Newport News Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A building with multiple arches and a tower in the background.
A row of canoes on a wooden dock at sunset.
A paved road flanked by dense green foliage and trees.
A calm lake surrounded by autumn-colored trees reflecting in the water.
A gazebo with a reflection in the water at dusk.

This coastal Virginia town has beautiful parks, a fascinating history and a bustling downtown filled with museums, restaurants and theatres.

The history and prime location of Newport News make this coastal town one of Virginia's most popular destinations.

Regardless of your age or interest, theVirginia Living Museumis likely to have an exhibit that will delight you. See animals up close at the aquarium and aviary. Explore interactive exhibits at the science centre and planetarium. Enjoy beautiful weather while you stroll on the elevated boardwalk outdoors, where you will see indigenous animals, coastal birds and lush native gardens.

The Mariners' Museumisone of the world's largest maritime history museums.View tens of thousands of artefacts ranging from ship figureheads to steam engines the exhibits could keep you busy for days. The museum also has a vast collection of maritime paintings.

Catch a show or take a class at thePeninsula Fine Arts Centre. This institution has a variety of dance, theatre and music programmes.

The quaintHilton Villageis actually a memorial to a pioneering movement in urban planning. This neighbourhood in the style of an English village was built during World War I as a response to housing demands for employees of the town's booming shipbuilding industry. Spend the day enjoying quaint shops, restaurants and cafés lining the streets of Hilton Village.

Newport News has 36 city parks. Newport News Parkis one of America's largest city parks. Walk or bike along its miles of trails that meander through shady forests and green meadows. Rent a boat to paddle around the park's ponds or reserve a campsite for the evening.

Newport News is a great place to visit any time of year. From its central coastal location, it is minutes to Williamsburg and just a short drive to Virginia Beach. Whether you want to spend a day touring its many museums or exploring its natural beauty, this town is one not to be missed.

Our guide on where to stay in Newport News

Find the best Newport News areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Newport News
Learn more about Newport News

Central Newport News

While visiting Central Newport News, you might make a stop by sights like Patrick Henry Mall and Virginia Living Museum.

Riverside

If you're spending some time in Riverside, Mariner's Museum and Ferguson Center for the Arts are top sights worth seeing.

Hilton Village

While there might not be top attractions in Hilton Village, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Huntington Beach and Virginia War Museum.

Kiln Creek

While Kiln Creek isn't home to many top sights, Patrick Henry Mall and Hampton Roads Iceplex are some notable places to visit nearby.

Newmarket

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Newmarket and surrounding area, you can visit Huntington Beach and Virginia War Museum.

Comfort Suites Airport

Comfort Suites Airport

2.5 out of 5
12570 Jefferson Ave Newport News VA
The price is NZ$189 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
NZ$189
30 Aug - 31 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Newport News. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,102 reviews)
"excellent service and friendly staff"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2026

Comfort Suites Airport
Courtyard by Marriott Newport News Airport

Courtyard by Marriott Newport News Airport

3 out of 5
530 Saint Johns Road Newport News VA
The price is NZ$196 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
NZ$196
23 Aug - 24 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Newport News. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"I really enjoyed the large shower. The room was perfect for a one night or longer stay for 2 people. I would book this hotel again. I’ll give it a 10 out of 10"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Newport News Airport
James River Inn & Suites

James River Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
6045 Jefferson Ave Newport News VA
The price is NZ$104 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
NZ$104
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Newport News. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Hampton Coliseum and Virginia War Museum are located ...
James River Inn & Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
1896 Historic Mansion with a general store

1896 Historic Mansion with a general store

Newport News VA
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Newport News. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Busch Gardens Williamsburg ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
"We loved our stay at this historic home! The rooms were comfortable and well-appointed. The owners were welcoming and ensured we enjoyed our stay. We would definitely return. One minor issue is that one of the beds listed as a queen was a double, but this minor blip did not take away from our enjoyment ..."

Reviewed on 2 May 2026

1896 Historic Mansion with a general store
Vacation Village At Williamsburg

Vacation Village At Williamsburg

3 out of 5
4870 Longhill Road Williamsburg VA
Stay at this spa aparthotel in Williamsburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,778 reviews)
"Such a great family friendly place!"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2026

Vacation Village At Williamsburg
King’s Creek Resort by Spinnaker

King’s Creek Resort by Spinnaker

4.5 out of 5
191 Cottage Cove Lane Williamsburg VA
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Williamsburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water ...
9/10 Wonderful! (267 reviews)
"It was amazing g I had a great time.the only that was not working was the garbage disposal"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2026

King’s Creek Resort by Spinnaker
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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