667) to see a point of land in front her home, where there had been only water the night before. The Willoughby family, it is said, were quick to apply for an addendum to the original land grant, giving them ownership of the "new" property.
Severe storms and hurricanes would continue to transform the contour of the coast, and the Willoughby holdings, for more than a century. Although official records of Hampton Roads weather go back only to 1871 when the National Weather Service was established in downtown Norfolk, records of earlier storms have been located in ships' logs, newspaper accounts, history books and writings of early settlers.
Residents of colonial coastal Virginia were very much aware of the weather. To people who lived near the water and derived much of their livelihood from the sea, a tropical storm was a noteworthy event. During a hurricane in 1749, the Chesapeake Bay rose 15 feet (4.6 m) above normal, and a sand spit was washed up at Sewell's Point. With the help of the Great Coastal Hurricane of 1806, Willoughby Spit was formed.
Virginia 168
Virginia 168The area known as Willoughby Spit takes its name from Thomas Willoughby, who came to Virginia in 1610 and received his first of many land grants in 1625. Willoughby's son, Thomas II, was living there in the 1660s, and legend has it that his wife awoke one morning following a terrific storm (possibly the "Harry Cane" of 1667) to see a point of land in front her home, where there had been only water the night before. The Willoughby family, it is said, were quick to apply for an addendum to the original land grant, giving them ownership of the "new" property.
Severe storms and hurricanes would continue to transform the contour of the coast, and the Willoughby holdings, for more than a century. Although official records of Hampton Roads weather go back only to 1871 when the National Weather Service was established in downtown Norfolk, records of earlier storms have been located in ships' logs, newspaper accounts, history books and writings of early settlers.
Residents of colonial coastal Virginia were very much aware of the weather. To people who lived near the water and derived much of their livelihood from the sea, a tropical storm was a noteworthy event. During a hurricane in 1749, the Chesapeake Bay rose 15 feet (4.6 m) above normal, and a sand spit was washed up at Sewell's Point. With the help of the Great Coastal Hurricane of 1806, Willoughby Spit was formed.
Food scene
Franco's By the Bay
169 W Ocean View AveYummy Italian food! Live piano music on the weekend.
Right on the Chesapeake Bay beach. Can't beat the view or food.
38 locals recommend
Buoy 44 Seafood Grill
4536 Ocean View AveRight on the Chesapeake Bay beach. Can't beat the view or food.
Dinning on the porch next to the water. It is a beautiful place to celebrate a special occasion. This is us celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary.
41 locals recommend
Bubba's Seafood Restaurant and Crabhouse
3323 Shore DrDinning on the porch next to the water. It is a beautiful place to celebrate a special occasion. This is us celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary.
Guadalajara Bar And Grill
2916 Shore DrYummy seafood
CP Shuckers
3232 Shore DrLocal Shore Drive favorite
ShoreBreak Pizza & TapHouse
2941 Shore DrOur favorite is the Bourbon wings!
Jessy's Taqueria
3201 E Ocean View AveNot fancy but authentic Mexican.
Karla's Beach House
3248 E Ocean View AveGreat little place! Walking distance from Bay Lake Escape.
Roof top dining overlooking the Chesapeake Bay.
49 locals recommend
Ocean View Fishing Pier Restaurant
400 West Ocean View AvenueRoof top dining overlooking the Chesapeake Bay.
Captain Groovy's Grill & Raw Bar
8101 Shore DrAwesome seafood!
Dockside Seafood & Fishing Center
3311 Shore DrYummy seafood and great views
Fresh seafood and other great menu options. The view from the back deck is breathtaking.
37 locals recommend
The Back Deck
3323 Shore DrFresh seafood and other great menu options. The view from the back deck is breathtaking.
Farm-to-table restaurant offering local sustainable food from Virginia.
20 locals recommend
Simple Eats Restaurant
3152 Shore DrFarm-to-table restaurant offering local sustainable food from Virginia.
Chick's Oyster Bar
2143 Vista CirA local favorite of Chick Beach residence!
Beachside Social
2728 Atlantic AveWhat a cute place to gather with family and friends.
COVA is open now! Offering coffee and pastries for breakfast.
59 locals recommend
COVA Brewing Company
9529 Shore DrCOVA is open now! Offering coffee and pastries for breakfast.
Local favorite for breakfast and lunch. Check out the cool pictures on the wall!
