20 Things To Do In Hampton Virginia

1. Explore The Fort Monroe National Monument

Fort Monroe National Monument has a rich and diverse history that encompasses various significant events in American history, from the presence of Native Americans and Captain John Smith's voyages to being the first arrival point of enslaved Africans in English North America.

It also served as a haven for freedom seekers during the American Civil War and played a crucial role in defending the Chesapeake Bay through the 21st century. 

You can visit the monument to witness the ongoing preservation efforts firsthand. The Fort Monroe Authority collects and preserves objects and archival materials that depict the history of the land's past inhabitants.

2. Enjoy At The Buckroe Beach Park

Love the beach but hate dealing with the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel? Then check out Buckroe Beach! Our amazing 3/4 mile beach provides a stunning view of the Chesapeake Bay.

You can wiggle your toes in the clean sand, take in the beautiful waters and gentle waves, and even watch big ships getting ready to dock at their destinations.

Aside from the beach, we have a public fishing pier, a playground for kids, and picnic shelters for families and groups. Plus, there's a paved boardwalk with benches, perfect for a leisurely stroll and enjoying the scenery.

3. Visit Hampton History Museum

The Hampton History Museum is another fantastic attraction that aims to raise awareness and understanding of Hampton's history since its establishment in 2003. It serves as an educational and research center for collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, preserving, and promoting the city's rich historic resources. 

Explore four hundred years of national history and witness Hampton's transformation into "America's Gateway" from the time of the Native Americans to the Space Age. Ten galleries tell the story, starting from the Virginia Colony and moving through the different phases of life in Coastal Virginia, with unexpected delights along the way.

4. Visit Century Lanes Bowling Conter

Established in 1963, Century Lanes still maintains its original pine and maple lanes. The lanes undergo annual inspection and certification by the Virginia Peninsula USBC Bowling Association for competitive leagues and tournaments. It also provides party packages for events and has a pro shop for bowling gear and accessories.

Century Lanes Bowling Center in Hampton, VA offers a fun and welcoming environment for both casual and competitive bowlers. It is located at 9 S Mallory St and features 24 well-maintained bowling lanes, along with a variety of league and tournament opportunities. Additionally, it has a full-service snack bar offering a selection of food and drinks.

5. Experience Grandview Nature Preserve

This 500-acre preserve along the Chesapeake Bay can be accessed on foot. A trail leads through a cordgrass marsh, offering views of various wetland birds. In the wooded areas along the trail, you can spot woodland birds like the eastern towhee.

The trail ultimately leads to a 2.5-mile-long sandy beach. In the spring, the dunes of the beach are home to the largest colony of least terns on the Atlantic Coast.

Additionally, black skimmers, American oystercatchers, and other shorebirds can be seen there. In the winter, you might also spot northern gannets or tundra swans flying over the offshore waters. The Preserve is a great location to beach comb, observe the migratory birds, and discover the wonders of wetlands.

6. Go To Virginia Air & Space Science Center

Located in Hampton, VA, the Virginia Air & Space Science Center offers an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages. As a Smithsonian-affiliated museum, it features interactive exhibits on aviation and space exploration, including a full-motion flight simulator and a variety of hands-on activities.

Highlights include the impressive Apollo 12 command module, educational programs, and rotating special exhibitions. The center aims to inspire curiosity about science and technology through immersive displays and experiences.

7. Visit Bluebird Gap Farm

Bluebird Gap Farm in Hampton, VA is an enchanting and educational destination suitable for all age groups. Situated at 60 Pine Chapel Rd, the farm offers a charming insight into rural life with its array of domestic animals such as chickens, pigs, goats, and horses.

Visitors can partake in interactive experiences with these amiable animals, explore the farm’s meticulously maintained gardens, and meander along picturesque walking trails.

The farm also hosts a variety of seasonal events, educational programs, and community activities aimed at captivating and motivating visitors. With free admission, Bluebird Gap Farm provides an accessible and delightful experience for families and individuals alike. 

8. Enjoy A Show At The American Theatre

An essential component of the local arts scene, the American Theatre in Hampton, Virginia, is a historically significant and culturally rich space that presents a wide range of live performances and community events.

First opening to the public in 1908, this wonderfully restored theater boasts modern conveniences mixed with the beauty of the early 20th century. A wide variety of activities are held at the American Theatre, including as dance productions, musicals, film screenings, and local and regional talent showcases.

The venue's beautiful architecture, which features historical charm and elaborate details, creates a warm and private environment for guests to take in outstanding entertainment.

9. Go Shopping

Both residents and tourists can enjoy a range of retail opportunities in Hampton, Virginia. There is something for everyone, from busy malls to quiet downtown stores.  While Blue Water Shopping Center is home to unique boutiques and shops, Hampton Roads Center Parkway is dedicated to big-box traders and experts stores.

