Fun Things to Do Alone in Norfolk and Virginia Beach

Going out alone past 55 isn’t about killing time. It’s about having complete control over your schedule. You walk as far as you want, take a bench whenever you feel like watching the water, and sit down for a meal without negotiating a menu with anyone else.

Whether you’re after a scenic, active walk or a low-impact outing with level footing and close parking, here is how to spend a day on your own terms in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Hours, fees, and conditions change, so check each link before you go.

Norfolk: Strolls, Sights & Easy Parking

Town Point Park

Town Point Park is a waterfront park on the Elizabeth River in downtown Norfolk, with a promenade, benches, and river views. Hours and events vary, so check before you go.

Where to park: The City of Norfolk runs the Town Point Garage at 110 W. Main St. Check current rates and any height limits.

Lunch at The Lizard Cafe

The Lizard Cafe is inside Prince Books, an independent bookstore at 109 E. Main St. It serves salads, sandwiches, and biscuits, which makes it an easy place to eat alone with a good read. Prince Books lists store hours on its website, so check before you go.

Art at the Chrysler Museum of Art

The Chrysler Museum of Art offers always-free admission and free parking. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. It is closed on Mondays. The museum is wheelchair accessible, with complimentary wheelchairs and strollers available. It offers free parking in its marked lot and in other nearby lots.

Coffee in Freemason

Cure Coffeehouse and Brasserie is at 503 Botetourt St. in the historic Freemason neighborhood, along cobblestone streets.

Maritime history at Nauticus

Nauticus sits on the Elizabeth River. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Mondays. The building and the main deck of the Battleship Wisconsin are wheelchair accessible, but decks below the main deck require climbing steep stairs. Discounts have been offered for seniors and active-duty military, so ask when you buy tickets. For accessibility questions, call Guest Services at (757) 664-1000.

Where to park: The City of Norfolk runs the Boush Street Garage at 112 W. City Hall Ave. Check rates and walking distance before you go.

A quiet dinner downtown

Todd Jurich’s Bistro is at 150 W. Main St., Suite 100. The dining room is open for dinner and the wine bar opens earlier in the evening. Valet parking is offered during dinner hours. Call or check its website for current hours.

Virginia Beach: Coastal Breezes, Shaded Paths & Relaxed Dining

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk

The Oceanfront boardwalk is a three-mile concrete path alongside the ocean, with a separate bike lane. Ramps lead to the beach at the street ends, and public restrooms are located along the boardwalk. See the Visit Virginia Beach accessibility guide for details. Walking early on a weekday morning tends to be quieter.

Where to park: The City of Virginia Beach lists resort-area parking, including its municipal garages near 31st Street. Check the page for current addresses, rates, and hours.

First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park has 20 miles of trails. The day-use area is open 7 a.m. to dusk, and a parking fee applies per vehicle. If you prefer easier terrain, the Cape Henry Trail is a wide, flat trail. The Bald Cypress Trail is rated easy and uses boardwalks over swamp water, with cypress knees beside the path, so watch your footing.

Coffee on Shore Drive

Lynnhaven Coffee Company is at 2945 Shore Dr. and roasts its own coffee. Check its hours before you go.

Dinner near the Oceanfront

Terrapin Restaurant is at 3102 Holly Rd. and serves modern American farm-to-table food. On-site parking is available. Call ahead to ask about bar seating for one.

Solo Outing Checklist: Safety & Peace of Mind

Park with an exit strategy. Choose municipal garages or well-lit lots close to main walkways, and avoid spots that need tight parallel parking.
Start before midday. Mornings tend to be quieter, with easier parking and more open seating.
Try an early dinner. Arriving when dinner service begins often means easier seating and a calmer dining room.
Keep someone in the loop. Send a quick text with your plan before you head out, and keep your phone charged.
Pick smooth surfaces when joints ache. Stick to concrete boardwalks and paved paths rather than dirt trails when your joints or balance feel stiff.

Getting Around

For routes, schedules, and service alerts, including light rail and ferry information, visit Hampton Roads Transit.

For ideas that cost little or nothing, see Free and Low-Cost Activities for Older Adults in Hampton Roads. To make friends along the way, read 10 Ways to Meet New People in Hampton Roads After 55, and browse more in Explore the 757.

Take the Next Step

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