"Norfolk, Virginia" Norfolk by Canuck5

This was my first visit to this area. The downtown area is very clean, and well-maintained. City workers were out early in the morning cleaning the waterfront park of any trash, mowing, etc.
In speaking to some of the locals, Norfolk has seen a great improvement over the past 4 years or so. With a new police station downtown, the area between the waterfront on the south side of the Elizabeth River, and the Scope Arena, bordered by St. Paul St. on one side, is a much safer area to be walking around in than it apparently used to be.
City officials have been bringing in more festivals, entertainment, etc. into the city, and for the surrounding cities making up the Hampton Roads district, Norfolk seems to be the place to come to.

The actual beach at Virginia Beach is just a 25 min drive east along the highway.

For those staying at the Sheraton or the Marriott Hotels downtown, you'll find there's a lack of a liquor store in the safer part of the city. There are a few bars, however. You may wish to drive 10 minutes east up the highway and take the exit for Military Hwy North. There, you'll find plenty of restaurants and malls, and places to purchase beer, wine, etc.