Norfolk Botanical Garden Tours

Norfolk Botanical Garden which includes a garden, landscape views and a pond
Norfolk Botanical Garden which includes a park, a statue or sculpture and rides
Norfolk Botanical Garden which includes wildflowers and a garden
Norfolk Botanical Garden featuring landscape views, a park and a lake or waterhole
Norfolk Botanical Garden showing a garden


Walk among azaleas, camellias and rosebushes. Watch pelicans in flight and absorb the scents of exotic blooms.

Covering 155 acres (63 hectares), Norfolk Botanical Garden is filled with thousands of plants spread across many themed gardens.

Discover what’s in bloom and see the sights on foot, by boat or by tram. Follow the 12 miles (19 kilometers) of paved trails that wind in and out of the gardens. 

From March 16 to October 20 a narrated tram tour travels through the attraction, stopping at seven locations. The free journey is offered every hour on weekdays and every half hour on the weekends. For a small supplementary charge, take a floating journey along the garden’s canal system and across Lake Whitehurst. This 45-minute narrated boat tour is operational between April 1 through May 27 as well as September 4 through October 20. The vessels are wheelchair accessible. For prices and timings visit Norfolk Botanical Garden’s website.

Step into the Enchanted Forest, a wooded wonderland of oak, hickory and pine trees. Admire the beauty of Renaissance Court, a re-creation of a 16th-century Italian Renaissance garden with its neat rows of grass terraces. Picnic at one of the tables next to Lake Whitehurst and enjoy views across the water. Bird lovers should bring binoculars for good views of some of the 95 species that have been spotted among the forest’s trees and shrubs. These include herons, pelicans, eagles, ospreys and kestrels. 

The botanical garden also caters to children. Let them dig in the dirt and learn about bugs at The Dirt Factory in the WOW (World of Wonders) Children’s Garden. This 3-acre (1.2 hectare) garden playground also houses several other interactive learning experiences including fountains and jet sprays and six themed habitats from around the world.

Situated next to Norfolk International Airport, the garden is only a short drive from downtown Norfolk. You may park free adjacent to the main visitor center.
The Norfolk Botanical Garden is open daily.

Reviews of Norfolk Botanical Garden

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
140
5 - Excellent 49%
4 - Good
93
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
37
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
6
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
8
1 - Terrible 3%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

a must see

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

You can do this in 2 hours, it's beautiful, quiet (except for the jets) worth the $, and take lots of pictures. Beautiful Gardens.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

They close at 7:00pm, go before 6:00pm. Give yourself plenty of time to walk, and enjoy the gardens

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

dint go there

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Norfolk Botanical Garden

Spark by Hilton Norfolk

Spark by Hilton Norfolk

3 out of 5
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Comfort Inn & Suites Virginia Beach - Norfolk Airport

Comfort Inn & Suites Virginia Beach - Norfolk Airport

2.5 out of 5
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Comfort Inn & Suites Virginia Beach - Norfolk Airport
Sleep Inn Lake Wright - Norfolk Airport

Sleep Inn Lake Wright - Norfolk Airport

2.5 out of 5
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Sleep Inn Lake Wright - Norfolk Airport
Econo Lodge Little Creek

Econo Lodge Little Creek

2 out of 5
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Econo Lodge Little Creek
Tru By Hilton Norfolk Airport

Tru By Hilton Norfolk Airport

2.5 out of 5
1571 Premium Outlets Blvd, Norfolk, VA
Tru By Hilton Norfolk Airport
Econo Lodge Airport

Econo Lodge Airport

2 out of 5
3343 N Military Hwy, Norfolk, VA
Econo Lodge Airport
Magnuson Hotel Virginia Beach

Magnuson Hotel Virginia Beach

2 out of 5
5708 Northampton Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA
Magnuson Hotel Virginia Beach
Red Roof Inn Virginia Beach - Norfolk Airport

Red Roof Inn Virginia Beach - Norfolk Airport

2 out of 5
5745 Northampton Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA
Red Roof Inn Virginia Beach - Norfolk Airport
Quality Suites Lake Wright - Norfolk Airport

Quality Suites Lake Wright - Norfolk Airport

3 out of 5
1521 Premium Outlets Blvd, Norfolk, VA
Quality Suites Lake Wright - Norfolk Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Norfolk Botanical Garden

At Norfolk Botanical Garden, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including exploring beautiful botanical gardens, engaging in soccer and other sports, and experiencing live music events. Make sure to visit today to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and stunning natural scenery that the garden has to offer.

Shopping

During your visit to Norfolk Botanical Garden, enjoy shopping at Norfolk Premium Outlets, just 3.2km away, offering a great selection of brands. Waterside District, 9.7km away, has a vibrant atmosphere with shops and eateries. If you're up for a drive, explore Norfolk NEX, located 11.3km from the garden.

Recreation

Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere at The NorVa, just 9.7km away, where live music energizes your spirit. For sports enthusiasts, Harbor Park offers thrilling games and events, also 9.7km from the garden. For a calming outdoor experience, Eagle Haven Golf Course, 4.8km away, invites you to relax and play amidst nature.

Adventure

Tidewater Tennis Center, located 4.8km from Norfolk Botanical Garden, offers an energetic atmosphere for tennis enthusiasts. Northside Park Tennis Center, also 4.8km away, provides excellent facilities for a thrilling game. For indoor play, visit Folkes - Stevens Indoor Tennis Center, situated 9.7km from the garden.

Nightlife

After exploring Norfolk Botanical Garden, catch a show at Chrysler Hall or Norva Theater for an evening filled with romance and culture. For a family-friendly outing, head to Regal Columbus to enjoy the latest films in a cozy atmosphere. Nightlife in Norfolk offers a delightful mix.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Norfolk Botanical Garden

Visiting Norfolk Botanical Garden offers a delightful blend of attractions, including beautiful beaches, historic sites, and maritime museums. Whether you're seeking cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, or simply a relaxing day outdoors, there's something for everyone. Nearby, you can explore the Norfolk Premium Outlets for shopping, or delve into the rich botanical displays within the garden itself. Don't miss the chance to discover the best local attractions while enjoying your visit.

  • Old Dominion University: This historic university, located 9.7km from Norfolk Botanical Garden, offers a vibrant cultural scene with beautiful campus architecture and engaging events that highlight the local heritage.
  • Virginia Wesleyan University: Situated 4.8km away, this modern university features contemporary facilities and a dynamic city atmosphere, perfect for exploring art and cultural programs in an urban setting.
  • Ocean View Beach: Located 8.0km from the garden, this picturesque beach provides a relaxing escape with soft sands, refreshing ocean breezes, and opportunities for sunbathing and beachside activities.

Best time to go to Norfolk Botanical Garden

The best time to visit Norfolk Botanical Garden is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January41.0°F (5.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
March49.3°F (9.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
May67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June75.2°F (24.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July79.7°F (26.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August78.4°F (25.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September73.6°F (23.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October64.0°F (17.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
November52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
December46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Norfolk Botanical Garden

To save money on your visit to Norfolk Botanical Garden, plan your trip between December and February for the lowest accommodation rates. Tuesdays are the most affordable days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to compare hotel options and filter for eco-friendly stays, and consider booking a package deal that combines flights and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to explore free activities in the area as well, which can enhance your experience without straining your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Norfolk Botanical Garden are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Norfolk Botanical Garden is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Norfolk Botanical Garden is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to narrow down your options according to your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Norfolk Botanical Garden with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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