Norfolk's cultural heritage makes it a true gem of the South, with highlights such as the Virginia Opera, The Virginia Stage Company, the Virginia Symphony, Chrysler Hall and the Chrysler Museum of Art. Chef-owned restaurants, nationally renowned museums and a dedicated local artisan community work to make Norfolk even more unique.

Downtown

The cultural and historic pulse of Norfolk is the Downtown district, which encompasses the financial and government sectors, the waterside and many of its attractions, and the historic Freemason District. Among the most celebrated and recognized attractions in the area are the Nauticus Maritime Center and the imposing USS Wisconsin. The waterside bustles with excitement year-round, with festivals at the Waterside Festival Marketplace and in Town Point Park, which is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, and harbor tours by the red-sailed American Rover. Adjacent to the dock area is an oasis of serenity called the Pagoda Garden Teahouse & Gallery. A gift from the Taiwanese government to the city, the gardens have a definite soothing effect, with Eastern plant life and a large koi pond. The dining room serves an Asian-inspired menu and doubles as an event venue. The Downtown area also has a lively theater and music scene, most notably at NorVa, which draws a number of popular bands every year. The Freemason District pays homage to Norfolk's rich history, with its cobblestone streets and restored Federal and Victorian mansions.

Ghent

Named to commemorate the signing of the 1815 Treaty of Ghent, the Ghent district has undergone many changes over the years. Originally a large spread of farmland, Ghent became the fashionable residential area for Norfolk socialites between the 1920s and the 1940s. Modern-day Ghent is a cultural hot spot, with some of the city's best unique shops and antique stores, plus museums and a great theater scene. The nationally acclaimed Chrysler Museum of Art is a true gem, with a remarkable collection of period glass, a Tiffany gallery, Greco-Roman statuary, classic American furniture, and a host of other permanent and temporary exhibitions. The nearby Harrison Opera House offers a yearly schedule of quality productions. To see one of the oldest attractions in Norfolk, head to southern Ghent and take a self-guided tour of Fort Norfolk, which was built as one of 19 harbor-front forts in 1794 by George Washington. Travelers with children should not miss the Virginia Zoo, a 53-acre park with animal habitats sure to thrill the whole family.

Military Highway

The area near the Norfolk International Airport (ORF), northeast of Downtown, is a great hub for business travelers. The Norfolk Botanical Gardens lie next to the airport and about half an hour from Downtown. Established in 1938, the themed gardens include the Bristow Butterfly Garden, the Sarah Lee Baker Perennial Garden, and the Virginia Native Plant Garden. The Lake Wright Golf Course is a great distraction for golfing enthusiasts.

Ocean View Beach

The northwestern corner of Norfolk is mainly occupied by the massive Norfolk Naval Station, the largest in the country and one of the largest in the world. Tours are available with prior reservation. Also not to miss are the museums in the area, including the Ocean View Station Museum, a former 1800s streetcar station now dedicated to preserving the history of the area's former residents. The Hermitage Foundation Museum and Gardens showcases the eclectic Sloane collection, a massive compilation of Asian, European, and American art. Also known for its picturesque grounds, it is bordered on three sides by the Lafayette River and is a habitat for a large variety of sea birds.