Situated on the banks of the Elizabeth River in downtown Norfolk, Town Point Park offers 7 acres (2.8 hectares) of space to play, walk, unwind and dine. There is much to see, do and learn. The park has free wifi if you want a pleasant place to catch up on work or world events.
Sit by the water’s edge and soak up views of the harbour. Grab your bathing suit or roll up your pants and splash around in the interactive fountain. Its 28 jets shoot water up to 12 feet (3.6 metres) in the air.
Dine alfresco at one of the many picnic spots. The park provides tables and chairs and has plenty of space on the lawns to spread out a blanket. If you haven’t prepared your own food, try Omar’s Fountain café for light snacks, lunch or dinner.
Visit the Armed Forces Memorial. For more than two centuries, servicemen have departed from Norfolk’s shores to fight in wars. Within the memorial are inscriptions from letters sent home by 20 soldiers who subsequently lost their lives during battle.
Three self-guided trails are accessible from the park. Stroll along the Cannonball Trail that connects numerous historic sites in the downtown area. A series of information markers along the route detail notable sites and events. Go for a bike ride on the Elizabeth River Trail, a deserted former railroad with good views of the river. Take the Mermaids on Parade Trail that passes along the river and into the heart of downtown. The route is lined with several hundred statues of mermaids. The mythical sea creature is Norfolk’s official logo.
Town Point Park hosts more than 100 free festivals, concerts and family fun events throughout the year. One of these is the Annual Norfolk Harborfest in June, a four-day dock party involving fireworks, performances, family activities and sailing fleets of tall ships, military vessels, classic wooden boats and more. For a list of current and forthcoming events visit the City of Norfolk’s website.
Located on the waterfront next to the Nauticus centre and the USS Wisconsin, the park is easily reached by the Tide, Virginia’s light rail system. MacArthur Square Station is a few steps away. If you plan to drive, there are paid parking garages in the vicinity.
