Looking for the perfect Dad date or outing this Father’s Day? We’ve got you covered! We’ve rounded up the best things to do with Dad throughout our city. Whether you celebrate Dad on Father’s Day or every day, create a lasting memory with him in Norfolk this year.
Take a Cruise
Hop aboard the Victory Rover for a 2-hour narrated harbor cruise where guests experience the sights and sounds of one of the world’s busiest seaports, including the world’s largest naval base, home of the Atlantic Fleet — see destroyers, guided missile cruisers, submarines, aircraft carriers and more.
To continue with the maritime theme, grab lunch at WISKY Porch along the water, where their fusion of Asian and American cuisine reflects the areas of the world in which the Battleship Wisconsin (which you will see on the boat tour) operated in. Afterward, head to Werther Leather Goods, within Selden Market, where they will customize a new leather belt just for Dad on the spot.
Go Golfing
Norfolk’s Ocean View Golf Course is a great way to kick it with Dad. Swing for all 18 holes or just the simple nine on their hybrid Bermuda greens and plush, oak-lined fairways. Once you’re done, treat Dad to some of the city’s best barbeque at Bar-Q, located inside Bold Mariner Brewing Company. Bar-Q has an à la carte menu, but we highly suggest filling up a platter with their tender brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, rich mac and cheese, and spicy (but not too spicy) jalapeño and cheddar links. Because Bar-Q lives within Bold Mariner, it’s only appropriate to pair the fresh smoked ribs with a Frogman Lager.
Catch Memories and Fish
Love to fish with Pops? Spend the afternoon casting your line on the Ocean View Fishing Pier, the longest free-standing pier in North America. Once you’ve caught enough fish and worked up an appetite, head on over to My Mama’s Kitchen for their mouth-watering Drip Sandwich – fried chicken dipped in their secret drip sauce, topped with house coleslaw, pickles and remoulade on a soft brioche bun. Round out your day for Dad with a refreshing brew from coastal themed COVA Brewing Company, just down the street.
Kayak the Lafayette River
Explore the Lafayette River by kayak! Norfolk Kayak Rentals, located along Colley Avenue, offers single and tandem kayaks for all. Paddle along the river and enjoy the intercoastal waterways of Norfolk. The inlets are packed with sites of stunning architectural homes and magnificent sunsets only obtainable via waterway. Looking for a bite and a brew afterward? Head to Elation Brewery for beer and a wood-fired pizza. The Bakehouse at Elation is housed within the brewery and turns out freshly baked wood-fired flatbread pizzas that have recently been voted best pizza in the state of Virginia by Food & Wine Magazine.
Bike the Elizabeth River Trail
Break out your bikes or rent an electric Pedego bike and explore the Elizabeth River Trail. The Elizabeth River Trail, also known as the ERT, is Norfolk’s 10.5-mile-long walk and bikeable pathway that takes you through multiple neighborhoods with different waterfront views. Starting out in our thriving downtown, the trail winds you through a few historic neighborhoods and campuses and ends in the prestigious neighborhood of Lochhaven. The ERT is trickled with breweries to take Dad to, like Benchtop and Smartmouth, and delicious restaurants along the way, like Torch, the Birch and Grandiflora. Especially if you are not familiar with our city, it’s a great lookbook to a day in the life of a Norfolkian.
Watch the Planes
Do your kiddos love watching trucks, planes and cars go by? The Norfolk Botanical Garden has the perfect runway overlook for viewing Norfolk International Airport’s planes land and take off. Located off the far side of the main parking lot, the spot is safe and secluded for little ones, and you can even hear what the pilots are saying from the radio tower at the top of the hill. The Oo’s and Ahh’s you and your family can share here are precious and memorable. Once you’ve seen your fair share of jets, head to El Rey 2 for freshly made tortilla tacos.
Catch a Baseball Game
There is nothing quite as classic as enjoying a hot dog with Dad at an all-American baseball game. Norfolk is home to the Norfolk Tides, a minor league baseball team in the Triple-A International League. As an affiliate team of the Baltimore Orioles, the Norfolk Tides play at Harbor Park on the Elizabeth River in downtown Norfolk. Throw on your baseball cap and cheer on the Tides this Father’s Day.