30 Best Things to do in Hampton!

Hampton in Virginia, is a charming coastal city that beautifully blends history, culture, and modern attractions. Located along the southeastern coast of Virginia, Hampton offers visitors a unique mix of waterfront beauty, rich heritage, and plenty of things to do. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, we’ll showcase the best things to do in Hampton during your visit to Virginia.

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1. Must-See Attractions

Fort Monroe National Monument

Built in 1819, Fort Monroe National Monument served as a key military installation until 2011, when it became a national park. The site belongs to Kecoughtan Indians, those who lived in this region before English settlers arrived. In 1619, the first enslaved Africans landed at Old Point Comfort, marking a significant moment in American history. During Civil War, Fort Monroe remained under Union control, earning the name Freedom’s Fortress because it provided refuge for enslaved people seeking freedom. The fort is surrounded by a moat, making it one of the largest stone forts ever built in America.

Casemate Museum of Fort Monroe

Located inside Fort Monroe, Casemate Museum highlights the fort’s history, from its early days as Fort Algernourne in 1609 to its role in the Civil War and beyond. Visitors can explore exhibits about the Contraband Decision of 1861, which allowed enslaved people seeking freedom to find refuge at the fort, earning it the name Freedom’s Fortress. It also features the room where Jefferson Davis was briefly imprisoned after the Civil War. The museum inside fort giving visitors a chance to walk through its original casemates, which were once used as gun positions, storage areas, and living quarters.

Virginia Air and Space Science Center

The Virginia Air and Space Science Center serves as the official visitor center for NASA Langley Research Center and Langley Air Force Base. It features exhibits, showcasing over 100 years of flight history, including 30 historic aircraft and space artifacts like the Apollo 12 Command Module Yankee Clipper. Visitors can explore the Adventures in Flight Gallery, which includes restored aircraft and flight simulators. The Space Exploration Gallery highlights NASA’s missions, featuring models that bring space travel to life. The center has an IMAX digital theater, where guests can watch space-themed films.

Air Power Park

The Air Power Park is an outdoor museum featuring vintage aircraft, missiles, and rockets from the 1950s and 1960s. Many of the displays have connections to Langley Air Force Base and NASA Langley Research Center. Visitors can explore restored jets and spacecraft, learning about their role in America’s early space programs. Inside the dome, there are different sections showcasing more than 325 models of aircraft, spacecraft, and even naval vessels. The park features a floating dock for launching paddle craft and a nature observation deck along Newmarket Creek, where visitors can spot wildlife.

Hampton History Museum

The Hampton History Museum provides an in-depth look at the city’s history, covering over 400 years of events, people, and cultural shifts. It has ten galleries that explore Hampton’s colonial beginnings and its role in the American Revolution. Visitors can learn about the Kecoughtan tribe, Blackbeard the Pirate, and the burning of Hampton during the Civil War, along with exhibits on the Contraband decision, an important step toward freedom for enslaved people. Guests can explore displays on Hampton’s colonial roots, maritime history, and aviation industry, gaining insight into how the city evolved.

2. Outdoor Adventures

Hampton River

The Hampton River is a 3.2 miles long tidal estuary that runs entirely within the city of Hampton and has historically been referred to as Hampton Creek. It was named after Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton, a leader of the Virginia Company of London. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the river was a busy waterway for sloops carrying goods to and from the Colony of Virginia. One of the most famous events tied to the river was in 1719, when British Navy Lt. Robert Maynard returned to Hampton with the head of the pirate Blackbeard, displaying it at the river’s entrance as a warning to others.

Hiking Trails

Hampton has several great hiking trails that offer scenic views and opportunities to enjoy nature. Matteson Trail is a 3 miles paved path that loops around a golf course, making it a good spot for jogging and walking. Another popular choice is Sandy Bottom Nature Park, with 12 miles of trails passing through forests, wetlands, and even a fishing pond. Grandview Nature Preserve offers a 6 miles trail that leads through marshlands to a quiet beach on the Chesapeake Bay. Fort Monroe Seawall Trail is a 3.9 miles along the Chesapeake Bay, providing beautiful waterfront views and a relaxing place to walk.

Boating Tours

Exploring Hampton by boat is a great way to experience the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay. Hampton Roads Charters specializes in fishing trips, offering everything needed for a day on the water, including rods, reels, bait, and licensing. Their experienced captains guide visitors to the best fishing spots. Native Island Sailing offers eco-friendly sailing charters on the Chesapeake Bay, using an all-electric, zero-emissions sailing catamaran.

