Virginia · Est. 1938
Norfolk Botanical Garden
Virginia's largest botanical garden, featuring over 60 themed gardens powered by 100% renewable energy.
Founded
1938
Size
175 acres
Hardiness Zone
USDA Zone 8b
Best Season
April to October
About Norfolk Botanical Garden
Located in Coastal Virginia where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, Norfolk Botanical Garden spans 175 acres of diverse horticultural displays. The garden is home to more than 60 distinctive themed gardens, 95 species of birds, and 30 kinds of butterflies. It is recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is powered entirely by renewable energy.
History & Heritage
The garden was founded in 1938 through a collaboration between Norfolk City Manager Thomas P. Thompson and horticulturalist Frederic Heutte. Under a Works Progress Administration (WPA) grant, 200 African-American women and 20 men cleared the initial 75-acre site. By March 1939, thousands of azaleas, rhododendrons, and daffodils had been planted. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
Signature Feature
Bicentennial Rose Garden
Completed in 1976 in honor of America's 200th birthday, the Bicentennial Rose Garden spans 3.5 acres. It features over 3,000 individual rose bushes representing more than 430 varieties. The garden was previously one of 23 testing sites for the All-American Selection for roses.
Photo Gallery
Vibrant azaleas blooming in the spring
Tranquil view of the Japanese Garden
Lush greenery in the tropical conservatory
Notable Collections
Hofheimer Camellia Garden
One of the region's largest camellia collections with more than 500 varieties.
Virginia Native Plant Garden
Six acres showcasing four plant communities that once covered southeastern Virginia.
Bristow Butterfly Garden
A two-acre habitat specifically designed to attract and support butterflies and moths.
Holly Garden & Turner Sculpture Garden
Contains 121 varieties of evergreen hollies grouped by geographic regions in garden rooms.
Plan Before You Go
Hours, Parking & Accessibility
Hours & Seasonal Timing
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM daily
Best seasonal window: April to October
Parking & Arrival
Free parking available on site
Check the official visit page for event-day parking changes and arrival instructions.
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible with paved paths and tram tours available
Contact the garden before visiting to discuss route conditions, mobility equipment, or support needs.
Visitor details are reviewed from the garden's public information and were last checked May 2026. Policies, prices, and route conditions can change; confirm final arrangements directly with the garden.
Recognition & Awards
- Newsweek Readers' Choice Award #3 Best Botanical Garden in U.S.
- National Register of Historic Places (2005)
Editorial Standards
This profile was prepared by the BotanicalGardens.blog editorial research desk using official garden pages and other named sources where available. Hours, admission, and access details can change; confirm them with the garden before a special trip. This profile was last reviewed May 2026. If you notice an inaccuracy, please contact us.
Plan Your Visit
April to October
Address
6700 Azalea Garden Road, Norfolk, VA 23518
Phone
757-441-5830
Hours
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM daily
Admission
Reserved ticketing available online
Parking
Free parking available on site
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible with paved paths and tram tours available
Insider Tips
- 1Take the 25-minute narrated tram tour to see the highlights of the 175-acre property.
- 2Visit the WOW Children's Garden if traveling with family to enjoy the splash fountains.
- 3During summer months, consider taking the 45-minute boat tour on Lake Whitehurst.
- 4Check the seasonal bloom calendar, especially for the azaleas in spring and roses in summer.
Nearby Attractions
- Norfolk International Airport (1 mile)
- Virginia Zoo (5 miles)
- Chrysler Museum of Art (6 miles)