Newport News is a city in Virginia in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. It's on the James River, and much of the area has been developed into a city starting in the late 19th century.
Norfolk International AirportORFIATA in Norfolk (Virginia), about 20-25 miles to the southeast, offers more discount flights (including Southwest Airlines) and destinations.
By train
πNewport News Transportation Center,500B Bland Blvd,β +1 757 245 3589.Daily: 4:30AMβ1PM; 3PMβ11:30PM;.There are generally at least two trains a day in each direction between Newport News and Boston or Springfield, stopping at all major points along Amtrak's Northeast Corridor. The trip to Washington, DC is four hours and 20 minutes. Serves as the southern terminus for the Amtrak Northeast Regional route.(updated Apr 2024)
By car
Interstate 64 eastbound will take you straight into Newport News. It intersects Interstate 95 in Richmond and Interstate 81 near Staunton.
Get around
HRT - Hampton Roads Transit provides local bus routes, as well as express buses across the tunnels to the southside of the Hampton Roads area.
Main Roads - Jefferson Avenue and Warwick Boulevard are the two main north/south routes through the city. All directions lead you down one of these streets.
πThe Mariners' Museum,100 Museum Dr,β +1 757 596-2222.MβSa 10AM-5PM; Su noon-5PM.One of the largest and most comprehensive maritime history museums in the world, this museum is the home of the USS Monitor Center.$12.50 adults; free for children 5 and under.
πVirginia Living Museum,524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd,β +1 757 595-1900.Summer: daily 9AM-5PM; winter: M-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM.The museum's living exhibits and hands-on experiences engage groups of all ages. Outdoors, groups can stroll the elevated boardwalk to view coastal birds, beavers and other animals in naturalized habitats, plus native plant gardens.Adult $15, child 3-12 $12.
πNewport News Park.One of the largest municipal parks in the country, this 8,000 acre park is home to a variety of native wildlife, including deer, foxes, otter, raccoon and beaver. Miles of walking and biking trails wander through woods, swamps and meadows. Rowboats, paddleboats and canoes are available for rent, and there are over 180 campsites available for reservation.
πDowning-Gross Cultural Arts Center(Downing-Gross),2410 Wickham Avenue,β +1 757-247-8950,downing-gross@nnva.gov.M-F 9AM-8PM, Sa 10AM-4PM, Su closed.Multi-purpose space owned and operated by the City of Newport News Parks Recreation and Tourism Department. Throughout the year, the center features various theatrical productions and shows on the Ella Fitzgerald Theater stage, as well as gallery exhibits, classes, and workshops for all ages.Free.(updated Oct 2018)
πFerguson Center for the Arts.Part of Christopher Newport University(updated Apr 2020)
πPatrick Henry Mall,12300 Jefferson Ave,β +1 757 249-4305.MβSa 10AMβ9PM, Su noonβ6PM.Dozens of stores await you in the only fully-enclosed mall on the peninsula.
πCity Center at Oyster Point.City Center at Oyster Point is one of two large shopping centers in Newport news, the other being Port Warwick. City Center is home to the Marriott hotel, and many shops and restaurants.
πHilton Village.Hilton Village is recognized as the United States' first Federal war-housing project, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are dozens of shops and cafes in Hilton, so do go and spend the afternoon in this quaint neighborhood.
Eat
πCrab Shack on the James Seafood Restaurant,7601 River Road(take Mercury Blvd south, and turn right at the last stop light before the James River Bridge; it's on the left side of the park near the beach),β +1 757 245-2722.Su-Th 11AM-11:30PM; F Sa 11AM-12:30AM.During the Spring and Summer, eat out on the covered patio and enjoy the views of the James River.
πVinny's Pizza & Pasta,748 J Clyde Morris Blvd,β +1 757 594-3354.M-Sa 10AM-10PM.You have to peruse the pizza case before you sit down and order, otherwise you'll never believe half of what's on the menu. Baked ziti pizza? Cheesesteak pizza? This place is good, authentic Italian food housed in an old Hawaiian-style Pizza Hut building!
Drink
Sleep
πKiln Creek Golf Club and Resort,1003 Brick Kiln Blvd,toll-free: +1-888-828-6745.Kiln Creek is in the middle of the lush countryside. It features an all-inclusive resort facility, including the remodeled inn, restaurant, day spa, and championship golf course.
πComfort Suites Airport - Newport News,12570 Jefferson Ave,β +1 757-947-1333,fax: +1 757-947-1330.Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM.Off Interstate 64 (at Exit 255 B). The hotel is on the right directly behind Red Lobster and Olive Garden.
Colonial Williamsburg - 20 miles northwest of Newport News on I-64 in the historic district of the town of Williamsburg, this "living history museum" in recreates Virginia's 18th-century capital as it appeared preceding and during the American Revolution.