Top 15 Instagram Worthy Places in Norfolk, VA
Source: Visit Norfolk; May 6, 2019
In Norfolk, photo opportunities are endless. The city is filled with beautiful sites to see and gems to discover. Fill your camera with mermaids or beautiful waterfront views. These 15 spots are to help you get inspired and bring out the photographer in you!
1. Battleship Wisconsin
There are only three other battleships this big in the nation, making this a truly unique spot! The massive guns on the Battleship Wisconsin will tower over you at 66 feet, making an awe-inspiring picture. Admission is required to access this location, but it’s worth it, as it includes a tour of the ship with lots of other great photo opportunities.
@sgt_quindara, Instagram
2. The Neon District Murals
We can’t talk about Instagrammable spots without mentioning Norfolk’s Neon Arts District. Streets lined with unique and colorful murals provide you with the perfect backdrop for an Instagram photo shoot. The rainbow fence at The Plot tends to be a local favorite.
@amandadawnseniors, Instagram
3. Norfolk’s Waterfront
The sweeping waterfront views and yachts at Waterside make for a beautiful shot to show off to your friends. Get your nautical vibes on at the marina located in Downtown Norfolk or in Town Point Park. You can also grab a bite to eat at the Waterside District for great foodie photos!
@dressednyc, Instagram
4. Ocean View Fishing Pier
Head to Norfolk’s iconic fishing pier in Ocean View where the inspiration for photos is endless! Pose beneath the colorful city directional sign at sunset or capture an artistic photo underneath the pier, where the piles tower above you and the water crashes below.
5. Downtown Norfolk’s Skyline
Catch a boat ride on Spirit of Norfolk, the American Rover or a Sail Nauticus sailboat for a prime spot to take in the sunset with the perfect view of Downtown Norfolk’s skyline for photo ops.
@superduperalex, Instagram
6. Pagoda & Oriental Garden
Your Instagram followers will think you traveled to the Far East when you share this picture. The Pagoda was authentically designed, assembled and gifted by Taiwan, and its garden features tranquil fountains and swaying forests of bamboo that provide fun backdrops.
7. Granby Street Lights
Get your glow on at Granby Street under the arched lights at night. To get this shot, attend a First Friday event when the street is shut down to vehicles.
@__beautyandthebeach__, Instagram
8. Alkaline “Never Lost” Sign
There’s something about a glowing neon sign that strikes the heart. Especially one with a great message. The “Never Lost” sign at this awesome ramen joint is the perfect quote for those who love to travel.
@leilaexplores, Instagram
9. The Hermitage Museum & Gardens
The Hermitage Museum offers a grand estate with contemporary exhibition galleries, 12 acres of gardens and grounds with Secret Garden-esque archways located along the Lafayette River. You’ll probably want to make a carousel post for this one so you can show off all your great shots!
@anastasiau, Instagram
10. NARO Expanded Cinema Sign
Since opening in 1963, this theater has become an iconic symbol of Colley Avenue in Norfolk’s Ghent neighborhood. The life-size marquee lights sit atop its entrance with Broadway bulbs giving it extra shine for photos. Check out one of their movies while here and indulge in the movie theater popcorn or homemade brownies.
@tiffagtv, Instagram
11. The Hague Bridge
Surrounded by calm waters and historic homes, the Hague footbridge is one of the most picturesque places in the city. Enjoy a European city-like backdrop with stately Colonial homes, the beautiful Chrysler Museum of Art and a church that resembles an English cathedral.
@katrinaclaudio, Instagram
12. Grain’s Rooftop
The rooftop of Grain is probably the most Instagrammed spot in the city. Your photos here will feature the city skyline with both modern and historic architecture, views of incoming ships and craft brew from their wide selection. Be sure to enjoy their free photo booth inside too!
@grainnorfolk, Instagram
13. The Chrysler Museum of Art
Almost every space at the Chrysler Museum offers a cool, artsy photo op. Take an upscale selfie in the mirror art out front, glide down the marble staircase in the foyer or create a modern vibe with a picture among the galleries. Once you’re done, hop across the street to the Glass Studio to capture an action shot of the free glassmaking demo every Tuesday through Sunday at Noon.
@rachael.reid.photography, Instagram
14. Freemason Cobblestones
The cobblestone streets of Norfolk’s Freemason District are every photographer’s dream. Take a step back in time on these historic roads lined with mature trees and grandiose homes.
@miho_625, Instagram
15. Greetings from Norfolk Mural
Tell your friends back home, “Greetings from Norfolk” with this mural designed to look like a postcard. You’ll be sure to stand out as the bright colors pop behind you.
@aleshiamatthews, Instagram