The city of Newport News Virginia is centrally located in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia, bordered on the west by the James River and on the south by Hampton Roads Harbor. Newport News is a perfect destination for those interested in maritime history, Newport News clothing as well as American military history, not to mention those who love opera and fine arts - the city of Newport News has it all.

When planning your Newport News Virginia vacation, keep in mind that Newport News Virginia is home to a variety of historical, cultural and leisure-time activities. If its maritime history you're interested in, visit the Newport News Virginia Mariner's Museum that features over 800 model ship on exhibit, as well as an ongoing restoration display of the USS Monitor ironclad battleship of the Civil War.

Other museums that you may like to visit during your Newport News Virginia stay include the Virginia Living Museum, home to native wildlife and a museum planetarium where guests can enjoy a live, guided tour of the Virginia night sky by a museum staff member who will delight in pointing out constellations, planets, galaxies, and star clusters of Newport News Virginia. Winter (Labor Day to Memorial Day) museum hours are Monday - Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 12 noon to 5pm. Summer museum hours (Memorial Day through Labor Day) are daily 9am to 6pm. Admission's priced $8 - $11.

Virginia Map

During your Newport News vacation also take time to visit the Virginia War Museum which houses the nation's largest collection of war relics. Learn about American military history from 1775 to the present through exhibits of weaponry, vehicles, uniforms, insignia and more. Museum galleries include Women at War and Marches Toward Freedom, as well as a propaganda poster collection. Operating hours are Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Vacation rentals in Newport News Virginia are also a wonderful vacation option in the city of Newport News. Try checking online with local Newport News newspapers to check for ads for vacation rentals in Newport News Virginia. You may also want to check with area real estate agents to see if they maintain listings of vacation rentals in Newport News Virginia or for surrounding areas. Often a vacation rental can end up being more cost effective than staying a hotel and can be more relaxing for families or larger groups.

When you've gotten all squared away and you've spent a sunny summer day exploring Newport News museums, take a Bird Walk with The Hampton Roads Bird Club, an organization that has monitored the bird population of Newport News Park since 1965. You can join bird club volunteers in the Newport News Park parking lot every first and third Sunday of the month to prepare for a little early morning birding. This activity is free to all who care to participate. Binoculars and field guides are recommended.

However you decide to spend your Newport News vacation, whether it be splurging on Newport News clothing at the Newport News fashion store in Hampton Roads, in a vacation rental, or birding all day with friends, chances are you won't be bored. With all of the museums and the close proximity to other exciting Virginia cities, you'll have a full itinerary.