Discover Norfolk

70 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights

Norfolk Botanical Gardens
90/100

Norfolk Botanical Gardens

6700 Azalea Garden Road, Norfolk, VA 23518, United States

A large botanical garden featuring diverse flora and themed gardens, ideal for nature and landscape photography.

NATURELANDSCAPE
Jordan Bridge Sunset
90/100

Jordan Bridge Sunset

Jordan Bridge, 5220 South Blvd, Chesapeake, Virginia 23323, United States

While technically outside Newport News, this nearby location offers stunning sunset views.

SUNSET_SUNRISEWATERSCAPE
The Neon District Murals
85/100

The Neon District Murals

The Neon District, Norfolk, VA, United States

A vibrant area filled with colorful street art, perfect for capturing urban and street photography. The murals provide a lively backdrop for portraits and street scenes.

STREETURBAN
The Neon District
85/100

The Neon District

The Neon District, Norfolk, Virginia, United States

A vibrant arts district with colorful murals and street art, offering unique backdrops for fashion, portrait, or street photography.

STREETURBAN
Downtown Norfolk Skyline
81/100

Downtown Norfolk Skyline

around Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA

A dynamic urban landscape with a mix of historic and modern architecture, perfect for capturing cityscapes and skylines.

URBANARCHITECTURE
Pagoda & Oriental Garden
81/100

Pagoda & Oriental Garden

6700 Azalea Garden Rd, Norfolk, Virginia 23518, United States

Part of the Norfolk Botanical Garden, this garden features an oriental theme and is perfect for capturing serene nature scenes and portraits.

NATUREARCHITECTURE
Freemason Abbey
80/100

Freemason Abbey

209 West Freemason Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23510, United States

A historic church in Norfolk, offering opportunities for capturing architectural and urban photography.

HISTORICALARCHITECTURE
Chrysler Museum, Norfolk
80/100

Chrysler Museum, Norfolk

Memorial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510, United States

While not in Chesapeake, this museum is nearby and offers stunning architecture and art exhibits for photography.

ARCHITECTUREATTRACTIONS
Battleship Wisconsin
80/100

Battleship Wisconsin

One Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510, United States

A historic battleship offering unique architectural and historical photography opportunities. The ship's large guns provide impressive structures for capturing detail and perspective.

ARCHITECTUREHISTORICAL
Ocean View Fishing Pier
80/100

Ocean View Fishing Pier

100 West Ocean View Avenue, Norfolk, Virginia 23503, United States

A scenic pier ideal for capturing ocean views, sunsets, and the active fishing lifestyle.

SUNSET_SUNRISEWATERSCAPE
Norfolk Botanical Garden
80/100

Norfolk Botanical Garden

6700 Azalea Garden Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518, United States

With its diverse plant life, this garden offers vibrant colors and textures, making it perfect for nature and portrait photography.

NATUREARCHITECTURE
The Japanese Pagoda
78/100

The Japanese Pagoda

6700 Azalea Garden Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518, United States

Located in the Norfolk Botanical Garden, this pagoda offers a serene and oriental setting for photography. It's an excellent spot for portraits and nature photography.

NATUREARCHITECTURE
Hermitage Museum & Gardens
77/100

Hermitage Museum & Gardens

7637 North Shore Rd, Norfolk, VA 23505

A historic estate with beautiful gardens and a museum, offering unique opportunities for nature and architectural photography.

NATUREARCHITECTURE
Norfolk's Waterfront
75/100

Norfolk's Waterfront

Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510, United States

The Norfolk Waterfront, with its marina and yachts, offers beautiful views of the Elizabeth River. It's ideal for capturing picturesque landscapes and sunsets.

WATERSCAPESUNSET_SUNRISE
Chrysler Museum of Art
75/100

Chrysler Museum of Art

One Memorial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510, United States

A museum featuring diverse art collections and architecturally interesting buildings, offering opportunities for interior and exterior photography.

ARCHITECTUREURBAN
Freemason Cobblestones
75/100

Freemason Cobblestones

around Freemason St, Norfolk, VA

Historic cobblestone streets lined with mature trees and grand homes, perfect for street and architectural photography.

