The Mariner's Museum

Started in 1930, this maritime haven is one of the largest of its kind in North America and the library is the largest in the Western Hemisphere. Almost 100,000 square feet of space houses seafaring artifacts, figureheads, and model watercrafts, to name a few. Some of the displays include deep-sea finds from centuries ago including an astrolabe from the 1600s and a gold coin from the 1300s. If you visit Newport News, this world-class museum is a must-see. (Photo by Anthony VonPlinsky)