The naval base of Norfolk occupies one of the largest urban areas in the state of Virginia, second only in size to the state capital, Richmond. Norfolk has a great location in the southeast of the state on Chesapeake Bay and is as historic as they come, with some fantastic homes and museums as well as great shopping.
Norfolk is best known as the main naval base on the eastern seaboard for many, but is also a very popular historic city with a cute downtown loaded with a huge number of shops and attractions. The most important part of town also presides over marinas and a bustling waterfront.
The number one attraction for marine buffs will definitely be the massive USS Wisconsin, which is moored up at the Nauticus National Maritime Center within Town Park right next to downtown Norfolk. Art buffs should check out the Chrysler Museum of Art with its famous works by Picasso, Renoir, and Warhol, while Virginia Beach is a short ride east.
Highlights
The National Marine Center: better known as the Nauticus, the battleship USS Wisconsin is its main highlight; a near-900-foot-long monster that saw WWII, Korean, and Gulf War I action.
The Chrysler Museum of Art: features perhaps the best collection of paintings from the masters in the south of the US.
MacArthur Mall: in downtown Norfolk offers some great shopping near the Cruise Terminal and the downtown waterfront.
Virginia Beach: has great bathing and swimming, as well as numerous quality shops and seafood restaurants along the beachfront.
Chinoteague Island and Assateague Island: offer the perfect opportunity to escape the tourist hordes of Norfolk and Virginia Beach, with its pristine beaches and huge migratory bird populations.