Explore an Array of Unmissable Activities in Hampton, Virginia
Hampton, Virginia, nestled on the southern tip of the Chesapeake Bay, brims with history, culture, and natural beauty. This vibrant city, just a stone's throw from Richmond and Washington, D.C., is a hidden gem that's hard to miss. With roots reaching back to before America's birth, history lessons are inevitable here.
From the early settlements and Civil War legacies to the high-stakes, 20th-century space race, Hampton serves as a living timeline. This compact, yet powerful waterside city combines picturesque coastlines, mouthwatering coastal eateries, and rich cultural experiences, offering something for every traveler.
Start your day learning history at century-old fortresses, indulge in bivalves at a waterfront restaurant by lunch, and witness a stunning sunset while cruising on the bay by the late afternoon. The downtown area's walkability and warm, welcoming community make it feel like home.
Whether you're a beach lover, history buff, or simply seeking an escape, Hampton, Virginia, has a unique appeal for a variety of travelers.
Get Outdoors
Hit the Beach
Itchy feet? Sink your toes in the sand at Hampton's beaches: Buckroe Beach and Outlook Beach.
Buckroe Beach Park is a family favorite, known for its gentle waves and ideal for small children. If you prefer a quieter escape, Outlook Beach, within Fort Monroe's historic grounds, offers a cove with placid waters – perfect for wading.
Sightseeing Cruises
Once you've had enough sun and sand, experience Hampton from a new perspective on a sightseeing cruise. Hop aboard the Hampton Queen for a narrated journey past iconic landmarks like Fort Monroe, Fort Wool, and Old Point Comfort. For a more romantic or relaxing outing, consider a 90-minute sunset cruise.
Strolling Through History
Discover Hampton's Past
Dig into the city's rich history at the Hampton History Museum, capturing Hampton's evolution over four centuries. Learn about the town's origins, its growth as a thriving port, the arrival of the first Africans in 1619, and Fort Monroe's role as a haven for enslaved people.
A short drive from downtown takes you to the Hampton University Museum, the oldest African American museum in the country. Founded on the campus of Hampton University, an HBCU, the museum showcases over 9,000 artifacts and fine art that represent people and cultures from around the globe.
Stepping into the 1930s
Step back into the late 1930s with a visit to the Aberdeen Gardens Historic Museum in a New Deal-era resettlement community. Two homes have been transformed into a museum, with household items and appliances on display, offering insights into life in Hampton post-Great Depression.
Visit An Old Fort
Take a self-guided tour of the Fort Monroe National Monument and Casement Museum, also known as "Freedom's Fortress." This coastal fort built in 1834 was once a Union stronghold and refuge for enslaved individuals during the Civil War. Learn about the history of imprisoned Confederate leaders like Jefferson Davis at the Casement Museum. The fort was decommissioned in 2011 and is open to the public.
Embracing Space History
History buffs, movie lovers, and space enthusiasts will all find a reason to love the Virginia Air and Space Center. As the city is considered the birthplace of America's space program, visitors can explore the NASA Langley Research Center and learn about early space exploration through current missions, with displays of spacecraft like the Apollo 12 Command Module and the Orion PA-1 Test Vehicle. Some of the center's epic moments have been captured in films like Apollo 11 and Hidden Figures.
Where to Eat
Culinary Delights Await
Savor bold blends of French, Creole, and Neo-Soul flavors at Mango Mangeaux, a popular spot in the Phoebus area. Founded by former Shark Tank contestants, the beloved restaurant serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Don't miss their Chesapeake Benedict, a unique twist on a classic dish with poached eggs, fried green tomatoes, and crab topped with Cajun hollandaise sauce.
Indulge in Southern seafood fusion at The Deep, located in downtown Hampton. The restaurant offers a mix of innovative culinary creations, like lobster mac and cheese and shrimp and grits infused with smoked Gouda cheese.
Seafood lovers should make a stop at Fuller's Raw Bar, offering nautical-themed dining and fresh local favorites like raw oysters, seafood platters, and hearty shrimp and mussel boils.
Where to Stay
Historical Accommodation
Spend your nights in an historical home at the Magnolia House Inn, a Queen Anne-style Victorian bed and breakfast in downtown Hampton, featuring three-bedroom options and catering to children 12 and above. The inn, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register, doubles as a beautiful wedding chapel.
Waterfront Retreat
The Landing at Hampton Marina, part of Hilton's Tapestry Collection, offers a waterfront escape with an on-site restaurant, rooftop bar, and lounge. The hotel's convenient location puts you within walking distance of the Virginia Air & Space Science Center.
[1] https://hampton.gov/132/Beaches
[3] https://hamptonaquatics.com/aquaplex-splashdown/
(Enrichment Data: Hampton, Virginia, also offers a variety of outdoor activities, museums, dining options, and additional attractions:
- Outdoor Activities: Discover Buckroe Beach and Park, Grandview Nature Preserve, Sandy Bottom Nature Park, and Hampton Virginia Aquaplex & Splash Down Park.
- Museums: Explore the Virginia Air & Space Science Center, Virginia Air and Space Center, and the Mariners' Museum.
- Dining Options: Savor local cuisine at Berret's Seafood Restaurant and Tidewater Inn, The Little Mermaid, or Crosswinds Italian Grille.
- Additional Attractions: Visit the Hampton Carousel, Bluebird Gap Farm, or the American Theatre for plays, movies, and concerts.)
- Embark on an exploration of Hampton, Virginia, known for its rich history, cultural experiences, and scenic coastlines.
- For a family-friendly beach experience, head to Buckroe Beach Park, offering gentle waves suitable for small children.
- If you prefer a quieter retreat, Outlook Beach within Fort Monroe's historic grounds provides a serene cove with placid waters.
- After sunbathing, indulge in Southern seafood fusion at The Deep in downtown Hampton, where innovative dishes like lobster mac and cheese and shrimp grits await.
- history enthusiasts should visit the Hampton History Museum, showcasing the city's evolution over four centuries, or the Virginia Air and Space Center, where exhibits explore America's space program from inception to present-day missions.
- After a day of sightseeing, unwind at the Landing at Hampton Marina, a waterfront hotel offering an on-site restaurant, rooftop bar, and lounge, and conveniently located near the Virginia Air & Space Science Center.