STREETARCHITECTURE
Norfolk International Airport (ORF) Observation Deck
75/100

Norfolk International Airport (ORF) Observation Deck

2200 Norview Avenue, Norfolk, Virginia 23518, United States

Located nearby, this observation deck offers great opportunities for aviation photography, especially during takeoff and landing.

LANDSCAPEATTRACTIONS
Lincolnsville Historic District
75/100

Lincolnsville Historic District

Lincolnsville District

A historic African American community with significant cultural and architectural heritage. Offers unique opportunities for cultural and historical photography.

HISTORICALARCHITECTURE
Virginia Zoo
74/100

Virginia Zoo

3500 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23504

A zoo featuring a variety of animals and naturalistic habitats, ideal for wildlife and nature photography.

WILDLIFENATURE
Elizabeth River Trail
70/100

Elizabeth River Trail

Elizabeth River Trail, Norfolk, Virginia, United States

A scenic trail offering a mix of natural and urban landscapes, suitable for capturing outdoor activities and city views.

LANDSCAPEURBAN
Norfolk Waterside District
70/100

Norfolk Waterside District

333 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510, United States

A waterfront area in Norfolk with shops, restaurants, and scenic views of the Elizabeth River. Ideal for capturing urban landscapes and waterscapes.

URBANWATERSCAPE
Mowbray Arch
70/100

Mowbray Arch

Olde Towne Portsmouth

A historic arch in the Olde Towne Historic District, offering a glimpse into Portsmouth's past. Suitable for architectural and street photography.

ARCHITECTURESTREET
Portsmouth Waterfront Trail
70/100

Portsmouth Waterfront Trail

Portsmouth Waterfront Trail

A scenic walking trail along the waterfront, offering views of the harbor and surrounding landscape. Ideal for landscape and nature photography.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Downtown Norfolk's Skyline
70/100

Downtown Norfolk's Skyline

Downtown Norfolk, Norfolk, Virginia, United States

The city's skyline offers a great subject for architecture and urban photography. The mix of old and new buildings provides interesting contrasts.

ARCHITECTUREURBAN
Freemason District
70/100

Freemason District

Freemason District, Norfolk, VA 23510, United States

Located in Norfolk, this area features historic buildings and a vibrant street life. It's ideal for capturing urban scenes and architectural details.

URBANSTREET
Downtown Norfolk
70/100

Downtown Norfolk

Downtown Norfolk, Norfolk, VA, United States

The central business district of Norfolk, offering urban landscapes and street photography opportunities.

URBANSTREET
Norfolk Scope
69/100

Norfolk Scope

201 E Brambleton Ave, Norfolk, VA 23510

A classic arena with a 70s retro vibe, offering unique architectural photography opportunities.

ARCHITECTUREURBAN
Stockley Gardens
68/100

Stockley Gardens

around Stockley Gardens, Norfolk, VA

A quaint neighborhood with historic homes and gardens, perfect for capturing charming residential scenes.

ARCHITECTUREHISTORICAL
Taussig Boulevard
66/100

Taussig Boulevard

around Taussig Blvd, Norfolk, VA

A scenic boulevard lined with historic homes and beautiful gardens, great for architectural and residential photography.

ARCHITECTUREHISTORICAL
Ferry Shine
65/100

Ferry Shine

Ferry Shine Area

A picturesque spot near the ferry terminal, offering scenic views of the harbor. Suitable for landscape and street photography.

LANDSCAPESTREET
High Street
65/100

High Street

High Street

A historic street lined with old buildings and shops. Offers opportunities for street and architectural photography.

STREETARCHITECTURE
Hermitage Museum and Gardens
65/100

Hermitage Museum and Gardens

7637 North Shore Road, Norfolk, VA 23505, United States

A historic estate house with beautiful gardens and a peaceful atmosphere, offering great opportunities for capturing floral displays and serene landscapes.

NATUREHISTORICAL
Nauticus National Maritime Center
65/100

Nauticus National Maritime Center

1 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510, United States

A maritime museum in Norfolk offering architectural photography opportunities with its modern design and waterfront location.

ARCHITECTUREURBAN
Grain – Hilton Main
65/100

Grain – Hilton Main

100 E Main St, Norfolk, VA 23510

This rooftop bar offers a modern and stylish setting, perfect for capturing cityscapes and portraits with a contemporary feel.

