Explore history and the great outdoors at Newport News, Virginia

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Newport News boasts a rich history and great location which helped shaped the city into what it is today that started after the founding of Jamestown. This destination is situated on the shores of the Hampton Roads harbor in the southeastern region of Virginia.
The city is located close to Hampton which is just a few minutes away from Williamsburg and a brief drive to Virginia Beach as well as the Atlantic Ocean. If you want a break from the busy city life, you can experience history, ships and the great outdoors in Newport News.

Tickets

If you decide to visit Newport News, you can buy the tickets at the Newport News Visitor Center. If you want to learn more about the tickets, click here.

Tickets bought via telephone are shipped within Monday-Friday, excluding the Busch Gardens tickets. For more information about the discount coupons, call 757-886-7777 or toll-free at 888-493-7386.

The Visitor Center is open every day starting from 9 AM to 5 PM and closed during Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

One City Pass

Adult – $54.45
Children 6-12 years old – $39.20
Children 3-5 years old – $14

The One City Pass can be used for a year from the day of acquisition and covers the entrance to the following:

Lee Hall Mansion
Endview Plantation
The Mariner’s Museum and Park
Peninsula Fine Arts Center
Peninsula SPCA Sanctuary & Petting Zoo
Virginia Living Museum
Virginia War Museum

Ambassador Pass

For Newport residents, there is the yearly Ambassador Pass every December and lasts up to January. This pass allows free entrance to some of the Newport News attractions. To learn more, click here.

Individual tickets

The Water Country USA tickets and Busch Gardens Williamsburg are obtainable at the Newport News Visitor Center with a discount. You can get this discount by buying your tickets in person at the Visitor Center.

Annual memberships

One way to save big is with the annual membership to Newport News attractions. The following are sites that charge an entry fee who currently offer the annual memberships. To learn more, simply click on every listing.

Other special offers

The Lee Hall Mansion, Endview Plantation and the Virginia War Museum offer a combination voucher for a single admission to all attractions. The prices range from $21 for adults, $18 for seniors and $15 for children 7-18 years old.

Transportation

Newport News is only an hour away from Richmond and Virginia Beach which is less than 30 minutes away from Norfolk and Williamsburg. It is also a short while from Hampton, Jamestown, Smithfield, Yorktown, and Gloucester.

You can journey by car since the I-64 stretches the length of the city and links with I-264, I-664, and Routes 17, 60, and 143.

With its position in Hampton Roads, you can easily reach Newport News from any location in Virginia. Some major commercial airlines and connections arrive daily at the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport. The Norfolk International Airport is around 30 minutes from Newport News.

You can also travel by rail which will easily take you to Newport News. Amtrak has connections from New York, Boston, Wilmington, Philadelphia, Washington D.C, Baltimore, Richmond, and from major southern cities via Richmond.

Another option is to travel using the Greyhound bus system which includes nationwide service, just a few minutes away from Hampton. You can also travel by taxi cab, limousine or the Hampton Roads Transit. If you want to take on a scenic route, you can go for the renowned bridge-tunnel systems or the national highway network.

Things to do at Newport News

When it comes to things to do at Newport News, you have a variety to choose from such as historical attractions and museums, architectural landmarks, natural parks as well as sporting, camping and fishing opportunities for everyone to enjoy.

Attractions

The Mariner’s Museum and Park. You will learn great stories that are captured in precious artifacts that celebrate the spirit of the open sea. As America’s National Maritime Museum, it is one of the biggest and comprehensive maritime museums in the world.
Virginia Living Museum. Visitors can see bald eagles, red wolves, frogs that change colors and many more. The living exhibits portray Virginia’s natural heritage from the mountains to the sea.
Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center. This accommodates the Ella Fitzgerald Theater which is a 276-seat venue.
Virginia War Museum. Collections of weapons, artifacts, vehicles, uniforms, and posters will allow you to trace the development of the US military from 1775 up to present.
Endview Plantation. This is a historic house museum and offers guided tours.
Ferguson Center for the Arts.
Warwick Courthouse 1884.
Historic Hilton Village. You can find charming, local shops and services offering fine clothing, quality fur, antiques and collectibles, consignment, artwork, crafts, jewelry, beads and more.
James A. Fields House. This restored house provides visitors a glimpse into the life of the African-American community in Newport News during the 1900s.
Lee Hall Mansion. Visitors can journey back to the mid-Victorian period with its fitted-out rooms, including a sophisticated ladies’ parlor.
Lee Hall Depot. This is the last station from the C&O Railroad’s development into Warwick County. The depot has been restored to conserve an entity vital to the development of the city.
Main Street Library.
Peninsula Community Theatre.
Peninsula Fine Arts Center. You can find a variety of artworks and dynamic exhibitions.
Peninsula SPCA & Barnyard. Take time to visit and spend time with several barnyard friends.
The Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center.
U.S. Army Transportation Museum. You can discover the world of Army transportation.