Guests can choose from brunch, afternoon, sunset, half-day, and full-day charters, making it a relaxing way to explore the bay. The Docks @ Downtown Hampton provides a convenient marina for transient boaters, located within walking distance of restaurants and attractions. It was the first marina in Virginia to receive VA Clean Marina Certification, ensuring environmentally responsible operations.

Fishing Charters

Hampton is a great place for fishing charters, offering access to the Chesapeake Bay and nearby waters. SeaEO Luxury Boat Charters offer excursions where visitors can fish without worrying about rods, reels, bait, or licensing. Captain Hogg’s Charters provides half-day and full-day fishing experiences aboard the Smokin’ Gun II, giving guests a chance to catch local fish with expert guidance. For those who prefer pier fishing, James T. Wilson Fishing Pier featuring a 709-foot deck, a bait shop, and a snack bar. Hampton’s fishing scene is lively, with options for group outings, private charters, or solo trips.

Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours

Hampton offers exciting dolphin and whale watching tours, giving visitors a chance to see marine life up close. The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center runs seasonal dolphin-watching tours aboard the Atlantic Explorer or Atlantic Scout, offering narrated experiences that teach about bottlenose dolphins and other coastal wildlife. The Rudee Tours offers guided tours focused on dolphin behavior, hunting techniques, and conservation efforts, making the trip more interesting. Visitors can choose from private charters, group tours, or guided educational trips, depending on their preferences.

Golfing Courses

Hampton has some great golf courses that offer enjoyable experiences for players of all skill levels. Woodlands Golf Course is a public 18-hole, par 69 course that provides a fun challenge with well-maintained greens and fairways. Another popular spot is Hamptons Golf Course, a 27-hole championship course known for its landscaped terrain and expansive fairways. Designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan, the course offers three distinct 9-hole layouts, each with unique challenges. The Eaglewood Golf Course includes a full-service restaurant and snack bar, making it a great place to relax after a game.

3. Iconic Landmarks

Hampton University Museum

The Hampton University Museum is the oldest African American museum in the United States and one of the oldest museums in Virginia. Founded in 1868, the museum is located on the Hampton University campus and houses a collection of over 9,000 objects, including African, Native American, Asian, and Pacific art and artifacts. The museum’s arts collection works by famous artists like Jacob Lawrence, Elizabeth Catlett, John Biggers and Samella Lewis. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, showcasing African American history, traditional African art, and cultural artifacts from around the world.

Hampton Coliseum

Located at 1000 Coliseum Drive, Hampton Coliseum has been a landmark since it opened in 1969, recognized for its white, dome-shaped design that stands out in city’s skyline. With a seating capacity of up to 13,800, the coliseum hosts major events, including the Hampton Jazz Festival, Monster Jam, WWE matches, and professional bull riding. Over the years, it has invited legendary performers such as Elvis Presley and the Grateful Dead, displaying its historic role. The coliseum’s schedule includes a variety of concerts, family-friendly performances, and sporting events throughout the year.

Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel

Opened in 1957, Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel is connecting the cities of Hampton and Norfolk, stretching 3.5 miles, carrying I-64 and U.S. Route 60 across Hampton Roads. It consists of bridges, artificial islands, and tunnels, allowing vehicles to pass under the main shipping channels. The tunnel was expanded in 1976, adding a second span to accommodate growing traffic. Today, it is one of the busiest routes in the region, serving thousands of travelers daily. Drivers should check VDOT traffic updates for real-time conditions, as the tunnel can experience heavy congestion during peak hours.

Langley Air Force Base

Established in 1916, Langley Air Force Base was called Langley Field and was named after aviation pioneer Samuel Pierpont Langley. The base played a key role in early military aviation and later became home to advanced aircraft and intelligence operations. In 2010, Langley Air Force Base merged with Fort Eustis to form Langley-Eustis, combining Air Force and Army missions. It is home to the 1st Fighter Wing, which operates the F-22 Raptor, one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world. Langley hosts the AirPower Over Hampton Roads airshow, featuring military aircraft and aerobatic performances.

Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center

The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center is a welcoming space for artists and visitors, featuring exhibits that showcase talents in painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. The gallery hosts annual events like the Hampton Arts League Members Exhibition, highlight the work of local artists and offering them a platform to share their creativity. Art classes and work shops are available for beginners and experienced artists, providing a chance to learn new techniques and develop artistic skills. Visitors can participate in guided tours that provide insight into featured artists and their works.

