Things to do

22 Unique Things To Do In Newport News, Virginia

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A visit to Newport News in Virginia would prove rather valuable if you are eager to learn something about US history, as the area is soaked with lots of traditional buildings, historical curiosities, and at the same time impressive museums and galleries.

The city may provide a special fusion of contemporary metropolitan comforts and small-town charm. Hence, if you are on vacation and looking for things to do in Newport News Virginia, then we have listed some of them below:

1. Hike The Scenic And Relaxing Noland Trail

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Located in the Mariners' Museum Park, Noland is a peaceful wood-traced trail that circles Lake Maury. It is kind of a rustic lovely park for people who like to go trekking and spend time within the vicinity of nature itself. Well-kept up, clean, and safe place; this would be a fitting venue to spend some precious time with kids.

It is always an inspiration to people who come to jog along this trail because they get to breathe fresh air as they exercise. You can also stop by the James River and enjoy the romantic sight of its calm waters.

2. Walk Through Downtown Newport News

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Walking around Downtown Newport News is a good place to start your city tour if you're new to the region. When visiting Newport News, this is the first, or even the second thing you should do to familiarize yourself with the city.

Despite being less marketed than neighboring Virginia communities, downtown Newport News still has a lot of local shops, restaurants, and establishments. If you're not sure what to do in Newport News on your first day, you may also visit Victory Landing Park, which has great views of the waterfront and is a great place to wander.

3. Shop At Patrick Henry Mall

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Patrick Henry Mall is where one goes on rainy days or gloomy days, where stores cater to all needs. Household goods and jewelry as well as apparel and footwear for everybody.

Most if not all the most known chains have stores here, apart from the stores above a number of unique ones are available too. One can refresh oneself with snacks available in the very famous restaurants of the mall including but not limited to Auntie Anne's Pretzels and Cinnabon.

4. Visit The Mariners’ Museum And Park

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The Mariners' Museum and Park is one of Newport News, Virginia's most popular tourist destinations. This is regarded as one of the world's biggest and most extensive marine museums. You may thus spend hours here learning more about the world's marine history.

You can find everything connected to maritime history: there are over 60,000 exhibits and items displayed. After the exhibitions, one can take a nice park walk, enjoying the scenes opening towards the lake. 

5. Take A Quick Trip To The U.S. Army Transportation Museum

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Have you ever wondered what a military soldier's life is like? There is no better location to satisfy your curiosity than Newport News, Virginia. The collections at this museum will capture your interest if you have a passion for the military. Military items are the focus of the museum's collection, preservation, and exhibition.

Exhibits depict a variety of modes of transportation, from early horseback riding to modern, highly advanced military engines. Boats, railroads, and helicopters come in a variety of models. The museum displays a variety of ancient equipment in both indoor and outdoor exhibitions.

6. Visit The Virginia War Museum

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The Virginia War Museum is a must-visit for history buffs who want to learn more about Virginia's and the city's past. For individuals who enjoy learning more about the past, this is among the top activities in Newport News.

Weapons, clothes, vehicles, and private letters from troops are among the many relics and displays at the museum that date back to 1775. Additionally, one of the museum's highlights is the WWII trench display.

7. Spot Native Animals At Virginia Living Museum

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One great thing you can do in Newport News, Virginia, is the Virginia Living Museum, where your kids will be introduced to some of the local animals like red wolves, American alligators, and otters.

The other outdoor activities that kids just love include going to parks and museums. With all the indoor and outdoor animal exhibitions, a visit to any of them can't go without something really exciting for the youngsters. The boardwalk, rustic in outlook allows viewing of a number of natural species such as river otters, bobcats, and red wolves.

During a walk, it's great to observe the birds including the bald eagles and other coastal ones. Kids are going to love a Dinosaur Discovery Trail with dinosaurs lifelike.

8. Tour The James A. Fields House

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The James A. Fields home is another noteworthy home museum in Newport News. James Apostle Fields, a well-known African-American lawyer and politician, owned this Italianate-style house built in 1897.

On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, tours are available by appointment. You may discover more about James A. Fields' life and work by taking a tour of the home, which Fields also used as a law office.

9. Stroll Through The Hilton Village

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Among the things to do in Newport News, VA, is a walk along historic Hilton Village. After designs from the rural towns of England, Hilton Village was constructed early in the 1900s and in 1962 it made the National Register of Historic Places.

The first government military housing project in the country to be included on the National Register of Historic Places is this one. The village's architecture and homes from the 20th century transport you back in time as you stroll through it.

Numerous local stores in the quaint town sell goods including apparel, jewelry, and antiques. Along the way, you'll also come across bakeries, eateries, and confectionery stores, such as a fudge business.

10. Eat At Local Restaurants

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Savoring regional cuisine at local restaurants is among the top nighttime activities in Newport News. Because Newport News has a wide variety of culinary options, you may search for neighborhood eateries, hip cafes, high-end restaurants, and breweries to spend your nights with friends or family.

This would guarantee that you could enjoy yourself while exploring the city. If this is your first time there, take advantage of the opportunity to sample the local cuisine wherever you go. Try the local food; each location has its own specialties and distinctive features.

11. Chill Out At Huntington Park Beach

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You may spend your evenings at Huntington Park Beach with family or alone. One of the greatest spots for kids to play in a designated area is here. The park also features a lake, a rose garden, and two ball fields.

Here, you may also keep an eye out for boating events. You may still go here for a breathtaking sunset view in Newport News if you don't want to do anything.

Undoubtedly, the unique combination of culture and history put together in Newport News, combined with scenic surroundings, will create unparalleled holidays. From museums of national significance to a number of parks and beaches, you can either unwind yourself or rejuvenate there.