Outdoors & Recreation

Depending on the outdoor activities that you want to enjoy while in Newport News, you have a variety of choices to choose from. With a moderate climate and great location, the combination makes this the ideal destination to explore with a variety of activities to enjoy. Click here for the list of outdoor and recreational activities to try out.

Fishing. Newport News boasts some of the best fishing spots with miles of Saltwater coast and acres of freshwater lakes and reservoirs. Fishing is a breeze with seven public boat ramps and three modern marinas. You can learn more about fishing here.
Bike trails. The bike trails range from a leisure trek to challenging journeys but all boast picturesque views. If you want to learn more about these trails, click here.
Camping. There are 188 available campsites at Newport News Park. These locations are only minutes away from Williamsburg and a short drive to Virginia Beach and Norfolk. Learn more about the campsites here. These campsites offer several comforts of home to make your experience the outdoors in comfort. Furthermore, pets are allowed.
Pet-friendly places. For pet lovers, there are several parks, hotels, restaurants, and attractions where you can bring along your companion. Check out these places here.

Events & Festivals

At Newport News, there is always something to do in and around this must-visit destination. Your itinerary will be packed with a variety of events and festivals nearby. Learn more about the upcoming events by registering here to keep you updated.

Spectator Sports

When you visit Coastal Virginia, you have several opportunities to watch popular sports in semi-professional leagues from the Peninsula Pilots, Norfolk Tides, and the Norfolk Admirals.

Where To Stay

Once you decide to visit Newport News, the next question that comes to mind is where to stay. You might want to check out the selection of recommended hotels below that will ensure that your stay is a truly relaxing and comfortable experience.

InTown Suites Extended Stay Newport News. This hotel is situated directly off I-64 which boasts rooms equipped with a kitchen. Every room includes a private bathroom with a seating space equipped with a sofa as well as cable TV. Guests can enjoy the laundry amenities and coffee is offered in the lobby as well as free parking.
Best Western Plus Newport News. Just 16.1 km from the downtown area of Newport News, your stay at this hotel is just like home with well-furnished rooms plus a heated outdoor pool to relax in. In every room, it is furnished with a large work desk and a sofa. A refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker are included and guests can enjoy cable TV and free Wi-Fi. The hotel serves a continental breakfast in the morning and there is a business center in the lobby.
Courtyard Newport News Airport. This hotel offers free shuttle service to Newport News-Williamsburg Airport. The amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, 24-hour convenience store while the rooms are equipped with a 27-inch LCD TV and an iPod dock. Guests can relax at the outdoor terrace which offers seating and a firepit.
Courtyard Newport News Yorktown. If you decide to stay at Courtyard Newport News Yorktown, the rooms offer plush bedding, a bathroom with shower/tub and cable channels. The room also includes a work desk, 2 telephones, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has an indoor pool, whirlpool and a fitness center as well as safety deposit boxes, express check-in/out option, and room service.
Residence Inn Newport News Airport. If you are staying at this hotel, enjoy free Wi-Fi and cable TV with HBO. The expansive suites feature sofa beds and a dining area along with a living area, work desk, and a fully-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher. During your stay, it includes a breakfast buffet at The Gatehouse every morning to start the day. There is also a 24-hour market that offers snacks and light meals.

Aside from the recommended hotels listed above, other hotels in the city are worth checking out. For additional hotel choices, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let us now take a look at some of the commonly asked questions about Newport News. For more questions, click here.

What is Newport News Virginia famous for?

The City of Newport News in Virginia is well-known for its rich history ranging from the landing at Jamestown back in 1607 up to the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and the 1862 Peninsula Campaign. Learn more about the historical roots of the city here.

How do I reach the Newport News Visitor Center?

From I-64, drive to Exit 250B, VA Route 105 E/Ft. Eustis Blvd./ Yorktown. Upon reaching the base of the exit ramp, turn left onto Jefferson Avenue. Turn right at the entrance to Newport News Park and the Visitor Center is on the left side.

How wealthy is Newport News?

Back in 2017, the city of Newport News had a population of around 181k people with a median age of 33.2 with an average household income of $51,082.

The Denbigh or uptown area has been the richest sector of the city. Recently, the city has been redeveloping other areas of the city, particularly in the downtown area to drive in more income in those areas.

How safe is Newport News VA?

When it comes to the overall crime rate in Newport News, it is 32% higher than the national average. The city is safer than 18% of the cities in the United States. There is a 1 in 30 chance of becoming a victim of any crime in the city.

Is there a Newport Virginia?

Newport News is an independent city and port of entry in the southeastern region of Virginia. It is situated on the northern side of Hampton Roads and the mouth of the James River.

Final thoughts

Once you decide to visit Virginia, you might want to consider Newport News as one of the must-see cities. With its rich historical background and attractions along with a variety of outdoor and recreational activities to engage in, it is a worthy destination that the whole family will surely enjoy.