URBANARCHITECTURE
Harbor Club
65/100

Harbor Club

Norfolk, Virginia 23510, United States

Located in the Waterside District, this spot offers beautiful views of the marina and surrounding architecture. It's ideal for capturing waterfront scenes and urban landscapes.

WATERSCAPEURBAN
Newtown Historic District
65/100

Newtown Historic District

Newtown Historic District

A historic district with a mix of architectural styles and cultural significance. Suitable for street and architectural photography.

STREETARCHITECTURE
Lafayette River Trails
65/100

Lafayette River Trails

around Lafayette River, Norfolk, VA

Scenic trails along the Lafayette River, perfect for capturing nature and wildlife scenes.

NATUREWILDLIFE
Town Point Park
65/100

Town Point Park

Town Point Park, Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510, United States

A waterfront park with scenic views of the Elizabeth River, suitable for capturing urban landscapes and water activities.

URBANWATERSCAPE
Chrysler Museum
65/100

Chrysler Museum

1 Memorial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510, United States

Located in Norfolk, this museum offers a blend of modern and historic architecture. It's ideal for architectural photography and capturing urban life.

ARCHITECTUREURBAN
Ghent Neighborhood
65/100

Ghent Neighborhood

Ghent Neighborhood, Norfolk, VA 23517, United States

A charming neighborhood in Norfolk with historic architecture, ideal for street and architecture photography.

STREETARCHITECTURE
Grain – Hilton On the Main
65/100

Grain – Hilton On the Main

100 East Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23510, United States

Located at the rooftop of the Hilton Norfolk The Main, Grain offers a sophisticated setting for indoor photography. It's perfect for engagement sessions and portraits with a urban skyline view.

ARCHITECTUREURBAN
Pleasant Avenue
64/100

Pleasant Avenue

around Pleasant Ave, Norfolk, VA

A charming residential street with historic homes and vibrant gardens, perfect for capturing residential and nature scenes.

ARCHITECTURESTREET
Park Place
62/100

Park Place

around Park Place, Norfolk, VA

A vibrant neighborhood with a mix of shops, restaurants, and historic homes, great for street and lifestyle photography.

STREETHISTORICAL
Waterside Marina
60/100

Waterside Marina

333 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510, United States

This marina provides an excellent backdrop for capturing boats and waterfront scenes. The surrounding buildings and pathways offer interesting architectural elements.

WATERSCAPEARCHITECTURE
Elizabeth River
60/100

Elizabeth River

Elizabeth River, near Norfolk and Chesapeake, Virginia, United States

A scenic river area in Norfolk and Chesapeake, offering opportunities for waterscape and wildlife photography. Public access points are available along the river.

WATERSCAPEWILDLIFE
Nauticus
60/100

Nauticus

1 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, Virginia 23510, United States

Nauticus is a maritime museum with a range of exhibits, including interactive displays and a large collection of nautical artifacts. Its waterfront location offers beautiful views of the Elizabeth River, making it a great spot for capturing scenes of urban life and water activities.

ARCHITECTUREWATERSCAPE
Portsmouth Downtown
60/100

Portsmouth Downtown

Portsmouth Downtown

The central business district featuring a mix of modern and historical buildings. Suitable for urban and street photography.

ARCHITECTUREURBAN
Lake Whitehurst
60/100

Lake Whitehurst

1400 Lake Whitehurst Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510, United States

A scenic lake in Norfolk, offering views of water and surrounding trees. It is a peaceful spot for nature and landscape photography.

NATUREWATERSCAPE
Elizabeth River Ferry
60/100

Elizabeth River Ferry

Waterside District, 333 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, Virginia 23510, United States

A scenic ferry ride between Norfolk and Portsmouth, offering great views of the Elizabeth River and surrounding urban landscapes.

URBANWATERSCAPE
Waterside District
59/100

Waterside District

333 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, Virginia 23510, United States

Located near the waterfront, the Waterside District offers a lively atmosphere for capturing street life and dining scenes. It's perfect for street and food photography.

STREETURBAN
Cannonball Trail
55/100

Cannonball Trail

Cannonball Trail, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA

This historic trail offers a glimpse into Norfolk's past, with historic sites and scenic views along the way. It's great for capturing historical architecture and urban landscapes.

