The name Norfolk is known throughout the word as the world's largest navy base. Situated on the naturally deep Hampton Roads harbor, Norfolk, Virginia is the logical place to store hundreds of ocean going vessels, both military and civilian. As one of the oldest of the seven cities in the region, Norfolk is not just a navy base and a shipping port but also a center for history, finance, and culture. Home to over 235,000 people, there's a lot to do in Norfolk that most people miss out on because they go straight for the obvious tourist destination: Virginia Beach. From boating to golfing, shopping to visiting museums, there's so much to see in Norfolk that you'll soon be absorbed in planning your visiting strategy.

Sailors arriving home after months at sea often have the same thing on their minds that you do when you visit a new city: spending their money! As you would expect, then, Norfolk has enough shopping destinations to keep you and your money completely occupied. There's the Gallery at Military Circle and the MacArthur Center if you want the big mall experience, complete with multiplex cinemas and franchises from retail giants like Macy's and Nordstrom. However, if you're looking for a more unique experience, Historic Ghent is known for its antiques and eclectic boutiques, while Texture is a combined art gallery and craft show where you can buy one-of-a-kind paintings, jewelry, pottery, and more.

The Ghent district is also home to one of Norfolk's premiere attractions: the Chrysler Museum of Art. The Hermitage Foundation Museum is another cultural treasure, featuring a large collection of Asian art. If the Virginia Opera isn't to your taste, why not cheer on the Norfolk Tides baseball team or the Norfolk Admirals hockey team? To get into the military mindset, visit Nauticus, the national maritime center. There you can visit the battleship USS Wisconsin and learn first hand what it's like to be a Navy sailor.

When things get too exciting, relax with a day of boating or fishing in the bountiful waters of Chesapeake Bay. You can also golf one of the city's three top courses or go swimming in the calm waters of Ocean View Beach. Town Point Park is great for just taking a walk along the water, while the botanical gardens near the Norfolk Airport sport 155 acres of rare plants. For a day out you and the kids will both enjoy, visit the 65 acre Virginia Zoological Park and say hello to the Siberian tiger. The possibilities are endless in Norfolk VA zip codes!