10 Fun Out‑of‑County Road Trips Near Newport News, VA
Looking for new things to do near
Newport News, Virginia without driving all day? You’re in luck. Within about an hour (or less) you can hit beaches, historic towns, small‑town diners, and even a ghostly lighthouse.
All of these ideas are
outside Newport News city and county, in nearby spots like
York County, James City County, Isle of Wight County, Surry County, Hampton, Portsmouth, and Suffolk. So if you’ve already hit all the usual Newport News attractions, this list is for you.
1. Step Back in Time at Colonial Williamsburg (James City County)
If you live in Newport News and haven’t spent a full day in
Colonial Williamsburg yet, this is your sign.
Walk the streets and you’ll see:
- Costumed interpreters cooking over open fires
- Horses and carriages rolling down Duke of Gloucester Street
- Historic homes and shops you can actually walk into
You can grab a simple sandwich at one of the taverns or just snack your way through the day. Even if you don’t buy a full admission ticket, just walking the main street feels like a mini time machine.
Drive time from Newport News: about 30–35 minutes
Perfect for: Families, history buffs, or anyone who loves charming old towns
2. Tour Jamestown Settlement & Historic Jamestowne (James City County)
Just a little past Williamsburg sits
Jamestown, the site of the first permanent English settlement in America.
There are actually two places to visit:
You can:
- Walk along the James River
- See archaeologists at work (on some days)
- Explore interactive indoor exhibits if it’s too hot or cold out
If you like stories of survival, shipwrecks, and early American history, this road trip from Newport News is a must.
Drive time: roughly 35–40 minutes
Tip: Wear comfy shoes; you’ll do a lot of walking.
3. Soak Up Sun and History at Yorktown Battlefield & Beach (York County)
Want to mix a little beach time with American Revolution history? Head to
Yorktown.
Start at:
Then walk down to
Yorktown Beach, a small but pretty stretch of sand along the
York River. You can:
- Stroll the riverwalk
- Grab ice cream or seafood at the waterfront restaurants
- Watch boats drift by as the sun goes down
Drive time from Newport News: 25–30 minutes
Good for: Day date, low-key family outing, or a Sunday drive
4. Cross the James on the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry to Surry County
Sometimes the journey really is the destination. One of the most relaxing little adventures near Newport News is the
Jamestown-Scotland Ferry, which crosses the James River between Jamestown and
Scotland Wharf in
Surry County.
The ferry is:
- Free to ride
- Open 24/7 (schedule varies but runs regularly)
- A great way to get views of the river and shoreline
On the Surry side, you can:
- Drive quiet country roads
- Stop at a local diner or barbecue spot
- Visit small historic sites like Smith’s Fort Plantation
Standing on the deck of the ferry with the wind in your face feels like a tiny vacation, even if you’re only gone for a couple of hours.
Drive time to ferry from Newport News: around 35–40 minutes, plus ferry time
Fun fact: It’s one of Virginia’s oldest continuous ferry routes.
5. Visit Bacon’s Castle & Rural Surry County
If you’re already in Surry County, add a stop at
Bacon’s Castle, one of the oldest brick houses in the United States, dating back to the 1600s.
You can:
- Tour the house and learn about early plantation life
- Walk the formal gardens
- Hear stories connected to Bacon’s Rebellion and the people who lived there
The drive out here is half the fun. You’ll pass:
- Open fields
- Country churches
- Quiet two‑lane roads that feel a world away from city traffic
Drive time from Newport News (including the ferry): around 1 to 1.25 hours
Good for: A slow, peaceful weekend drive when you need to unplug
6. Hit the Beach and Boardwalk in Hampton
When locals in Newport News want sand without fighting Virginia Beach crowds, they often head to
Hampton.
Popular spots include:
- Buckroe Beach – A family‑friendly beach with a long stretch of sand, playgrounds, and a fishing pier.
- Fort Monroe (Hampton side) – Technically an independent area but surrounded by Hampton; it has quiet bay beaches and rich history.
