Norfolk VA, trip planning advice?

[hack4alivin]

Several seasons ago I enlisted the help of fellow CSR members in finding a great marina for our long trip to New York. They came through for us with not only a fantastic place to stay in New York but several great stops along the way. I am one hundred percent positive the trip would not have been as much fun and successful as it was without this local knowledge.

Well this year we could not do any “big” trips with me changing jobs and losing my vacation time. We are getting out and about in our bay here, but just not making the 5 to 10 day cruises. Next season will be different, and just like our New York trip we (several members of our group) are in the planning stages of our next big trip. This time we are going south with our destination being Norfolk VA.

So know I am asking about Norfolk. Where are the really good marinas? Places within walking distance of great local restaurants and site seeing? I would love to see a Navy Carrier! Also, what about a stop on the way from Baltimore to Norfolk?

Thanks in advance!

 

[mpk19]

I'm really interested in this thread, as we would like to make a trip to Cape Charles from the North. I can't wait to read the replies!

 

[mistercomputerman]

Just got in from work. I'll pipe in here later tonight or tomorrow. Maybe the "Head Pot Stirrer" will have a few choice tidbits too.

How long are you in the area?

How many adults?

How many kids?

What ages are the kids?

Do you want to stay on the boat?

Do you need a swimming pool?

 

[hack4alivin]

Just got in from work. I'll pipe in here later tonight or tomorrow. Maybe the "Head Pot Stirrer" will have a few choice tidbits too.

How long are you in the area?

How many adults?

How many kids?

What ages are the kids?

Do you want to stay on the boat?

Do you need a swimming pool?

No kids, out grown the kids..... pool would be great as we plan on being there about three days.

This weekend we are at Rock Hall and having a great time. What a great life on the water!

 

[dpmulvey]

Norfolk Naval Base Marina (757) 444-2918 (May have to be military or retired. Can't recall if they have transient slips. ‎

Cobbs Marina (757) 588-5401 ‎http://cobbsmarina.com/

Waterside (in downtown Norfolk) (757) 625-3625 http://www.watersidemarina.com/



Hampton is right across the James River

Bluewater (757) 723-0793 ‎ · bluewateryachtingcenter.com

Hampton City Docks (Nice! Concrete and steel) (used to be able to use the Hilton(?) pool across the street )
(757) 727-1271 ‎ · downtownhampton.com

God Luck and have fun. It's a great place to visit.

 

[tdappleman]

We love the Waterside Marina. It's right next to several restaurants and a short walk to Macarthur Mall and Starbucks. It is fun to tour the harbor - usually see fairly large ships in dry dock as well as all of the Navy vessels. One of our trips up we happened to see the Disney Magic in drydock.

 

[mistercomputerman]

Virginia Beach
http://www.marinashoresmarina.com/ They have a pool, walk to the Chesapeake Bay, bike in the State Park. 15 miles to resort beach by land.

Norfolk
http://www.watersidemarina.com/ The marina is showing it's age. The building housing the shops is mostly vacant. City of Norfolk is trying to decide whether to tear it down or rehab. Walking distance to Granby Street-lots of revitalization there with restaurants and bars

Portsmouth
http://www.tyamarina.com/1640.h.TIDEWATER_YACHT_MARINA_AMENITIES Across the river from Waterside. Might be a better bet for a marina, but, not so much to do on land

Williamsburg
http://www.kingsmill.com/the-marina/ Good place to stay. Marina guests get temporary club privileges. Shuttle to Busch Gardens amusement park

Some of the guys on this forum have stayed down this way, so maybe they'll chime in.

 

[dpmulvey]

I forgot about Kingsmill. Very high end.

If you want to feel like you have just taken a trip into Mayberry, try Smithfield Station. http://www.smithfieldstation.com/. Great restaurant and hotel. The docks and power are first rate. If you go, you will need a 50 Amp 125/250 volt to two 30 Amp splitter.

 

[CJ Martin]

Seconded Rick's comments on Waterside. There is no pool and the wooden floating docks are showing their age. There is a large shopping mall and Nauticus (where you can tour an actual Battleship) within easy walking distance. We stayed there last year for one night, and it was enough.

-CJ

 

[mistercomputerman]

Smithfield Station is good. I would go in and leave at high tide. Couple of dockmates report skinny water this year at low tide.

 

[dpmulvey]

Smithfield Station is good. I would go in and leave at high tide. Couple of dockmates report skinny water this year at low tide.

I noticed that on the 4th of July weekend. I did not know it was a recurring issue. If you catch the slack high tide docking is a cakewalk there. If not, anticipate fighting wind or current or both. Once you are tied up, there is no reason to leave. Everything is there.