Hampton Roads Convention Center

The Hampton Roads Convention Center offers 344,000 square feet of flexible space, including three exhibit halls, a grand ballroom, and multiple meeting rooms. The grand ballroom can accommodate up to 2,000 guests, making it perfect for large meetings and receptions. The convention center’s white sail-like entrance symbolizes Hampton’s maritime history. The facility provides audio-visual services and event planning support, ensuring smooth operations for all types of events. Events range from business meetings and trade expos to cultural festivals, bringing people together for various activities.

4. Family-Friendly Activities

Bluebird Gap Farm

Covering around 60 acres, Bluebird Gap Farm is home to around 150 domestic and wild animals, including horses, cows, pigs, goats, chickens, birds of prey, deer, llamas, alpacas, tortoises, peacocks, rabbits, and waterfowl. The farm is designed to resemble a working farm, giving visitors a chance to interact with animals in a natural setting. Guests can feed some of the animals using feed machines placed throughout the farm, making the visit more interactive. The antique display barn showcases farm tools and household items from different time periods, gives an idea about farming in bygone era.

Hampton Roads Harbor Tours

The Hampton Roads Harbor is a historic waterway that connects to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It has been an important part of the region for centuries, serving as a hub for trade, military operations, and transportation. Visitors can explore the harbor by taking a sightseeing cruise, which covers over 20 points of interest and 400 years of history. The tour includes views of Fort Monroe, Hampton University, and Norfolk Naval Base, offering a mix of history and scenic beauty. Sunset cruises provide a relaxing way to enjoy the water while learning about the area’s maritime past.

Hampton’s Carousel

Located at 602 Settlers Landing Road, Hampton’s Carousel is a beautifully restored 1920s wooden carousel that offers visitors a nostalgic ride through history. This antique carousel is one of only 170 remaining historic carousels in the United States. The ride features 48 hand-carved horses and two chariots, each crafted by skilled artisans. The carousel still has its original mirrors and oil paintings on it. The carousel is housed in a pavilion in downtown Hampton, making it a ideal for families with kids. Special events, such as the Carousel Carnival, bring extra excitement with games, prizes, and free rides.

Larry King Law’s Langley Speedway

The Larry King Law’s Langley Speedway hosts weekly NASCAR-sanctioned races, attracting drivers and fans from across the region. The track is 0.396 miles long, with six degrees of banking in the turns, making it one of the flattest tracks in the area. Since opening in 1950, Langley Speedway has welcomed legendary racers and exciting competitions, featuring with 12 racing divisions, including Late Models, Modifieds, Grand Stocks and Super Trucks, offering a variety of events. The venue hosts special events like Wacky Wednesdays, allowing amateur racers to test their skills in time trials and drag races.

5. Natural Attractions

Buckroe Beach and Park

Located along the Chesapeake Bay, Buckroe Beach and Park offering 3⁄4 mile of clean beachfront for visitors to enjoy. Open from sunrise to sunset, the beach has lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Families can relax and take a walk along the boardwalk, or have a picnic at one of the three rental shelters, each equipped with tables and a grill. The playground provides a fun space for kids, while the observation pier offers beautiful views of the bay. The stage pavilion hosts community events and entertainment, making the park a lively place throughout the season.

Sandy Bottom Nature Park

Covering 456 acres, Sandy Bottom Nature Park was once a borrow pit and landfill but has been transformed into a thriving wildlife and environmental education center. The park features 8 miles of trails, allowing visitors to walk through forests and wetlands while spotting wildlife. The Sandy Bottom Lake is a great spot for fishing, and boats are available for rent to explore the water. The Nature Center provides exhibits and guided programs for those interested in learning more about the environment. The park has a campground with modern amenities, making it a great place for an overnight stay.

Grandview Nature Preserve

The Grandview Nature Preserve is a coastal area covering over 475 acres, featuring salt marshes, tidal creeks, and a long stretch of sandy beach. It is home to many migratory birds, including least terns, black skimmers, and American oystercatchers, which nest in the area during spring and summer. The preserve has a 2.5 miles trail that takes you through marshland, leading to the beach, where visitors can take quiet walks and enjoy the scenic views. The preserve is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, but Factory Point, a key nesting area, is closed from April 1 to September 15 to protect birds.

