25+ Things to Do Near Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach

Are you new to Naval Station Norfolk or about to PCS? You’re in for an exciting few years on the largest naval base in the world. Norfolk is a charming, waterfront city full to the brim with great restaurants, family-friendly museums and attractions, and more to offer you just outside the gates. If you’re willing to drive a little further, there’s plenty more to explore throughout the entire Hampton Roads region (which includes the cities of Newport News, Hampton, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Suffolk).

If you’re looking for something fun to do off-base, keep reading for some top recommendations in Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach! Plus, if you want to skip town for a long weekend, we have some great recommendations for day trips and weekend getaways throughout the mid-Atlantic.

Top Military-Friendly Activities Near Naval Station Norfolk

Kicking things off, we want to share some military-friendly places that offer discounts for active-duty and retired service members or that are Veteran-owned and operated. While many of the other restaurants and activities in this guide are also military-friendly, these are a few top picks.

Visit the Nauticus National Maritime Center

The Nauticus National Maritime Center is a truly unique experience for families that you can only get in Norfolk. At the Nauticus Discovery Center, explore exhibits about maritime history and technology and interactive educational play areas for children.

After that, take a self-guided tour of the USS Wisconsin, a World War 2-era vessel that is one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy. When you’re ready to go for your visit, make sure you take advantage of their military discount for military personnel, Veterans, and their spouses.

Take a Dip at Ocean Breeze Water Park

On hot sunny days, cool off at the Ocean Breeze Water Park in Virginia Beach. Ride more than ten water slides, float in the tide pool, or go tubing on the lazy river - there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

The park also has multiple areas appropriate for younger children and a wide assortment of dining options when you work up an appetite exploring the park. Military personnel can present their ID when purchasing a ticket in person at the park to receive a discount for all members of their family. Discounted season passes are also available at the NAVSTA Norfolk Tickets and Referrals Office.

Grab Dinner and Drinks at Bold Mariner Brewing Company

The Bold Mariner Brewing Company is a proudly Veteran-owned business in Norfolk serving up craft beers brewed in-house, alongside delicious eats at their restaurant, The Mess Deck.

The owners of the Bold Mariner are deeply committed to both their community and the U.S. military, hosting monthly beach cleanups and donating a portion of local beer sales directly to the Navy SEAL Foundation.

Adventure Park and Owl Creek Landing

If you’re looking for an exhilarating experience in nature, the Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium will be the perfect place for you! The Adventure Park is a system of trails made of tree-top bridges, zip lines, and swings with varying levels of difficulty. Climb through the trees and experience the beauty of coastal Virginia’s maritime forests.

The Adventure Park also features Owl Creek Landing, a less intense experience allowing visitors of all ages and ability levels to explore the forest with a suspended tree-top path, an eight-story observation tower, and the longest steel slide in the United States. Military personnel get 15% off general admission when you book online with the discount code MFR15 and present your ID at the park.

Norfolk Tides Game

Did you know that Norfolk has its own minor league baseball team? The Norfolk Tides are a Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Going to a Tides game will get you more than just 9 innings of baseball.

Nearly every game day offers extra fun, whether it’s live music before the game, a Bark in the Park night when you can bring your furry family member, or post-game fireworks every Saturday night. You can often find discounted tickets for military personnel at the Tickets and Travel Office.

10 Restaurants Near NAVSTA Norfolk You Won’t Want to Miss

Norfolk, VA, has a fantastic restaurant scene! When you’re sick of the chow hall or just want to get off base for an evening out, you’ll find no shortage of delicious eats that’ll satisfy the entire family.

• PJay’s Kitchen - PJay’s offers delicious southern seafood classics with a Caribbean flair, from po’ boys to delicious 6-hour-braised pulled oxtail.
• Domoishi - This casual Asian fusion spot has multiple locations around the Hampton Roads area, including one right on base! Offering ramen, poke bowls, Korean fried chicken, and more.
• Lola’s Beach Cantina - Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails with a side of ocean views at this casual beachside restaurant.
• The Fishin’ Pig - The name says it all - delicious seafood and BBQ that can’t be beat, with enough options to please even picky eaters.
• Leila International Cuisine - Try delicious food from all over the world, right here in Norfolk! From Mediterranean cuisine to Polish, Indian, Caribbean, and more, this restaurant has a little bit of everything and does all of it well.

