Step1
The first step in planning your perfect visit to Newport News is to determine the different "types" of sites and the different subject areas, such as history, horticulture, or theater, in which you have an interest. The list might include, but certainly wouldn't be limited to the following sites: museums and historical sites, restaurants, sport sites, shopping sites, and/or other entertainment. With list in hand, go to the official Newport News tourism website and research each of your areas of interest. Another alternative would be to call the Virginia Tourist Bureau or the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce to ask them to forward tourist materials to you. Be sure to pay close attention to the days and hours of operation for each site you intend to visit. Also determine if there is an admission cost and, if so, how much it is so that you can plan your budget accordingly.
Step2
If museums and historical sites are of interest to you, consider one or more of the following Newport News sites: The Victory Arch, through which WWI troops marched on their return home to the Virginia Peninsula;
Endview Plantation, an historic home built in 1769; James A. Fields House, home of a former slave who went on to serve in the Virginia General Assembly; Lee Hall Mansion, one of last remaining antebellum homes remaining on the Virginia Peninsula; Newsome House Cultural Center and Museum, the 1889 restored home of African-America attorney, James Newsome; Virginia War Museum, with its collection of weapons, vehicles, uniforms, and artifacts of the military from 1775 to today; Mariner' s Museum to visit the USS Monitor as well as view miniature reproductions of ships throughout our nation's history; U.S. Army Transportation Museum, which exhibits the aircraft and uniforms of the army during the major wars that have rocked the U.S--the Revolutionary War, World War I, World War II, The Korean Conflict, The Vietnam War and Desert Storm as well as the army's present day operations in Iraq; Virginia Living Museum, which is home to many of the animals, reptiles and amphibians of the area. Don't forget other nearby sites such as the Colonial Williamsburg Museum, Historic Jamestown, Jamestown Settlement, The Yorktown Victory Center, The Yorktown Battle Site,
The Berkley Plantation (site of the first official Thanksgiving), The Shirley Plantation, Sherwood Forest Plantation (home of President John Tyler), The Muscarelle Museum of Art at the College of William and Mary; Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum and The Waterman's Museum.
Step3
Explore the city's unique restaurants including Cafe Portuguese, Create Bistro, Das Wald Cafe, Filipino Cuisine, Hayashay Sushi and Grill, Nawab Indian Cuisine, Schlesinger Chop Shop, Thaijindesu Thai and Sushi Bar, The Firkin & Frigate Pub and the Melting Pot, a gourmet fondue restaurant.
Step4
If you want to partake in sports while on your vacation, check out some of the city's favorite sports spots: An Achievable Dream Tennis Center, an indoor athletic sites that consists of four indoor tennis courts and three indoor basketball courts; Kiln Creek Golf Club & Resort, an 18-hole golf course; Huntington Park Rose Garden & Tennis Center, site of the regional and state USTA Junior and Adult tournament and the AAU Junior Olympic Games tennis competition; Newport News Golf Club, with two separate courses, holds a four-star rating by Golf Digest; Newport News Park, provides opportunities to fish, hike, bike, canoe and play archery in addition to its 18-hole golf course; and Stoney Run Athletic Complex, which features five athletic fields.
Step5
Those with shopping on the brain can try one of the area's major shopping areas such as Patrick Henry Mall and Jefferson Commons.
Step6
When relaxation is needed, check out one of the city's many day spas. Those seeking a unique viewing experience may want to try IMAX Movies. Those who prefer theater may wish to choose the Peninsula Community Theater, housed in one of Newport News' oldest movie theaters.
Take advantage of the great outdoors at the Chesapeake Bay at the Leeward Marina or fish off the James River Bridge fishing pier.
Step7
At various times throughout the year, the city also hosts a variety of special events. If you happen to be in the area at the time, you might want to check one or more of them out: Annual Civil War Enactment in March 15-16; Concerts at the Ferguson Center for the Arts; The Easter Bunny Great Egg Hunt (at Lee Hall); Weekend Safari (at the Virginia Living Museum); Yoder Barn Theater in March; Arts Cafe (at the Peninsula Performing Arts Theater); Virginia Symphony; Virginia Ballet; Huck and Tom on the Might Mississippi in March and more.
Step8
Filter your original list down to the sites that you most want to see. Make sure that they fit both within your budget and the time you have allotted for your Newport News visit.
Novice 
