The Itinerary at a Glance
Southeastern Virginia boasts a rich naval and patriotic history. Before he died in 1964, General Douglas MacArthur requested he be buried in Norfolk—the city where his mother was born and his parents were married. The city is now home to the MacArthur Memorial, an immense research facility and museum that explores the general’s bravery in World War I, World War II and the Korean War. Additional naval attractions include the Battleship Wisconsin, one of the largest vessels in U.S. history, and Naval Station Norfolk, one of the world’s largest naval installations. Learning about America’s great military can work up an appetite, but Norfolk has plenty of culinary options for your group. The Bold Mariner Brewing Company, No Frill Bar & Grill and Freemason Abbey Restaurant serve up hearty entrees and ales to satisfy your party before your next adventure.
3 Unique Experiences on This Trip
- Walk through the Armed Forces Memorial
- Experience 200 years of naval history at Hampton Roads Naval Museum
- Explore the MacArthur Memorial
Duration: 3 Days
Available: Spring and Summer months
This Itinerary is Ideal For: Adults over 21
Itinerary Details
Day 1
Spend the afternoon strolling through Norfolk history at the Armed Forces Memorial. Bronze letters are scattered throughout the park. Each letter is a letter written to home from a solider at war.
Be bold at The Bold Mariner Brewing Company with a full calendar of events, food trucks and great beers on tap. The owner has been active in the Navy for over 20 years and had always dreamed of opening a brewery. Right down the street is Rip Rap Brewing Company, which was started by two sailors who met at the Coast Guard Academy. After departing, they took their hobby of home brewing to new heights by opening their own craft brewery.
Savor dinner at Omar’s Carriage House. Built in the early 1840s, this building is a historic site in Norfolk. Be sure to try the fresh jumbo lump crab cakes and potato chip encrusted flounder while dining at Omar’s.
Day 2
Explore the power of the sea inside Nauticus, an interactive science and technology center where you can explore the deep seas. While there, step aboard the Battleship Wisconsin, one of the last and largest battleships built by
the U.S. Navy. Stand beneath her 16-inch guns and feel the excitement of being aboard an historic warship. Stroll through the Hampton Roads Naval Museum and experience 200 years of naval & Norfolk history in Hampton Roads.
Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the Norfolk skyline with lunch aboard the Spirit of Mount Vernon, listening to great music and dancing as you cruise Norfolk’s historic waterways. The Spirit of Mount Vernon will provide a narrated tour of Naval Station Norfolk by water, giving the best views of the U.S. naval fleet.
Take part in a guided bus tour of the world’s largest naval installation, Naval Station Norfolk. A knowledgeable, active duty Navy guide will give a narrated tour of the base, highlighting the U.S. Naval Fleet, Admiral’s Row and how the base is a working city.
Dine at No Frill Bar & Grill, located in Norfolk’s Historic Ghent. Specializing in sandwiches, wraps, full-course entrées and overflowing concoctions from the bar, No Frill Bar & Grill offers a contemporary setting and diverse menu featuring daily culinary creations.
Day 3
Discover the compelling story of General Douglas MacArthur and the millions of Americans who served our nation through five wars at the MacArthur Memorial. The MacArthur Memorial is a museum and research center dedicated to preserving and presenting the story of the life of General Douglas MacArthur. The Memorial also pays tribute to the millions of men and women who served with General MacArthur in World War I, World War II and the Korean War. Situated in downtown Norfolk, the memorial consists of a museum, archives and research center, education center, theater, welcome center and gift shop. A visit to the memorial will allow you to explore the life of one of America’s greatest generals.
Enjoy lunch at the MacArthur Center’s 600-seat food court or at one of its numerous sit-down restaurants. This vast selection of food offers something for everyone.
Board the Victory Rover Naval Base Cruise for a two-hour narrated cruise that offers the fastest way to see destroyers, frigates, nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers at Norfolk Naval Station.
Dine at the Freemason Abbey Restaurant, a restaurant located in an over 135-year-old renovated church in the historic Freemason Harbour area. The menu offers a wide variety of food, featuring fresh lobster, pasta, fish, seafood and choice prime rib. Make sure to order the she crab soup, a Norfolk favorite.
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