Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick West speaking with sailors at a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Workshop at Naval Base Norfolk

Naval Station Norfolk

Naval Station Norfolk Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: Discovering Naval Station Norfolk

Naval Station Norfolk, situated in Norfolk, Virginia, is renowned as the world’s largest naval base and a historic pillar of American maritime strength. Established in 1917 on Sewell’s Point, the base evolved from the site of the 1907 Jamestown Exposition into a critical command center for the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic Fleet. Its strategic location at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay provides direct Atlantic Ocean access, supporting both rapid deployment and robust naval operations. Today, the base encompasses over 4,300 acres, more than seven miles of piers, and serves as homeport to approximately 75 ships and 134 aircraft (visitnorfolk.com, history.navy.mil, navalstationbustours.com, norfolkvisitor.com).

Naval Station Norfolk’s legacy stretches from World War I through the Cold War and into the present, balancing military operations with public engagement. Guided tours and events offer visitors a unique perspective on naval heritage and the daily workings of an active base, while Norfolk’s surrounding attractions—like the Nauticus Maritime Museum and the Battleship Wisconsin—add depth to any visit.

This detailed guide covers Naval Station Norfolk’s history, strategic importance, visiting hours, ticketing, tour highlights, accessibility, security procedures, and related attractions. Whether you are a history lover, naval enthusiast, or planning a family outing, use this guide to plan a memorable and seamless visit.

MCPON Rick West visiting Naval Station Norfolk and meeting with Sailors in Navy Working Uniform Type III

U.S. Sailors and Marines manning the rails of USS Arlington during commissioning ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk

U.S. Sailors lowering the ensign aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier in Norfolk, Virginia

Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate Hamilton Bryan filling out form before selecting chief uniforms aboard USS Abraham Lincoln

Sailors on USS Abraham Lincoln moving supply pallets in hangar bay

Sailors from Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 perform color guard at Portuguese navy frigate NRP Dom Francisco de Almeida during port visit at Naval Station Norfolk

Reception on flight deck of Portuguese navy frigate NRP Dom Francisco de Almeida during NATO port visit at Naval Station Norfolk

U.S. Navy Sailors and civil service mariners raising the national ensign during morning colors aboard hospital ship USNS Comfort at Naval Station Norfolk

Hospital ship USNS Comfort returning to Naval Station Norfolk after COVID-19 mission

Hospital ship USNS Comfort returning to Naval Station Norfolk after COVID-19 pandemic support

U.S. Navy Sailors and civil service mariners heaving lines aboard hospital ship USNS Comfort at Naval Station Norfolk

USNS Comfort hospital ship docked at Naval Station Norfolk after COVID-19 mission

USNS Comfort hospital ship returning to Naval Station Norfolk after COVID-19 pandemic support

Hospital ship USNS Comfort returning to Naval Station Norfolk during COVID-19 pandemic support

USNS Comfort hospital ship returning to Naval Station Norfolk during COVID-19 pandemic

Hospital ship USNS Comfort docking at Naval Station Norfolk

USNS Comfort hospital ship docked at Naval Station Norfolk during COVID-19 pandemic

Hospital ship USNS Comfort returns to Naval Station Norfolk after COVID-19 support mission

Hospital ship USNS Comfort returning to Naval Station Norfolk after COVID-19 support mission

USNS Comfort hospital ship returning to Naval Station Norfolk after COVID-19 support mission

USNS Comfort hospital ship sailing back to Naval Station Norfolk amid COVID-19 pandemic

USNS Comfort hospital ship returning to Naval Station Norfolk after COVID-19 mission

Hospital ship USNS Comfort returning to Naval Station Norfolk during COVID-19 pandemic

Hospital ship USNS Comfort returning to Naval Station Norfolk after COVID-19 support

Navy Reserve Cmdr. Matthew Lee speaking at 2009 Mid-Atlantic Joint Services Immigration and Naturalization Symposium aboard Naval Station Norfolk

Navy honor guard from USS Cole practicing flag ceremony at USS Cole Memorial Naval Station Norfolk

Virginia Governor Mark Warner with Navy Honor Guard and family of USS Cole sailor at Norfolk Naval Station commemorative license plate event

Commander Brian Solo speaking at USS Cole memorial ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk honoring sailors killed in 2000 terrorist attack

Sailors of USS Cole bearing a ceremonial wreath at USS Cole memorial on Naval Station Norfolk

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Daniel Hersey playing trumpet during USS Cole 5th anniversary memorial ceremony in Norfolk

Rashida Smith waiting with her children for her husband Keith Smith aboard USS Cole guided-missile destroyer in Norfolk 2006

Friends and family waiting on the pier at Naval Station Norfolk for the return of USS Cole guided-missile destroyer

Friends and family cheering for the return of the guided-missile destroyer USS Cole at Naval Station Norfolk

Sailor hugging family during USS Cole's return to Naval Station Norfolk after six-month deployment

Sailor from USS Cole holding his daughter at pier during ship's return to Naval Station Norfolk

Operations Specialist 1st Class Tyrone Barlow briefing Vice Adm. Mel G. Williams Jr. on combat information center capabilities aboard USS Cole

Admiral J.C. Harvey Jr. delivering remarks at USS Cole Memorial 10th anniversary ceremony

Gas Turbine Systems Technician 3rd Class Corey Callies presents wreath at USS Cole Memorial ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk

Introduction
Early History: From Jamestown Exposition to Naval Base
Growth and Transformation: WWII & Cold War
Modern Operations and Strategic Role
Visiting Naval Station Norfolk: Hours, Tours, and Access
Tour Highlights: What to See and Do
Accessibility and Security
Planning Your Visit: Tips and Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Visuals and Media Suggestions
Conclusion: Key Takeaways and Final Tips
Sources

Early History: From Jamestown Exposition to Naval Base

Naval Station Norfolk’s origins trace back to the 1907 Jamestown Exposition at Sewell’s Point, which commemorated the 300th anniversary of Jamestown’s founding. The exposition, attended by President Theodore Roosevelt and other notable figures, showcased naval innovations, including a relief model of the Panama Canal and a reenactment of the Battle of Hampton Roads (visitnorfolk.com). Recognizing its strategic value, Congress acquired the site in 1917 as the U.S. entered World War I. Within six months, key facilities were operational, supporting thousands of service members by the end of the war (history.navy.mil).