Thomas Jefferson Rollins Nature Area

The Thomas Jefferson Rollins Nature Area is a peaceful spot with stunning views of Back River and surrounding salt marshes, making it a great place for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The marshlands attract Clapper Rails, Boat-tailed Grackles, Marsh Wrens, and various sparrows, filling the air throughout the year. During spring and summer, visitors can spot Great Blue Herons, Little Blue Herons, Tricolored Herons, and several species of egrets wading through the marsh. Bald Eagles and Ospreys fly around the river are spotted, while Short-eared Owls hunt over the marshes in winter evenings.

Plum Tree Island National Wildlife Refuge

Covering 3,501 acres, Plum Tree Island National Wildlife Refuge is the largest salt marsh in the lower Chesapeake Bay, providing an important habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. Due to its past use as a bombing range, much of the refuge remains closed to the public for safety reasons, with unexploded artilleries still present in certain areas. Only Cow Island, a 200 acres section, is open for limited public access. While visitors cannot explore most of the refuge, they can still enjoy views of the marsh from nearby locations and observe the diverse wildlife that lives in Chesapeake Bay region.

6. Day Trips & Excursions

Virginia Beach

Planning a day trip to Virginia Beach takes about 40 minutes drive from Hampton, making it an easy getaway. Start the day at Boardwalk, a 3 mile long walkway filled with restaurants, shops, and ocean views. For an adventurous experience, visitors can take guided kayak trips through Lynnhaven Inlet, where visitors can paddle alongside dolphins. Another great stop is the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, which features exhibits and boat tours for whale watching. Those who enjoy biking can explore the area with Virginia Beach Bike Tours, offering guided rides through scenic coastal routes.

Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

From Hampton, a day trip to Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is about an hour’s drive and it covers 113,000 acres of wetlands, forests, and waterways. The main attraction is Lake Drummond, a 3,100 acres circular lake in the swamp, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. Visitors can take the Lake Drummond Wildlife Drive, a 6 miles gravel road that leads to the lake, with stops at three boardwalks along the way. The Visitor Center offers exhibits about the swamp’s history, including its role as a hiding place for freedom seekers during the Underground Railroad era.

Williamsburg

A day trip from Hampton is just 40 minutes drive to reach Williamsburg. Start from Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum where visitors can walk through 18th century buildings, watch reenactments, and learn about daily life in colonial times. For thrill-seekers, Busch Gardens Williamsburg offers roller coasters, live shows, and themed attractions inspired by European villages. The Williamsburg Winery is ideal for those interested in wine tasting, offering samples of locally produced wines. Visitors can explore Yorktown Battlefield, where the final battle of the American Revolution took place.

Jamestown

Start a day trip from Hampton and drive about 40 minutes to reach Jamestown, to explore early American history and enjoy scenic views. Begin at Historic Jamestowne, the site of the first permanent English settlement in North America, where visitors can see archaeological discoveries and learn about the struggles of early colonists. The Jamestown Settlement Museum offers interactive exhibits, reconstructed ships, and costumed interpreters who bring history to life. The Glasshouse showcases traditional glassblowing techniques, giving insight into one of the earliest industries in the colony.

How to Reach Hampton

Hampton is easy to reach by air, road, and public transport, making it a convenient destination for travelers. Norfolk International Airport (ORF), about 14 to 20 miles from Hampton, offers numerous flights from major cities across the United States, providing an accessible option for visitors. Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF), located about 8 to 15 miles away, serves several domestic airlines, making it an alternate choice. Once landed, travelers can take a taxi, shuttle service, or rent a car to reach their destination.

For those who prefer driving, they can take Interstate 64, which connects Hampton to cities like Richmond, Washington, D.C., and beyond, offering scenic views, especially when crossing the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. U.S. Route 60 also provides a coastal drive for those looking to enjoy waterfront scenery. Amtrak trains stop at Newport News Station, located about 10 miles away, offering rail connections to Washington, D.C., and other cities.

Local Transportation

Hampton, Virginia, offers several transportation options for visitors and locals, making it easy to get around the city. Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) operates bus services throughout Hampton and nearby cities, including Norfolk, Newport News, and Virginia Beach. The bus system provides affordable and reliable transportation, with multiple routes covering key areas like Downtown Hampton, Buckroe Beach, and Peninsula Town Center. For those traveling between cities, the Newport News Transit Center serves as a hub for bus connections.

Amtrak trains stop at Newport News Station, about 10 miles from Hampton, offering rail service to Washington, D.C., and other destinations. Taxis and rideshare services are available for quick travel within Hampton. Visitors can also explore Hampton by bike, with several bike-friendly paths and waterfront trails providing scenic routes. The city’s road network includes Interstate 64 and U.S. Route 60, making it easy to drive to nearby attractions.

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FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

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