Between Richmond And Norfolk Is Virginia's Vibrant Coastal City With World-Class Attractions, Trails, And Arts

Virginia has a knack for surprising people. From giant busts of presidents in a quirky garden to funky college towns with bustling arts scenes and delicious eats, it boasts a spectacular range of attractions and landmarks. Set your sights on the southeast coast, and you'll discover a lively city with a dynamic lifestyle. Newport News belongs to no county; it has its own rhythm. Do not mistake that for a lack of activities, though — you'll be running from one museum to another trying to squeeze everything into a single visit. The same goes for its thriving arts scene, with studios, galleries, and workshops fueling the community's creativity. The parks are abundant with scenic trails, and the shoreline is a prime location to relax and unwind.

With origins as early as 1621, Newport News was reportedly named after the commander responsible for navigating a three-ship fleet to Jamestown Island. Due to its involvement in the Civil War's Peninsula Campaign, you can visit many historical sites throughout the city. While you're hitting all the must-see spots, you'll be walking the same paths as Ella Fitzgerald and Ava Gardner did back in the day. The city is also a year-round destination — the fall foliage is especially picturesque, while winters can be mild, spring colors the city with wildflowers, and the summer months are best for splashing around in the water.

Newport News is an hour's drive from Richmond, while Norfolk is only 40 minutes away. You can also day trip from Smithfield, a waterfront town with quaint streets and artsy charm, since it's just 30 minutes away. Virginia Beach, on the other hand, is a 45-minute drive. As for where to stay, top-rated accommodations include The Lodge at Kiln Creek, Suburban Studios, Newport News Marriott at City Center, and Hilton Garden Inn.

One of the coolest family-friendly places in Newport News is the Virginia Living Museum. Home to over 250 plant and animal exhibits, the museum allows you to not only learn about the local flora and fauna, but also interact with them. From river otters and groundhogs to Harris hawks and red wolves, you'll get up close and personal with a variety of creatures. The plant life is equally vibrant, with species like beautyberries, bloodroots, butterflyweeds, mayapples, and spicebush. The Mariners' Museum and Park offers a chance to view model ships, shipbuilding tools, underwater mines, and even a lifejacket from the RMS Titanic. When you're done observing the artifacts, stroll along the five-mile Noland Trail in the adjacent 550-acre park.

The Newsome House Museum and Cultural Center is an important historic site, where African American attorney J. Thomas Newsome once lived. His accomplishments are preserved and displayed throughout the Victorian dwelling — particularly his fight for voter rights and education. Make sure to visit the Virginia War Museum, too, with war relics tracing back to 1775. Touring the museum, you'll notice items like a World War I helmet that belonged to Harry Truman, an exhibition space about women's role in war, and information about how Newport News served as the national gateway to the front.

For your art fix, make your way to the Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center to explore the works of international and regional artists. Past exhibitions include lithographs and linoleum cuts by Steve Prince, travel photography by Chris Bavaria, and abstract paintings by Richard Press. Then, swing by Starving Artist Studio to attend a pottery workshop, try your hand at glass art, or purchase resin artworks. Don't forget to check out the Port Warwick Art and Sculpture Festival, which takes place every October.

The 7,711-acre Newport News Park is a wonderful place to stretch your legs, pedal along bike paths, and set up camp. Follow the 2.5-mile White Oak Trail to enjoy a walk among the dense woods. The path makes a small loop in the park, with opportunities for deer and turtle sightings. The Swamp Bridge Loop Trail is slightly longer at 3.4 miles, but just as easy to complete. Several other trails traverse this path, so that you can pave your own journey. For gorgeous panoramas of the Poquoson River, take the 5.6-mile Harwood's Mill Trail. Wish to go on a longer hike? The Lakeside Loop is a 6.1-mile adventure with lush scenery — keep your eyes peeled for waterfowl, turtles, whitetail deer, and black racers.

The best place to marvel at the waterfront is at Riverview Farm Park. Equipped with playgrounds, picnic areas, and three miles of trails, this park is ideal for a quiet afternoon stroll. The 1.7-mile Riverview Farm Park Loop is shared by joggers, bikers, rollerbladers, and runners. The 60-acre Huntington Park provides similar vistas, along with family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, baseball fields, a designated beach, and a rose garden. Meanwhile, the Mariners' Lake Natural Area is a great place to meander the trails and gaze at the changing leaves reflecting in the water.

Before you leave the city, make one last stop at King-Lincoln Park to watch the sunset. During the day, many people come here to fish at the pier and play a round of tennis or basketball at the courts. The magic here happens after the golden hour, making it the perfect goodbye. From there, drive north for two hours to arrive at Fredericksburg, a historically rich city with colonial sites and monuments.