Spring is here, and with it comes warmer weather and these top 9 things to do outdoors. We’ve put together some local favorites and recommendations for your ultimate spring bucket list!
1. Pack a Picnic
Norfolk is surrounded by water on three sides, which makes for many parks with waterfront views. Grab sandwiches from Pendulum Fine Meats’ Luncheonette, some of the most sustainably sourced meat in town, and make your way to a relaxing picnic at Norfolk’s Plum Point Park to watch the sailboats glide by. Or for a downtown picnic, pick up a colorful throw or fabric from Pure Lagos, a Stockpot Toastie of the day and stroll across the street to Town Point Park for a picnic on the waterfront.
2. Attend the Norfolk Tides Home Opener Baseball Game
Break out your baseball caps its time to head to Harbor Park Stadium to cheer on the Norfolk Tides. I know you missed a good ole’ hot dog, beer and chanting “hey batta batta” to the opposing team. Get your tickets today for the Tides home-opener, or really any of their games this 2022 season!
3. Walk Under the Cherry Blossoms
While we may not be a top destination for cherry blossoms, Norfolk is still a cherry blossom dream once everything starts to bloom. Most of these beautiful trees can be found wandering around Downtown or Freemason District, but Norfolk Botanical Garden has several throughout their property. Take shade underneath them, have a photoshoot or just awe in their vibrant pink flowers – and don’t forget to tag us in your photos.
4. Watch a Sunrise at the Beach
The sun rises in the east, and we are blessed in Norfolk with soft sand and beautiful sites of the sunrise on two of our beaches, East Beach and Ocean View. Grab a coffee to-go from Cova and make your way to either location for a gorgeous sunrise over the water. Bring the pup! Dogs are allowed on both beaches until 10 am.
5. Gather Fresh Produce at a Farmer’s Market
There’s nothing better than snacking on fresh berries and organic veggies. Peruse our Top Farmers Markets in Norfolk and find some sun-soaked produce and fun souvenirs like handmade soap and local honey.
6. Explore a Themed Garden
The beautiful Norfolk Botanical Garden has over 60 themed gardens on the property and there is always something to explore. Most blooms can be spotted during the spring and summer months, but make sure to check out their year-round gardens too. The Sensory Garden is year-round and filled with plants that will please all of your senses. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the sights, textures and smells of this space.
7. Enjoy a Rainy Day
Yes, we said it… ENJOY your rainy day. With spring comes showers, but that doesn’t mean you have to sit inside! Explore our abundance of museums, including the Chrysler Museum of Art, Nauticus Maritime Museum, Hermitage Museum & Gardens, MacArthur Memorial and the Hunter House Victorian Museum. Be sure to splash in a rain puddle on your way in! For more museums, click here.
8. Find a Piece of Art
Giant sculptures, iron statues and a life-size kaleidoscope are all pieces that are scattered throughout our city for your enjoyment. While there are more than 50 pieces of public art (and counting), we’ve rounded up the must-see pieces for you.
9. Go for a Bike Ride
Our favorite neighborhoods to ride through are Larchmont and Lochaven, for their tree-lined, grandiose homes that make it easy to daydream. If you’re looking more for a trail, try the Elizabeth River Trail. Biking with a warm spring breeze hitting your face is the perfect way to kick off your spring. Need to rent bikes? Check out Pedego.
10. Dine on the Patio
Located in the south, Norfolk boasts a warm spring. What better way to soak up the sun than to dine and sip outside? Check out Longboards for a surf shack vibe and marina views, or grab a bite of Italian food on a rooftop patio with garden lights at Leone’s. Check out more patio dining here.
11. Walk Among Animals at the Zoo
The Virginia Zoo is located in the heart of the city. Stroll the 53 acres of luscious gardens and visit its 700 furry, feathered and scaly animal friends. Witness the animals in their natural habitat; giraffes outstretching for leaves, monkeys swinging from branch to branch and grasp a moment of tranquility with the songs from a Magpie bird before you head home.