Growth and Transformation: WWII & Cold War

The interwar period brought expansion, notably with the creation of Naval Air Station Norfolk to support naval aviation. During World War II, the base expanded by 400 acres, serving as a vital training and deployment hub. Post-war, it was renamed Naval Station Norfolk and continued to modernize, playing roles in historic moments such as the Apollo 7 recovery in 1968 (en.wikipedia.org).

Modern Operations and Strategic Role

Today, Naval Station Norfolk spans more than 4,300 acres and operates seven miles of piers. It is the primary homeport for 75 ships and 134 aircraft, handling over 3,100 ship movements and 100,000 air operations annually (norfolkvisitor.com). Its functions include:

Fleet Readiness & Deployment: Supports Nimitz- and Ford-class carriers, ensuring rapid crisis response.
Joint & Allied Operations: Hosts NATO exercises and fosters global naval cooperation.
Command & Control: Home to U.S. Fleet Forces Command, overseeing strategic naval operations (Naval Technology).

Visiting Naval Station Norfolk: Hours, Tours, and Access

Visiting Hours & Tour Schedule

Guided Bus Tours: Operate Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. Advance booking is required via the official tour website.
Harbor Cruises: The Victory Rover Naval Base Cruise runs daily, weather permitting, with tickets available online or at Nauticus in downtown Norfolk (navalbasecruises.com).

Ticketing & Registration

Bus Tours: Tickets generally range from $20–$30 (discounts for seniors, military, and children). Advance online booking is required. Walk-up tickets are not available due to security protocols.
Harbor Cruises: Tickets are about $25 for adults, with reduced rates for children and seniors. Book early, especially during peak seasons.

Access & Security

Tour Participants: Must present a valid government-issued photo ID. All visitors are subject to security screening, and foreign nationals require additional authorization for base entry.
Prohibited Items: Weapons, large bags, and unauthorized cameras are not permitted on bus tours. Photography is allowed only in designated areas.

Tour Highlights: What to See and Do

Piers & Ships: View active Navy vessels, including aircraft carriers, destroyers, and support ships.
Chambers Field Air Station: Observe naval aviation operations (flight schedules may vary).
Historic Exposition Homes: See preserved 1907 Jamestown Exposition buildings.
Command Headquarters: Learn about the base’s administrative and operational centers.
Guided Interpretation: Navy personnel provide expert commentary and are available for Q&A sessions.

Accessibility and Security

Naval Station Norfolk is committed to accessibility. Tour buses and harbor cruises accommodate visitors with mobility needs—contact the tour office in advance for specific requirements (mybaseguide.com). All visitors undergo security screening, and minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Planning Your Visit: Tips and Nearby Attractions

Best Times to Visit

Spring and Early Fall: Mild weather and smaller crowds.
Summer: Peak season with more frequent tours and local events.

What to Bring

Valid ID (required).
Comfortable clothing and footwear.
Minimal personal items; water allowed, but food and large bags are restricted.

Transportation and Parking

Car Rental: Recommended for flexibility (Virginia Travel Tips).
Parking: Free at the tour departure point—arrive early during busy periods.

Nearby Attractions

Nauticus & USS Wisconsin: Maritime museum and historic battleship (Virginia Travel Tips).
Norfolk Botanical Garden: 155-acre family-friendly garden (Norfolk Visitor).
Waterside District: Dining, entertainment, and harbor views.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I visit Naval Station Norfolk without a military ID?
A: Yes, but only via organized, pre-approved tours with advance registration and valid government-issued ID.

Q: What are the tour hours and duration?
A: Bus tours operate Tuesday–Saturday, usually between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, lasting 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Q: Are children and foreign nationals allowed?
A: Children are welcome with adult supervision. Foreign nationals may join harbor cruises freely, but require special authorization for base entry.

Q: Is the tour accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, with advance notice. Most buses and cruises are wheelchair accessible.

Q: Are cameras allowed?
A: Photography is permitted in designated areas only.

Q: How do I book a tour?
A: Reserve tickets in advance through the Naval Station Norfolk Bus Tour site.

Visuals and Media Suggestions

Aerial View Images: Ships and piers, with alt text “Naval Station Norfolk aerial view.”
Tour Photos: Guided bus tour and harbor cruise vessels.
Historic Sites: 1907 Exposition buildings.
Maps: Showing tour routes and access points.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways and Final Tips

Naval Station Norfolk stands as a testament to U.S. naval heritage and strategic military might. Its rich history, from the Jamestown Exposition to modern naval operations, is accessible to visitors through guided tours and harbor cruises. Planning ahead—by booking tours in advance, carrying valid ID, and observing all security protocols—ensures a smooth, educational, and enjoyable experience. The broader Norfolk area, with its museums, gardens, and waterfront, offers additional opportunities to explore local culture and military history.

For the most current information, consult official resources and tour operators. Enhance your visit with the Audiala app for self-guided tours and updates. Whether you’re captivated by military history or seeking a unique family outing, Naval Station Norfolk promises an inspiring journey into America’s naval legacy.