At Buckroe, you can:
- Spread out a blanket and relax
- Rent a bike and ride along the waterfront
- Grab funnel cake or boardwalk‑style snacks in season
Drive time from Newport News: 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic
Bonus: Summer concerts and events often pop up here, so check local calendars.
7. Explore Nautical History at the Mariners Museum’s Neighbor: Hampton’s Water Areas
While the
Mariners’ Museum itself is in Newport News (so we’ll skip that), Hampton offers its own water‑themed attractions and harbor vibes just across the bridge.
Head toward:
- Downtown Hampton waterfront – Marinas, restaurants, and pretty views of the Hampton River.
- Hampton University Museum & campus – Historic campus with water views and beautiful old buildings.
You can:
- Walk along the docks and watch the boats
- Grab a seafood dinner with sunset views
- Take photos of the old churches and historic streets
It’s an easy evening road trip from Newport News when you want somewhere different for date night or a casual stroll.
Drive time: about 20 minutes
Tip: Go around golden hour for the best photos.
8. Hunt Street Art & History in Olde Towne Portsmouth
Looking for something artsy and walkable? Cross the water to
Olde Towne Portsmouth.
This historic district is packed with:
- Cobblestone streets and 19th‑century homes
- Colorful murals and public art
- Locally owned cafés and restaurants
Fun things to do:
Olde Towne has that “small city” feel — urban but not overwhelming — and makes a great change of scenery from Newport News.
Drive time from Newport News: around 35–45 minutes, depending on tunnel traffic
Parking: Garages and some street parking are available.
9. Discover Nature Trails and Small‑Town Charm in Suffolk
West of Newport News,
Suffolk offers a mix of small‑town streets, farmland, and natural areas.
Plan a day around:
- Downtown Suffolk – Brick sidewalks, local shops, and casual restaurants.
- Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (via Suffolk area access)
You can:
- Walk easy nature trails and look for birds and wildlife
- Visit the visitor center to learn about the swamp’s role in history
- Grab coffee and wander the historic downtown
If you’re craving trees, quiet trails, and less crowded spaces, Suffolk makes a relaxing road trip from Newport News.
Drive time: 45–60 minutes, depending on where you go in Suffolk
Good for: Hikers, photographers, and Sunday drivers
10. Take a Scenic Drive Through Isle of Wight County & Smithfield
Last but definitely not least, head south to
Isle of Wight County and the town of
Smithfield, famous for its ham and small‑town charm.
Things to enjoy:
- Downtown Smithfield – Cute shops, galleries, and cafés along Main Street.
- Windsor Castle Park – Miles of walking trails, river views, and wooden bridges.
- Smithfield Station area – Waterfront dining and marina views.
It’s an easy, peaceful drive with:
- Rolling fields
- Country roads
- A slower pace that feels like a getaway
Drive time from Newport News: about 35–45 minutes
Pro tip: Time your visit around lunch so you can try some local ham or barbecue.
Final Thoughts: So Many Road Trips, So Close to Newport News
You don’t have to go far from
Newport News, VA to feel like you’ve escaped your routine. Within about an hour, you can:
- Walk through colonial streets in Williamsburg
- Stand where American history was made in Jamestown and Yorktown
- Ride a free ferry across the James River
- Relax on beaches in Hampton
- Explore artsy neighborhoods in Portsmouth
- Get lost (in a good way) on quiet country roads in Surry, Suffolk, and Isle of Wight
So next time you’re wondering, “What is there to do near Newport News?” pick one of these short out‑of‑county road trips, fill up the gas tank, and just go.
Share Your Favorite Road Trips Near Newport News
Have you tried any of these
day trips from Newport News?
Do you have a hidden‑gem restaurant, trail, or small town you think people should know about?
Drop your tips in the comments — I’d love to hear where you like to go when you need a quick escape.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend or on social media. You might just inspire someone’s next weekend adventure.
Comments
Post a Comment