Location: Newport News
Top Things to do in Newport News
8 Free Things to do in Newport News That You Shouldn't Miss
Jutting into the water on the Virginia Peninsula, the city of Newport News has played an important part in the maritime history of the United States. A leader in shipbuilding since 1886, the booming shipyard is still producing nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers. Learn about naval history and the Golden Age Exploration at The Mariners' Museum, with 60,000 square feet of rare maps, nautical instruments and the USS Monitor Center, preserving the remains of the first ironclad warship.
Restaurants in Newport News
1. The Noland Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 308 reviews
Reviewed By 559albertd
The locals know how awesome the Noland trail is so if you are in town and want an awesome trail to walk or jog, this is your place. Well marked and maintained, shaded and plenty of parking.
2. Newport News Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
Make plans to begin your adventure at the Newport News Visitor Center. Here our well-trained travel counselors stand ready to assist you with your itinerary and to help you make the most of your Newport News experience. The counselors can supply you with a variety of information including a Visitor Guide, directional maps, attraction fees and hours, accommodation information, and special event happenings.
Reviewed By jehenson81 - Washington DC, United States
I am so happy I stopped at the Newport News Visitors Center after hiking at Newport News Park (they are at the same location). The ladies were super friendly and after giving me a map guided me to their tourism pamphlet which had coupons in it for most of the places I was going. This rocked and saved me a few bucks. They also had a ton of brochures for not only the area but all over VA. SCORE!!
3. U.S. Army Transportation Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 200 reviews
Our museum heritage spans the breadth of transportation multi-modal delivery which has given the Nation and our Army the ability to globally deploy, engage and defeat the enemies of the United States in close combat. To do so, the Transportation Corps has grown and evolved in capability since its Rail and Movement Control beginnings. During Vietnam, Army Transportation added helicopter deliveries of man and equipment on the battlefield in support of intratheater operations. Today, Army transportation includes Air, Rail, Container, ship, and truck transport having divested its rotary capability to the Army Aviation Corps to give intertheater clout. With units spread throughout the Active, Guard and Reserve, Army transportation both here and abroad has created a culture within the logistics community who are risk takers on the battlefield as its people depart ports and Forward Operating Bases to sustain and bring capability which embraces its motto as the "Spearhead of Logistics"
Reviewed By 940patrickg - Virginia Beach, United States
This museum is very well organized, with detailed exhibits and broad collection. I was expecting a smattering of older vehicles, but was very pleasantly surprised. The core of the museum is a linear story of Army transportation from the Revolution until current conflicts. The centerpieces are full size dioramas with authentic pieces from wagons to trucks to helicopters. They have multiple detailed descriptions and supporting photographs, items, maps, documents, period uniforms, as well as smaller dioramas. It includes uniforms and stories of soldiers who served in transportation units of the Army through it's history. One could whip through quickly with the kids just looking at the highlights or spend hours (like I did) reading most of the supporting material. Outside the museum are four large collections of vehicles divided into trains, trucks, water vehicles, and aircraft. Interspersed with the many classic trucks and jeeps are some truly unique museum pieces. If you have interest in the military or history, you will find this museum fascinating. I suspect most will get through the exhibits in 2-3 hours. I spent 4 hours and skipped some (but not many) of the write ups. Be prepared for the driver to present driver's license, proof of insurance and registration to drive onto the base and to have your car inspected. The museum is within sight of the security checkpoint, across the road. It's free, but you're a chump if you don't drop a donation to this really cool museum!
4. Newport News Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 289 reviews
Reviewed By DaveNewportNews - Newport News, United States
Love walking and biking on the 5.3 miles path at the Newport News Campground. You can exit to the Yorktown Battlefields and George Washington's headquarters at the halfway point.
5. Patrick Henry Mall
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 18 reviews
6. Victory Arch
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By Stpete59 - Seminole, United States
We asked at the va war museum about going to the port of embarkation where my father landed after ww2 we were told it is not in a good part of town and recommended we go to the victory arch instead it is impressive and a great way to welcome home our veterans
7. Huntington Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By LHGal - Myrtle Beach, United States
Visiting my daughter, a Christopher Newport University student, we were looking for quiet place to spend some time together before I headed home. Just four miles from the University, we found this lovely park. It's small and quiet, but just right. The park has something for everyone - rose garden, war memorial, picnic shelter, playground, fishing pier, boat landing, and beach. The park sits on the James River w/ a swimming area that is open during the summer complete w/ lifeguard & snack bar. We brought our own picnic & blanket to enjoy the warm fall afternoon. Great time together that ended w/ a picture perfect sunset! My daughter & friends from CNU have already visited the park a few times for some study time in the sun. Will definitely visit again!
8. Dean and Don's Farmer's Market
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 18 reviews
