Escape to Norfolk for a romantic getaway among waterfront sunsets, great cuisine and friendly folks that are ready to show you some of that famous Southern hospitality. Below you will find the best things to do in Norfolk for couples!
Splurge on a suite
FOUR ELEVEN YORK INN AND RESTAURANT
Nestled among the cobblestone streets of Freemason is the boutique inn and restaurant, Four Eleven York. Their rooms are styled and decorated beautifully with each having its own personality. Slumber like a royal on a Hypnos mattress (the exclusive supplier of mattresses for the residences of the Royal Family) in the gorgeous Magnolia Suite. Light some candles, ignite the in-bathroom fireplace and take a much-needed deep soak in their volcanic limestone soaking tub.
Glass Light Hotel and Gallery
Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, the Glass Light Hotel and Gallery is a beautiful representation of our cities love for glass art and history. The Glass Light Hotel is situated in a century-old building dating back to 1912 and stands tall along the bustling downtown street of Granby. Their Junior Suite offers sweeping views of the Elizabeth River, downtown Norfolk and the majestic Battleship Wisconsin. Cuddle up in a robe, munch on some chocolate-covered strawberries and cherish the moment!
Hilton Norfolk The Main
Take the weekend and live in pure glamor. Open the door to your Presidential Suite and you will quickly be greeted by stunning panoramic city views, a classic grand piano and a large soaking bathtub in the spacious bathroom. The room at sunset just exuberates love! Lucky for you, the Main also has some of the tastiest restaurants in Norfolk. Order room service or simply ride the elevator to Varia, a scrumptious Italian Trattoria, Saltine, where you’ll find fresh seafood fare or the rooftop beer garden, Grain.
Sunsets with your sweetheart
Ocean View and East beach
Picture this, you’re wrapped up in a blanket with your favorite person overlooking the bay, dolphins showing fin in the distance and the sun is kissing the horizon. Maybe you’ve picked up a sweet treat from Chocollage or have a bottle of champagne back at the room, either way, we invite you to sit back and enjoy a romantic sunset at Ocean View and East Beach.
Nauticus Pier
This hidden gem in Norfolk plays the perfect role for a quiet romantic spot. The Elizabeth River, locally painted benches, merman statue and mile marker zero (free and open to the public) make for the perfect backdrop for a sunset smooch.
Dine by candlelight
Some of our local favorite spots to enjoy with your sweetheart are Four Eleven York, where you can woo your love with complimentary donuts at their courtyard garden brunch, Luce, which has a finer-diner-like atmosphere while serving up handmade pasta dishes, Todd Jurich’s, a classic Norfolk restaurant which arguably has the best She Crab soup in town and Blanca Food + Wine, which will have you batting your eyelashes at one another over a glass or two of wine from their old world wine list.
Explore the outdoors
Norfolk Botanical Garden
Spend your day roaming the Norfolk Botanical Garden, with 60 different gardens to explore we promise you’ll find the perfect one for that romantic photo she’s been dying to take. Enjoy foliage in the fall, roses blooming during the summer, Million Bulb Walk during the holidays and flourishing azaleas all spring long.
Elizabeth River Trail
Discover Norfolk’s 10.5-mile-long Elizabeth River Trail. The ERT parallels the water, romantic cobblestone streets of historic Freemason, Ghent and Chelsea neighborhoods. Hold your darling’s hand, stroll the seascape of Norfolk and stop along the path to grab a bite to eat, something sweet or a coffee to go. Check out Norfolk’s best desserts here.
Hermitage Museum and Garden
Love is in the air year-round at the Hermitage Gardens, a popular wedding venue and the perfect backdrop to any photo. This 20th-century historic house museum sits on twelve acres of luscious gardens and natural woodlands. Step inside to experience contemporary exhibition galleries and a worldwide art collection.