The Best Military Base Tours: Naval Station Norfolk Norfolk, Va.

Naval Station Norfolk is our nation’s largest Navy base, as well as a major naval air station, and because of its size, more than a few people have asked to see it up close. To that end,  NS Norfolk  has designated Tidewater Tours as the official tour operator for the base. You will board a bus and be taken around the base visiting the piers with the ships, the Naval Air Station and the jets, the air park (where they have a display of decommissioned aircraft), and the old, historic part of the base. This is a 45-minute windshield-only tour meaning once on base you are not allowed to get off the bus — but don’t worry; its wonderfully panoramic and covers all the major areas.

You might also consider the cruise ship Victory Rover which sails up and down the Elizabeth River. You’ll have  an excellent view of the ships from the water side. This tour departs from the Nauticus Museum (see listing under Virginia).