12. Enjoy A Performance At Ferguson Center

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Amongst the many popular attractions in the city is the Ferguson Center for the Arts. Being an art lover, if you are on holiday, this can be included in your agenda of things to do.

First and foremost, the place is popular for its theatrical performances live on stage with some of the great works of art in the world.

The place is always filled with tourists from every part of the world who come to watch a dance performance or a music event. The ambiance is perfect to watch a performance where the light settings are just perfect and the seats plush.

13. Go See The Lee Hall Mansion

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While in Newport News, the Lee Hall Mansion is not to be missed. If you have ever wanted to know anything at all about the history of the Civil War, this is one of the best sources. An interpretation of the lifestyle a wealthy Virginia family enjoyed before the outbreak of the Civil War, this historical treasure is a must-see.

This 1850 house is filled with antique furnishings and set amidst pretty grounds, making for quite the learning experience.

Lee Hall, otherwise widely known as Lee Hall Mansion, is one of the few surviving antebellum houses in the Virginia Peninsula. In addition, it is an excellent example of Victorian architecture. House and grounds guided tours can be made for further enlightenment of the historical artifact by the visitors.

14. Discover The Cultural Treasures Of The Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center

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The beautiful Ella Fitzgerald Theater, built in honor of this renowned artist and capable of seating over 270 people, is housed in the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Centre.

This is a proper tribute to one of Newport News' icons, but many visitors may be unaware that Ella Fitzgerald was born there in 1917.

Nowadays, there are a variety of performances accessible in town, so check the local listings to see what's going on. This multipurpose facility also includes a dance studio, a music room, an art studio, and other activity rooms.

15. Witness The Legacy Of Endview Plantation

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The former residence of Dr. Humphrey Harwood Curtis was Endview Plantation. The doctor used to practice medicine here before this rudimentary building was converted into a hospital during the Confederate War.

The structure is now a museum that shows and educates tourists about the various historical and cultural activities that have influenced this city. The direction you approach the house from the west end is where the term Endview originates.

A romantic scene is created by the museum's location on a charming hill with a wonderful spring water flow at its base.

16. Visit Peninsula SPCA To See The Animals

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Rescued animals are cared for until they pass at the Peninsula SPCA and Petting Zoo, an animal sanctuary and adoption center with a "no-kill" policy. Along with providing a range of educational activities for guests of all ages, the SPCA also provides preventive veterinarian treatment for rescued, wounded, and orphaned animals.

Numerous rescued animals, including chickens, goats, lambs, tortoises, peacocks, alpacas, and a black leopard, may be seen at the sanctuary's petting zoo. In addition to learning more about exotic species in the zoo's habitats, kids may pet and feed the barnyard animals.

This well-known open-door animal shelter is tucked away in a verdant setting. Find out more about the petting zoo's adoption procedure. The sight of various animals, including sheep, goats, alpacas, and peacocks, will surprise and delight the children.

17. Enjoy Local Whiskey And Bourbon At Ironclad Distillery

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Locally produced whiskey and bourbon are served in the welcoming Ironclad Distillery. You may unwind in the tasting area and try a range of drinks while there. It overlooks the location of the Battle of the Ironclads, which gave rise to the name, and is located away along the James River's banks.

The mission of this distillery is to use the greatest all-Virginia grains to create the purest and best Bourbon in the country. A tour of the plant, which includes information about Virginia's lengthy history of producing Bourbon, is open to visitors.

The cozy and welcoming sample Room offers a sample of Ironclad products and other seasonal beverages following the tour.

18. Get A Beer At Tradition Brewing

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One of the most well-known breweries in Newport News is Tradition Brewing. You may sample a variety of beers at the taproom, with a brew to suit every palate. With 22 taps, two patios, and a bar with six taps upstairs, their two-story taproom provides a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Black cherry lager, honey brown ale, and blood orange-flavored beer are a few choices. The brewery also holds a lot of fun events, such as quiz nights, bingo, and live music performances. Food trucks run by locals often appear as well.

19. Get Dessert At Melting Pot

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For those who want to get lost in dessert, The Melting Pot is another Newport News, Virginia attraction. This restaurant serves bowls of heated melted chocolate for dipping desserts in and specializes in fondue.

Chocolate fondus includes basic milk, white, or dark chocolate, with alternatives such as melted chocolate with peanuts or melted milk chocolate with caramel and candied pecans. Cake and fruit dip will be served to diners. There are additional alternatives for savory dinners.

20. Rent A kayak At Deep Creek Landing Marina

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If you are into outdoor recreation, you should consider kayaking in Deep Creek Landing Marina whenever you venture out to the city of Newport News.

You can kayak in the said marina at very budget-friendly rentals from the house, or you may come with your own kayak. Once in the water, you go out onto the James River and begin paddling up and enjoying your view.

21. Groove to the music at Manhattan's NY Deli & Pub

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While there are a number of events in the Newport News area to visit and enjoy at night, Manhattan's NY Deli and Pub is the best. On the Virginia Peninsula, this bar and restaurant is highly well-liked. This lively bar is a great spot for dancing and dining.

The catering crew is outstanding, and the cuisine is fascinating. The restaurant got it right on with everything from classic American food to drinks and booze.

Also, it has a terrace where you may eat while taking in the scenery. There isn't a finer spot to spend the evening than here, with live DJ music and shows.

22. Visit The Historic Jamestowne

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The Colonial National Historical Park serves Historic Jamestowne and is the location of the first English settlement in North America.

In addition to a theater experience, this tourist center features a variety of exhibits that will explain the history of the permanent colony.

After that, you may explore the fascinating Archaearium, which will provide you with comprehensive information on the local archeology as well as the geology and history of Historic Jamestowne.