Restaurants for the Whole (Furry) Family

Dog-lovers stationed at NAVSTA Norfolk will also find some great restaurant options with outdoor seating where their furry family members can join them for a meal.

• Blue Moon Tap House - Enjoy great brews and delicious eats at the massive Blue Moon Tap House. They have outdoor gaming areas and plenty of patio seating with views of the Elizabeth River, where your four-legged friend is welcome to join you for a meal.
• Cogan’s Pizza - Chow down on great pizza and Italian classics, and bring your dog along with you to their Ghent location, where there’s plenty of outdoor seating available.
• Pho 79 - When you want a meal that feels like a warm hug, there’s nothing like a great bowl of pho. This family-run Vietnamese restaurant has plenty of delicious options plus plenty of outdoor seating, and they’re happy to welcome you and your pup for dinner.
• 80/20 Burger Bar - If gourmet burgers are your thing, you’ll want to add this place to the top of your “To Try” list. They’ve got plenty of patio seating outside, so bring the whole crew, four-legged members included.
• Pelon’s Baja Grill - This casual spot has great burritos, tacos, and more with a few outside tables so you can bring your furry family member with you!

Pet-Friendly Places Near Naval Station Norfolk

There may not be any dog parks on base at the Naval Station, but you don’t have to go very far to find some fantastic options in the City of Norfolk.

Ocean View Dog Park

Location: 176 Maple Ave, Norfolk, VA 23503

Ocean View Dog Park has a large, fenced-in play area, kiddie pool, and plenty of seating for owners to rest while their dog plays.

Meadowbrook Dog Park

Location: 1625 W Little Creek Rd, Norfolk, VA 23505

Meadowbrook Dog Park features separate play areas for large and small dogs, and there’s even a playground nearby for the kiddos to play, too.

Bea Arthur Dog Park

Location: 501 Front St, Norfolk, VA 23510

The Bea Arthur Dog Park is located right on the Elizabeth River so you can enjoy stunning views while your pup plays. It features separate play areas for large and small dogs.

Oak Grove Park

Location: 409 Byron Street, Chesapeake, VA 23320

The City of Chesapeake’s Oak Grove Park has a great walking trail with views of the park's 65-acre lake. Perfect for long, leashed walks.

Community Beach Park

Location: 700 E Ocean View Ave, Norfolk, VA 23503

Take your pup for a dip in the ocean at Community Beach Park! Dogs are welcome on this beach, but they’ll need to be on leash.

5 Great Date Ideas Near NAVSTA Norfolk (For Couples or BFFs)

Whether you’re looking for a fun way to spend the afternoon with your girls, going for a guys' night out, or planning a romantic date with your special someone, the area around Naval Station Norfolk has plenty of great options for things to do.

Explore the Waterside District

The Waterside District is Norfolk’s dining and entertainment destination. Explore shopping, dining, and more, and make sure to check out their website for information about events like their free summer concert series. Most eateries at the Waterside District also offer military discounts on everything but alcohol.

Play to Win at Pixels, Pints, and Bytes

Pixels, Pints, and Bytes is a gamer’s haven for a fun night out! From arcade games to themed pinball and classic gaming consoles, they’ve got it all - not to mention delicious food and drinks.

Shop Local at Selden Market

If you want to support local businesses, the Selden Market is the place to do it. This unique, historic venue offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore up-and-coming small businesses across retail, food, and more with a rotating line-up of shops.

Go for a Round of Putt-Putt at Bogey’s 757

If you thought putt-putt was just for kids, think again!

At Bogey’s 757, test your skills across 18 challenging and innovative holes in their indoor mini golf course or play one of the 25 different full-scale courses available in their golf simulator.

Catch a Show or Take a Class at Push Comedy Theater

If you love to laugh, check out a show at the Push Comedy Theater in Norfolk. Every weekend, they offer a variety of live sketch, improv, and stand-up comedy performances. If you want to get in on the fun, they also offer sketch, improv, and stand-up classes for teens and adults!

5 Places Kids Will Love Near Naval Station Norfolk

Hampton Roads is teeming with fun activities for kids and families. Whether you’re looking for something laid-back or hair-raising, indoors or out, we’ve got you covered with recommendations near Naval Station Norfolk.