35 locals recommend
Sandfiddler Cafe
9561 Shore DrLocal favorite for breakfast and lunch. Check out the cool pictures on the wall!
Froggie’s
3656 Shore DrAnother local favorite on Shore Drive in Virginia Beach.
The best breakfast and brunch around! Come early because they fill up fast. Several locations.
76 locals recommend
Citrus
357 N Great Neck RdThe best breakfast and brunch around! Come early because they fill up fast. Several locations.
Bucketheads Beach Grill
3657 Shore DrLocal favorite on Shore Drive in Virginia Beach.
Small restaurant at the end of Willoughby Spit. Great for burgers and fried seafood. Call ahead for take-out. Very close to Bay Dream Cottage.
20 locals recommend
Willoughby By The Bay
1534 W Ocean View AveSmall restaurant at the end of Willoughby Spit. Great for burgers and fried seafood. Call ahead for take-out. Very close to Bay Dream Cottage.
Gorgeous restaurant located in a historic Abbey. Beautiful neighborhood to walk around as well.
33 locals recommend
Freemason Abbey Restaurant
209 W Freemason StGorgeous restaurant located in a historic Abbey. Beautiful neighborhood to walk around as well.
Which Wich Superior Sandwiches
1541 Premium Outlets BlvdNice quick sandwich!
Pho 79
723 W 21st StMy daughter's favorite!
Chick-fil-A
901 Frederick BlvdOur Favorite fast food!
MISSION BBQ
116 S Independence BlvdOur favorite BBQ with sweet tea or Cheer Wine!
MOD Pizza
2204 General Booth Blvd
Stony’s Dockside Bar and Grill
8166 Shore DrYummy seafood right on the waterfront
Birth place of the waffle cone. Super cute drive up or dine in restaurant. Turn your headlights on when you are ready to order.
15 locals recommend
Doumar's Cones & Barbecue
1919 Monticello AveBirth place of the waffle cone. Super cute drive up or dine in restaurant. Turn your headlights on when you are ready to order.
We always stop at The Fudgery when were are at Waterside. The smells are out of the world!
The Fudgery
333 Waterside DrWe always stop at The Fudgery when were are at Waterside. The smells are out of the world!
My Mama's Kitchen
7943 Shore DrBest corn bread around!
Domino's Pizza
195 W Ocean View AveGreat for delivery or take-out.
Pizza Hut
9643 1st View StGreat for delivery or takeout.
Subway Restaurants
135 W Ocean View AveQuick healthy bite! One of our favorites.
Surf Rider East Beach
9500 30th Bay StYummy seafood overlooking the marina.
Regino's Italian Restaurant
3816 E Little Creek RdYummy homemade pizza!
Azalea Inn & Time Out Sports Bar
2344 East Little Creek RoadYummy Italian food!
Sal's Famous New York Pizza
156 S Plaza TrailYummy Italian!
Cogan's Pizza
1901 Colonial AveYummy pizza in downtown Norfolk.
Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint Norfolk
131 Granby StYummy burgers! Favorite with locals.
Gershwin's
332 Granby StWonderful piano bar in Downtown Norfolk .
Enjoy a local Irish pub and restaurant in Downtown Norfolk.
6 locals recommend
Grace O'Malley's Irish Pub and Restaurant
211 Granby StEnjoy a local Irish pub and restaurant in Downtown Norfolk.
Luce
245 Granby StYummy Italian food in Downtown Norfolk.
No Frill Bar And Grill
806 Spotswood AveSuper yummy food in Norfolk. You won't be disappointed.
A local restaurant with delicious food. Close to Bay Dream Cottage and Bay Lake Escape. Place to go orders online.
32 locals recommend
A World of Good
905 E Ocean View AveA local restaurant with delicious food. Close to Bay Dream Cottage and Bay Lake Escape. Place to go orders online.
My favorite is to sit overlooking the marina while eating fish tacos!
24 locals recommend
Stony’s Dockside Bar and Grill
8166 Shore DrMy favorite is to sit overlooking the marina while eating fish tacos!
Rentals
Paddleboard, wakeboarding, waterskiing, and more. Boat tours and sunset cruises are also available.
Virginia Beach Watersports
3713 Marina Shores DrPaddleboard, wakeboarding, waterskiing, and more. Boat tours and sunset cruises are also available.
Traveler advice
Ways to save
Simple Southern Getaways
Providing vacation getaways in Norfolk, VA and on Beech Mtn in North Carolina.
Book before you go
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Traveling with kids
Rentals from Baby Quip
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