History - Museums - Nature/Scenic - Theme Parks - Golf - Education - Shopping - More Information

HISTORY
This area is home to some of the earliest colonial settlements, and key battles of the Revolutionary & Civil Wars were fought here. There are numerous historic homes and sites to see, as well as museums commemorating the struggles of a young nation.

Colonial Williamsburg, [6 miles] With more than 500 restored and reconstructed buildings spread across 301 acres of land, and a staff of 3500 archaeologists, researchers, historians, and historical interpreters, Colonial Williamsburg truly is a different time and place.

Jamestown Settlement & Yorktown Victory Center Visit replicas of the three English ships that arrived in Virginia in 1607, and recreations of a Powhatan Indian Village in Jamestown, and relive the American Revolution at Yorktown. Activities and events throughout the year.

The Civil War at Endview, [1 mile] During the Civil War the house at Endview was used as a field hospital for Confederate and Union troops and General George B. McClellan's headquarters on May 5, 1862, the day of the Battle of Williamsburg.

Lee Hall Mansion, [0.5 mile] One of the last remaining antebellum Italianate houses on the Virginia Peninsula, this house was used by Confederate Generals "Prince John" Magruder and Joseph E. Johnston as their headquarters during the 1862 Peninsula Campaign.

 

Lee Hall Train Depot - The historic Lee Hall train station depot was constructed in 1881 as part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad’s efforts to establish its Atlantic terminus at Newport News, thereby linking the Ohio River Valley with the sea.

Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center This restored 1899 Victorian structure was the home of Joseph Thomas Newsome, a prominent Newport News attorney, journalist, and civil rights pioneer. The house is now the site of a variety of special events and exhibits and it serves as a repository for local African-American artifacts and archival materials.

Yorktown Battlefields, [4.5 miles] Visit the site where Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington, effectively ending the Revolutionary War. While Yorktown is most significant for the Revolutionary War siege of 1781, which effectively ended the conflict, during the American Civil War the town was again the site of major siege operations during the Peninsula Campaign of 1862.

Civil War Traveler Information on Civil War battles. Tour maps & guides. A great resource to plan your visit.

 

MUSEUMS
There are many more museums in the area. Often, you will find art galleries and smaller history museums tucked into the areas nearby these major attractions.

The Mariners' Museum - America's premier maritime museum and one of the largest international maritime museums in the world. The Museum maintains a permanent exhibit on the Monitor and the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary. Exciting special exhibitions, Museum Shop, scenic park, lake, walking trails, and picnic areas. The Peninsula Fine Arts Center is just across the street.

 

 

Peninsula Fine Arts Center Touring collections of historical or contemporary works, juried exhibitions and more. Art classes for both adults and children, special programs and events, gallery talks and performing arts events. An affiliate of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

U.S. Army Transportation Museum Five minutes south on Route 60 and west on Route 105 into Fort Eustis. Open year round Tuesday through Sunday 9am to 4:30pm. Admission is free, handicapped accessible.

The Virginia War Museum traces American military history from the Revolutionary War to the present. The museum’s collections include over 60,000 artifacts, including one of the nation’s largest collections of propaganda posters, a section of the Berlin Wall, a rare Confederate Cofer Revolver, a brass gatling gun, and more.

Virginia Living Museum Immerse yourself in a variety of natural environments and get up close to our animal neighbors. Hands-on discovery centers, free-flying birds, the Noland Chesapeake Bay Aquarium, and an observatory with a dome that revolves 360 degrees and a new, university-grade16-inch Meade telescope.

Watermens Museum - Discover the role played by watermen fishing the Chesapeake Bay. The museum is located in Yorktown, just a short walk from the battlefields and visitors center.

NATURE/SCENIC

Newport News Park, [2 miles] The largest municipal park east of the Mississippi River. hiking, biking, picnic shelters, paddle boats, canoeing, archery and fishing. 18-hole championship disc golf course and a 30-acre aeromodel flying field. Boat and bicycle rentals available.

 

Colonial Parkway [4 miles] This scenic highbay connects Colonianl Williamsburg to Yorktown and Jamestown.

Virginia Living Museum Immerse yourself in a variety of natural environments and get up close to our animal neighbors. Hands-on discovery centers, free-flying birds, the Noland Chesapeake Bay Aquarium, and an observatory with a dome that revolves 360 degrees and a new, university-grade16-inch Meade telescope.

The Mariners' Museum Park The grounds of the Mariners' Museum are a wonderful place to have a picnic or enjoy a walk. Visitors can find a great diversity of plants located throughout the park. The grove of crepe myrtles and variety of wildflowers are both impressive, as are the azaleas and other seasonal plants and flowers. The Noland Trail is approximately five miles long and includes 14 major bridges along with several small bridges that allow the park visitor to walk all the way around the main body of Lake Maury. Four overlooks at key vistas around Lake Maury offer park visitors dramatic views of the lake and surrounding areas.

BIRDWATCHING
The Yorktown Battlefield, Newport News Park, Huntington Park, Mariners Museum Park, and along the scenic Colonial Parkway are great for birdwatching, hiking & nature trails.

THEME PARKS

Busch Gardens [6 miles]
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is an action-packed, European-themed park with 17th century charm and 21st century technology, boasting more than 100 acres of unparalleled fun and adventure. Voted the world's "Most Beautiful" and "Favorite" theme park.

 

Water Country USA, the mid-Atlantic's largest family water play park, features the world’s latest, greatest, state-of-the-art water rides and attractions, spectacular entertainment, shopping and restaurants -- all set to a colorful 1950's and '60s surf theme. On cooler days, pools are heated to an inviting 82 degrees! More than 1,500 lounge chairs are available throughout Water Country USA for sun-worshipers and those needing a break from all the excitement.

 

GOLF

Golfing in Williamsburg
For more information on vacation packages for golfers, contact Golf Williamsburg at 888/2-GOLF-WB or the Williamsburg Hotel & Motel Association at 800/FOR-GOLF.

Golfing in Newport News
Newport News Golf Club Offers two 18-hole courses. The Cardinal Course features some of the best greens in the Tidewater area. A challenging, middle-length course designed by Ed Ault, the par 72 course appeals to golfers at all skill levels. The Deer Run Course has been rated 3 1/2 Stars by Golf Digest (1998 Places to Play) and as one of the 100 Best Courses in the Middle Atlantic by The Washington Golf Monthly (1998).

Newport News Disc Golf Course Newport News Park, 18 hole regulation and championship course.

The Kiln Creek Golf and Country Club Features a 27-hole course recognized as one of the five best in Virginia in 1995. Designed by Tom Clark, the course has eight water holes and over 100 sand traps. The 18-hole championship course is a par 72. Amenities include a pro shop.

EDUCATION

The College of William & Mary, America's second-oldest college.
Christopher Newport University
Thomas Nelson Community College

 

SHOPPING
You'll find many antique and collectible shops throughout the area. Most of the museums offer shops with unique gifts as well.

Merchant's Square is recognized as one of the earliest, if not the first planned shopping districts in the United States. Specialty shops & eating establishments, located adjacent to Colonial Williamsburg.

Historic Hilton Village - Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Hilton Village is home to unique shops featuring artwork, antiques, collectibles, and fine clothing. Stroll the historic streets and admire the shops and homes that were built between 1918 and 1920.

Patrick Henry Mall - Patrick Henry Mall is the largest mall in Newport News, just off I-64 and minutes from Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport.

 

MORE INFORMATION
Newport News Tourism
Special Events in Newport News
Williamsburg Area Visitor Information