Virginia Aquarium

We’ve already covered the Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium, but you won’t want to miss the Virginia Aquarium itself. See sharks, sea turtles, seals, jellyfish, and much more. There are also multiple newly renovated play areas your littles will love.

Ages: All ages

Military Discount? Yes

Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Virginia Zoo

Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! See these majestic animals and many more at Norfolk’s Virginia Zoo. You can even meet some of their Animal Ambassadors and learn more about them from friendly zookeepers. Check out the zoo’s website for a current daily schedule of activities.

Ages: All ages

Military Discount? Yes

Hours: Daily, 9:30 to 4 p.m.

Children’s Museum of Virginia

Rainy day got you down? There’s plenty to do inside at the Children’s Museum of Virginia. Explore a variety of interactive exhibits and learn while you play! From science-themed areas to a special play zone for toddlers under age three, there’s something for every kid to love.

Ages: 11 and under

Military Discount? None advertised

Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Skyzone Trampoline Park

Skyzone Trampoline Park in Chesapeake is another great rainy-day option! Run, jump, and play to your heart’s content. They’ve even got a zip line and a mini ninja warrior course.

Ages: All ages

Military Discount? None advertised

Hours:

• Monday - Thursday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Saturday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

TRex Playland

TRex Playland is an indoor playground featuring multiple inflatable bounce houses, a multi-level jungle gym, a massive arcade, and a special toddler-only play area. There’s also a concession stand so you can grab some snacks when you work up an appetite playing!

Ages: 12 and under in play areas, all ages welcome in the arcade

Military Discount? None advertised

Hours: Vary seasonally, check the website for up-to-date information

Don’t Miss These Seasonal Activities Near NAVSTA Norfolk!

While there’s plenty to do all year round near Naval Station Norfolk, we also want to highlight a few fun activities that only come around once a year. Norfolk also has some great venues and organizations that offer seasonal events throughout the year that you won’t want to miss!

Bike Month

In May, the City of Chesapeake celebrates Bike Month with a series of group rides at local parks like Oak Grove Park and the Great Dismal Swamp. This is just one of many exciting events that the City of Chesapeake offers throughout the year, many of which focus on outdoor adventures.

Virginia Arts Festival

Each year from March through June, the Virginia Arts Festival brings world-class dancers, musicians, actors, cultural critics, and other artists to the Hampton Roads area. People travel from all over the country to attend events during the VAF season, so make sure you take advantage of it while you're stationed in the area!

Festevents

Every year Festevents Norfolk delivers a full season of events, from music and cultural festivals to holiday celebrations. Check out their website for a list of events for this year.

Norfolk Botanical Garden

The Norfolk Botanical Garden boasts more than 60 beautiful themed gardens, including a special children’s garden to explore and play in. Throughout the year, they offer seasonal events you won’t want to miss like the summer Butterfly Festival and the holiday Garden of Lights display open from Thanksgiving through the end of December. Contact the botanical garden for information about military discounts.

Check Out These Nearby Day Trips and Weekend Getaways

On your next long weekend or day off, you might want to plan a quick getaway. Hit the road to one of these nearby cities and explore all that the mid-Atlantic has to offer!

Richmond, VA

Drive time: 90 minutes

• Head to the Museum District and take a tour of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts or the Virginia Museum of History & Culture.
• Catch a movie at the historic Byrd Theatre. This landmark theatre, built in 1928, has gorgeous original features, including a house organ that is played before every showing.
• Explore historic Scott’s Addition, the city’s craft brewery hub. With a variety of breweries, meaderies, cideries, and distilleries, it’s a great spot for a night out.

Ocean City, MD

Drive time: 3 hours

• Walk the boardwalk, enjoy amusement rides, and explore shops and restaurants at Ocean City Boardwalk.
• Hit the beach and see the wild horses at Assateague Island National Seashore.
• Explore historic downtown Berlin, Maryland. You might recognize the charming, boutique-lined streets from famous movies like Tuck, Everlasting!

Don’t Miss Out on These Fun Things to Do Near Naval Station Norfolk!

Naval Station Norfolk is a duty station assignment to be excited for. You’ll find a nearly endless list of great restaurants and things to do off base during your free time.

We hope this guide has inspired you to take advantage of all that Norfolk and the greater Hampton Roads area have to offer during your time there, and if you try any of our recommendations, make sure to let us know how it goes!