Found on the peninsula of Virginia, Newport News is best known for its shipbuilding history. The most important tourist attractions in Newport News are the Maritime exhibits and naval history of the area. Today the shipyard is still producing nuclear submarines and aircraft. But the town is not only about the ships. Art, culture and natural beauty can be found as well as good music and entertainment meaning there is something for everyone to do here.
10. Ferguson centre for the arts
A theatre and concert hall located on the campus if Christopher Newport University. The mission is to offer a wide range of performances to attract and reach as many community members as possible. There are three separate concert halls and the building also contains a dance studio, arts studios and rehearsal halls. The venue showcases the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, shows such as White Christmas, ballet performances and music from big bands. Ticket prices vary depending on the show and bookings can be made in advance online. Groups and students are offered discounts.
9. Endview plantation
This eighteenth century house and grounds were used by military forces during the revolutionary war and the American Civil War. In 1862 the building served as a hospital during the Peninsula Campaign. Today it’s a museum where visitors can learn about American history as well as enjoying the house and grounds. The re-enactment programs are great for kids and fun for all the family. Special events tours and programs run throughout the year. Admission costs $8 for adults and $6 for children. The house is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
8. Huntington Park
The Park offers a range of activities to enjoy including a beach, tennis courts and fishing facilities all spanning 60 acres. There is a rose garden to stroll through and enjoy which features 45 different varieties. A large playground named Fort fun offers a cool place for children to play and enjoy. The beach is staffed by lifeguards during the summer months and concession stands are located here too. The tennis centre has twenty hardcourts and they are lit for use at night, lessons are available here for all levels and ages.
7. Newport News Park
Home to an amazing variety of native wildlife the Newport News park is one of the largest parks east of Mississippi. Deer, foxes, racoon and beaver can be found within the woodland and meadows that make up the park. Boating and fishing is enjoyed on the lakes and boats, canoes can be rented from the Campsite Office. Camping is a favourite thing to do in the natural woodland campsites, electric and water hook-ups and shower and grill facilities are on offer for campers. Picnic shelters are able to be reserved for a fee.
6. Peninsula Fine arts centre
The arts centre is located in the grounds of the park surrounding the Mariners Museum. The space features traveling exhibits and is one of only 20 non collecting centres that is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. As well as the changing exhibits there’s a studio art school, an interactive hands-on gallery for kids and other educational materials. Adult tickets cost $7.50 and children’s tickets are $4, they are valid for one week from the day of purchase. Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sundays 1pm to 5pm.
5. Hampton Roads Iceplex
A fun place for family and family and friends to enjoy Ice skating at this public ice rink. Something different to do during a break and an indoor activity that can be enjoyed whatever the weather is doing outside. Ice Hockey matches are played at the rink and can be watched at certain times. Skating opening times are 1130am to 130pm and 430pm to 6pm and 1230pm to 415pm and 7pm to 10pm on weekends. Times may vary depending on the season. Skate rental costs from $2 and entry prices range from $5 for kids and $8 for teens and adults.
4. Virginia Living museum
The Virginia living museum gives visitors the opportunity to encounter wildlife, plants and habitats which are native to the area but rarely seen. Believing in hands-on education, exhibits help visitors have a more memorable experience. Special programs such as weekend safaris and swamp visits are arranged by the museum for both visitors and members. There is also a planetarium theatre where a fully digital simulation of the sky can be viewed. The museum is open daily from 9am to 5pm and admission prices start from $13 for children and $17 for adults.
3. King Lincoln Park
Located on the shore of Hampton harbour the park features a natural beach, playgrounds, basketball courts, a stage and picnic shelters. King Lincoln Park Interpretive centre is open on weekends during the summer where exhibits highlight the native wildlife an ecosystems of the harbour. The picnic shelters have electricity and grills that can be reserved by making a phone call to the park. During the summer season special events are hosted at an outdoor stage within the grounds. It is a romantic place of all other places in Newport News to stroll during warm evenings.
2. US Army Transportation Corps
The collection contains almost 7,000 artefacts including nearly 100 large objects ranging from planes, jeeps, helicopters and trains. A quarter of museums objects have been donated by the general public and is one of the largest museums within the army. Favourites include the only surviving gun truck from the Vietnam war and the only surviving hovercraft. The collection is so large that only twenty-five percent is on show at one time. Admission is free of charge and guided tours are available with a reservation at least two weeks in advance.
1. The Mariners Museum
Congress has designated the collection as Americas National Maritime museum. Current exhibitions include Abandon ship: Stories of survival, Defending the seas, The Nelsons touch and the Hall of Great Steam. Collections of ship models and the Art of the Sea collection are just some of the highlights that visitors can enjoy. One of the most popular places to visit in Newport News. Daily opening hours are 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sundays. Admissions cost $13.95 for adults and $8.95 for children. Additional costs are required for the 3D movie. Group tours are also available and can be booked online.
Newport News offers non-stop flights to three different airports from its Williamsburg airport. Other travel options are by train and bus. Located three hours south of Washington DC and just 20 minutes from Williamsburg. There are plenty of other things to do in Newport News other than those listed. Great nightlife, restaurants and bars are in here to explore.