Things to Do at Norfolk Botanical Garden

Norfolk Botanical Garden is one of those places that genuinely surprises visitors with its scope and beauty. Spanning 175 acres in the heart of Norfolk, this living museum has been quietly cultivating its collection since 1938, when it started as a Works Progress Administration project. What began as an azalea garden has evolved into something much more ambitious - a botanical wonderland that houses over 60 themed gardens and collections, from serene Japanese landscapes to lively rose gardens. The garden tends to feel more like a series of outdoor rooms than one massive space, which actually makes it quite manageable to explore. You'll find yourself wandering from the contemplative World of Wonders Children's Garden to the surprisingly extensive butterfly garden, each area offering its own distinct personality. It's the kind of place where you might come for the famous azaleas in spring but end up spending hours in the herb garden or getting lost among the towering bald cypresses in the Enchanted Forest.

Norfolk Botanical Garden sits at 6700 Azalea Garden Road, just 10 minutes from downtown Norfolk. Driving is simple. Take I-64 to exit 279 (Norview Avenue) and follow the signs-parking won't cost you anything and there are plenty of spots. Hampton Roads Transit serves the garden, but a car gives you better options for hitting other Norfolk attractions. The entrance is easy to spot. You'll see the visitor center right up front with maps and basic information.