HISTORICALARCHITECTURE
Portsmouth Black History and Culture Center
55/100

Portsmouth Black History and Culture Center

Portsmouth Black History and Culture Center

A cultural center dedicated to preserving and celebrating African American history. Offers unique opportunities for cultural and historical photography.

HISTORICALARCHITECTURE
Colley Avenue
55/100

Colley Avenue

Colley Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23508, United States

Known for its eclectic mix of shops and restaurants, Colley Avenue provides a lively backdrop for street photography. The vibrant atmosphere and diverse architecture make it a great spot to capture urban scenes.

STREETARCHITECTURE
Harrison Opera House
55/100

Harrison Opera House

160 W Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23510

A historic theater with a beautiful façade, suitable for architectural photography.

ARCHITECTUREHISTORICAL
Fort Norfolk
55/100

Fort Norfolk

Fort Norfolk, Norfolk, VA

A historic fort with a rich military history, providing opportunities for architectural and historical photography.

ARCHITECTUREHISTORICAL
Pagoda Garden
55/100

Pagoda Garden

Norfolk, Virginia, United States

Located in Norfolk, this garden offers serene and picturesque views, ideal for nature photography.

NATURELANDSCAPE
Virginia Sports Hall of Fame
55/100

Virginia Sports Hall of Fame

206 High St, Portsmouth, VA 23704

A building dedicated to sports history, offering unique architectural and cultural photography opportunities.

ARCHITECTUREHISTORICAL
Willoughby Bay
50/100

Willoughby Bay

Willoughby Bay, Norfolk, VA 23507, United States

This bay provides stunning views of the water and surrounding landscape, making it ideal for capturing sunsets or serene natural scenes.

WATERSCAPESUNSET_SUNRISE
Plaza on the Water
50/100

Plaza on the Water

Plaza on the Water, Norfolk, VA

A waterfront plaza offering views of the Elizabeth River, suitable for landscape and street photography.

LANDSCAPESTREET
Colonial Place
50/100

Colonial Place

Colonial Place, Norfolk, VA

A charming neighborhood with historic homes, suitable for architectural and street photography.

ARCHITECTURESTREET
Waterside Marketplace
50/100

Waterside Marketplace

Waterside Marketplace, Norfolk, VA

A bustling marketplace with a mix of shops and restaurants, offering opportunities for street and architectural photography.

STREETARCHITECTURE
Osmanthus Trail
50/100

Osmanthus Trail

Osmanthus Trail, near Norfolk, Virginia, United States

A scenic trail with diverse flora, offering opportunities for nature and wildlife photography.

NATUREWILDLIFE
Tidewater Community College
50/100

Tidewater Community College

300 Granby Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23510, United States

A modern college campus in Norfolk with contemporary architecture and scenic waterfront views.

ARCHITECTUREURBAN
West Ghent
45/100

West Ghent

West Ghent, Norfolk, VA

A historic neighborhood with charming architecture, perfect for street and architectural photography.

STREETARCHITECTURE
Paget's Bay
45/100

Paget's Bay

Paget's Bay, Norfolk, Virginia 23507, United States

This bay offers serene views of the surrounding landscape and is a great spot for capturing sunsets or nature photography.

LANDSCAPESUNSET_SUNRISE
Tidewater Community College Visual Arts Center
45/100

Tidewater Community College Visual Arts Center

340 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510

A modern building with unique architecture, offering opportunities for architectural photography.

ARCHITECTUREURBAN
Harrison Opera House Park
45/100

Harrison Opera House Park

160 W Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23510

A small park adjacent to the Harrison Opera House, providing a serene setting for nature photography.

NATURELANDSCAPE
MacArthur Center
45/100

MacArthur Center

300 Monticello Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510, United States

A large shopping mall in Norfolk, Virginia, offering modern architecture and urban scenery. It can be a good spot for capturing urban life and indoor photography.

URBANSTREET
Ghent Square
40/100

Ghent Square

Ghent Square, Norfolk, VA

A vibrant public square with shops and restaurants, suitable for street photography.

STREETURBAN
Ghent Dog Park
40/100

Ghent Dog Park

Ghent Dog Park, Norfolk, VA

An active dog park with opportunities for wildlife and action photography.

WILDLIFELANDSCAPE