Location: Newport News
Top Things to do in Newport News
8 Nature & Parks 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 Mariners' Museum & Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 911 reviews
The Mariners' Museum, America's National Maritime Museum, includes the USS Monitor Center, home to the Civil War Ironclad's iconic gun turret. The Museum has over 35,000 maritime artifacts, including ship models, paintings and small craft. Located on a 550-acre park, they also feature a 5-mile hiking trail and paddleboat rentals. Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Museum galleries are temporarily closed but we remain committed to bringing you fascinating stories from our Collection. Many favorite lecture series and family-friendly programs are being offered virtually for free, and we invite you to connect online with us. In addition, our Park and the Noland Trail are open and free to the public. We apologize for any inconvenience, and wish you good health until we can safely reopen our galleries.
Reviewed By TravelNut12309 - Newport News, United States
There is more to see here than than can fit in a day. The Monitor-Merrimack exhibit is top-notch, with Monitor wreck artifacts dredged up off the North Carolina coast undergoing restoration and, when ready, being installed inside the building in the equivalent location as a parallel outdoor mockup of the exterior. The international small craft building is fascinating, the intricate ship models can occupy you for hours, plus there is a full-scale, many-room exhibit of the history of mankind’s endeavors in the world’s seas. This is a must-see complement to the other maritime sights of Tidewater Virginia, like the Hampton Roads boat tours. Special thanks to the gentle, informative, highly-motivated volunteer docents who enliven the Monitor-Merrimack exhibition.
2. 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.
3. Virginia Living Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 740 reviews
View endangered red wolves. Get up close to a loggerhead turtle and moon jellies. See fish with no eyes and frogs that change colors. Touch live spider crabs and fossilized dinosaur tracks. It's all at the Virginia Living Museum, Newport News, where living exhibits depict Virginia's natural heritage from the mountains to the sea. Experience a steamy cypress swamp and cool mountain cove. Explore the underwater world of the Chesapeake Bay and the underground realm of a limestone cave. See flying squirrels, stingrays and other creatures of the night. Touch famous Bay creatures. Kids will especially enjoy the Touch Tank with its sea stars and horseshoe crabs. Enjoy hands-on activities. See spectacular views of the sun from the observatory and travel the universe in the state-of-the-art digital planetarium. Outdoors, stroll the boardwalk to view coastal birds, beavers, otters, coyotes, endangered red wolves and other animals in naturalized habitats. Butterfly Garden, Virginia Garden and landscape plantings display one of the most extensive displays of native plants in Virginia. Learn how to live, build and garden green in the Conservation Garden and Green Living House.
Reviewed By prancingdeer - Tucson, United States
It’s great for all ages and has a little bit of something for everyone! From animals to space it truely is great
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. Battle of Lee’s Mill -Dam Number 1
6. SPCA Petting Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By teen_reviewer - Ashburn, United States
I visited with my friends and for the small entry fee we were able to meet many cute animals. The goats were adorable and I would for sure go back!
7. Victory Landing Park
8. 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!
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