Located in Downtown Norfolk, on the waterfront, Town Point Park host scores of events throughout the year. Events include the Friday-after-work concert series, Harborfest, Town Point Jazz and Blues Festival, and the ever popular Bayou Boogaloo & Cajun Food Festival. The park is situated adjacent to the Waterside Festival Marketplace.
Situated right near the waterfront in Downtown Norfolk lies this beautiful two-story pagoda, a gift from Taiwan in the early 1980s to honor Virginia's commercial ties with Taiwan. Formally known as the Marine Observation Tower, the pagoda also stands as the centerpoint of the Oriental gardens that surround it. In the gardens, visitors will find traditional features like an arched bridge, cherry trees and waterfalls. A perfect location for a pleasant day outdoors in Norfolk.
The Hermitage Foundation Museum holds the Sloan art collection that includes pieces collected from across the world. The Chinese tomb figures and pieces from Czar Alexander's collection are particularly striking pieces. The museum also conducts art classes and holds workshops. Surrounded by 12 acres of well planned gardens, the Hermitage Foundation Gardens are a particularly picturesque. The gift shop sells creations of local artisans and designers.
The Norfolk Botanical Gardens offer many different signature and theme gardens for guests to stroll around, such as the Virginia Native Plant Garden, the Bristow Butterfly Garden and the Enchanted Forest. In addition to the numerous beautiful gardens, the Norfolk Botanical Gardens also put on special events and exhibits. Among these are bike nights, sculpture exhibits and guided tours of the gardens.
Spread across an area of 2,888 acres (1168.73 hectares), First Landing State Park is a regularly visited destination that entices visitors with its tranquil atmosphere. The beautiful park gets its name due to its proximity to the site where the first colonists landed in Virginia in 1607. It features a recreational space, picnic areas, and facilities for swimming, boating, and fishing. Apart from these leisurely activities, the park is also a popular destination among hikers and bikers. There is a sprawling campground on-site where cabin rental facilities and modern amenities are available. The First Landing State Park plays host to various local events on a regular basis.