Location: Newport News
Top Things to do in Newport News
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Top 10 Things to do in Newport News, Virginia (VA)
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. USS Monitor Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By J1548SWdanielb - Elmira, United States
One portion of the Maritime museum and entry to the entire museum for $1.00. A short drive (30 min) from WIlliamsburg and a great option for any poor weather during your vacation. Contains the actual Monitor as well as reconstructions of the Monitor and Merrimac and history of the sea campaigns of the Civil War.
3. 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.
4. 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!!
5. Speed Club Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Speed-lovers, be prepared for the newest attraction taking over locations across the country: European-style indoor go-karting at Speed Club Center. Located in Newport News, Va. We have activities for all ages such as Bumper Cars, Mini bowling, Arcade, and Electric Go Karting.
6. Zenith
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Locally-owned, family-friendly business 4 Unique Things About Zenith VR+ESCAPE : 1) Virtual Reality headset for complete IMMERSION 2) Clue- Escape room, an adventure of solving puzzles and bonding with your friends. 3) Competition style Escape rooms. Attempt to sink the other battleship. 4) ESCAPE-to-GO™ -- we DELIVER escape rooms in Newport News, Yorktown, Hampton, and Poquoson as a 24-hour rental. Have an ESCAPE-to-GO™ delivered to your party, office, or hotel room and you'll be solving an intense mystery or getting yourself untrapped from a situation in no time! Fun for 6-8 people.
7. Breakout Games - Newport News
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
This isn’t your average outing or everyday experience—Breakout is for those who would rather solve mysteries than watch someone else have all the fun. With different rooms that follow unique story-lines, you and your friends will have 60 minutes to escape your adventure of choice by cracking codes, solving puzzles and following clues. Part problem solving, part adrenaline, end-to-end fun!
Reviewed By Keonya12
My friends and I visited Breakout Games on November 2nd and had a blast. We did the "Hostage" room and it really took us by surprise. I have done two escape rooms before this and Hostage was by far the most complex, but I loved it. I plan on coming back soon and recommend to anyone who has patience and loves to talk out clues.
8. Ironclad Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By TravelerO279 - Washington DC, United States
Nice spot inside a refurbished storehouse from the era of shipbuilding days long gone. Even have some of the old blast doors in place. The family running this distillery has done a great job renovating this building and turning it into a great spot for hanging out. Good whiskey and fun company here. Highly recommend taking the tour, if available. It's a nice local hangout with a relaxed atmosphere. The name comes from the famous battle of ironclads, which took place just south of the building in the James River during the Civil War, between the USS Monitor and CSS Merrimack. Thus, students of history will also have special appreciation for the location and the meaning behind the name.
9. Virginia War Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 153 reviews
Reviewed By RLWOrangePark - Ponte Vedra Beach, United States
AN ABSOLUTELY GREAT MUSEUM that unfortunately receives very little publicity but actually we enjoyed this museum much more than we did Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown. It is one of the most in depth museums we've seen. All American wars from the Revolution to the current War on Terror were highlighted and thoroughly covered with photos, artifacts, exhibits, etc. There were also exhibits on the Evolution of Weaponry, Women in the Military and Prisoners of War. Lots of displays of military equipment, artifacts, weaponry, photos, newspaper articles, and personal collections, including tanks and artillery pieces. We were the only sightseers there but we stayed for more than two and a half hours. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for AAA members/Seniors/military and $6 for children. Hours of operation are Mon-Sat 9 AM to 5 PM and Sun 12 Pm to 5 PM. HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!
10. 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
