Marking the start of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Norfolk is one of the great “water crossroads” of the United States East Coast, as it is situated at the confluence of the James River, Elizabeth River, Hampton Roads and Chesapeake Bay.

The home of one of the largest U.S. Naval installations, thousands of recreational boaters use Norfolk as the start or finish of their trip south along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). Norfolk is a nautical city, and most every aspect of the town revolves around the waterfront n some way.

Known by many for its historical significance and military heritage, this Southern mid-Atlantic seaport has exploded into a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant cultural center. Millions of visitors make their way to Norfolk each year to see its patriotic attractions, year-round festivals and nationally-acclaimed museums.

With its pedestrian friendly streets, the city offers a collection of hotels, convention facilities, a trendy restaurant and theater district, and retail merchants within 10 walkable downtown blocks. Downtown Norfolk also offers a working waterfront complete with harbor and luxury cruises.

Use NOAA Chart 12222.

Norfolk is located at the start of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and is one of the largest centers for commercial shipping and U.S. Naval activities on the East Coast. With this in mind, mariners are advised to keep a close lookout for commercial and Naval traffic when transiting the waters in and around Norfolk. Boaters should also be aware of security perimeters that the U.S. Navy maintains around large Naval vessels.

From the north, Norfolk is approached from Hampton Roads near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Keeping an eye out for commercial traffic, pick up quick flashing green gong buoy “5,” and then follow the Norfolk Harbor Reach toward Lamberts Point, keeping in mind that you will be in the Elizabeth River at flashing green buoy “25.” From here you can follow the marked channel all the way to Town Point and the heart or Norfolk. Marinas line both sides of the Waterway here.

From the south, you will be negotiating a series of bridges on the ICW until you get to Town Point. Keep and eye out for commercial traffic and see our individual bridge schedules to plan your transit into the Norfolk area.

Local Notices to Mariners are now exclusively available online from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Norfolk is certainly not short on things to do. Downtown on the waterfront you will find Nauticus, an enormous museum filled with interactive displays dedicated to teaching the public about ships, the sea, naval architecture and maritime technology. Also downtown is the Waterside Mall, which features a myriad of dining and shopping choices with a view of the Norfolk waterfront.

For those looking for cultural immersion, there is a wide variety of art, history and maritime-theme museums around the city. Fore more details and a calendar of events, see the “Helpful Links” section below.

The centerpiece of Norfolk’s transportation is the “NET” system, which includes bus service to many locations in and around Norfolk on a regular schedule. Passes can be purchased on the bus.

The Norfolk International Airport features regularly scheduled major air service with connecting service to larger locations. Shuttle and taxi service to and from the facility is available by making arrangements with the airport. For transit schedules and shuttle service to the airport, see the “Helpful Links” section below for more details.

City of Norfolk

Norfolk Convention and Visitors Bureau

Norfolk Calendar of Events

Norfolk International Airport

Norfolk NET Transportation