The shops at Harbour View provide an excellent mix of shops, dining choices, and services, and Downtown Hampton is an excellent spot to find unique shops, antique stores, and art galleries. Hampton's shops appeal to all types of shoppers, including those who enjoy gifts, home items, and fashion. 

10. Hop Over To Fort Monroe

Situated at 20 Ingalls Rd, this historic military fort, established in 1819, holds an esteemed status owing to its pivotal role in key chapters of American history, including its significance during the Civil War and World War II.

The expansive grounds feature verdant parks, beaches, and picnic areas for unwinding amidst picturesque surroundings. Outdoor enthusiasts can relish the variety of hiking and biking trails, offering both leisure and historical exploration.

Fort Monroe also hosts an array of events, from historical reenactments and educational programs to community gatherings and festivals, further enhancing the visitor experience with cultural and historical insights.

11. Explore Sandy Bottom Nature Park

Families and environment lovers will find peace and tranquility in Hampton, Virginia's Sandy Bottom Environment Park. More than ten miles of beautiful hiking and bicycling trails wind through marshes, woodlands, and meadows, providing visitors with a variety of environments to explore.

Along with many nature programs and events for people of all ages, the park offers plenty of opportunities for people interested in animal observation or birdwatching to see native species in their original environments.

Sandy Bottom Nature Park is a great place to spend a day in nature because of its blend of outdoor excitement, environmental education, and tranquil retreats.

12. Visit Hampton Coliseum

The Hampton Coliseum is a well-known location for regional live events and entertainment. The Coliseum is well-known for its unique architectural style and large seating capacity of more than 8,000, is home to a variety of events, such as conventions, sporting events, family performances, and concerts.

There have been wide range of events and performances hosted in the area, including well-known touring shows, exciting athletic events, and big names in a variety of music genres.

The Coliseum provides a range of tourist facilities, such as easy parking, wheelchair-accessible seating, and several food and drink vendors. Modern sound and lighting equipment enable Hampton Coliseum to be an ideal venue any big-scale events as well.

13. Check Out Some Local Art

There are many places where you can explore artistic expressions and support local artists in the city. One of the most popular place is the Hampton Arts Center which is home to the Charles H. Taylor Arts Center at 4205 Victoria Blvd.

The center features rotating exhibitions, art classes, and community events. Nearby, the Downtown Hampton Development Partnership often showcases local artists through public art installations, murals, and gallery events.

Hampton History Museum hosts exhibitions that highlight local artists and historical art collections which is a plus point for people intrested in contemporary art. 

14. Visit Air Power Park

Air power park is a unique museum that showcases a remarkable collection of historic aircraft, missiles, and space exploration artifacts, offering insight into the advancements in aviation and aerospace technology.

The museum showcases retired military jets, a historic NASA space capsule, and various missile display. In addition, the park has educational displays and writings that set the historical background and highlight how these technologies helped in space exploration and national defense.

Air Power Park is an excellent destination for families, history buffs, and students interested in aviation and space science. Alongside its permanent exhibits, the park hosts educational programs and special events throughout the year.

15. Check Out Hampton Roads Convention Center

The Hampton Roads Convention Center is a major event site that offers adaptable venues for a variety of conferences, exhibitions, and community meetings. Unique features include the tensile structure soaring above the center's main entrance, a wall of water flowing from the second level, and an outdoor terrace balcony, ideal for afternoon luncheons and evening receptions.

The Convention Center has all the contemporary conveniences needed to guarantee a smooth and productive event, including fast internet, cutting-edge audio-visual equipment, and plenty of parking. Both locals and tourists from out of town find it more appealing due to its handy position close to the Hampton Coliseum and other nearby attractions. 

16. Walk Around Phoebus

Phoebus is a town nestled along the shore in Hampton Roads which is renowned for its charming streets, friendly vibes and old buildings. There are many distinctive stores, welcoming cafes, and neighborhood restaurants in the region that showcase the district's modern energy and old-world charm.

Among the major attraactions, the neighboring Fort Monroe National Monument is one of the significant historical site, and the Hampton History Museum is another featuring exhibits on the history of the area.

Throughout the year, Phoebus also organizes several community activities, such as farmers' markets, art walks, and joyous gatherings that welcome both locals and tourists. 

17. Try Hampton's Food

While touring the city, travelers can savor Hampton, Virginia's varied and delicious culinary culture. A diverse range of tastes and preferences are catered to by the culinary alternatives, which include both historic cafes and beachfront dining. 

Visit The Grey Goose for lunch. It's a small eatery with a wide menu that includes tasty salads, sandwiches, and fresh seafood and juicy burgers. Savor regional specialties like steamed oysters, shrimp and grits, and crab cakes in a laid-back setting at The Barking Dog is available for seafood lovers.

For an elegant dinner, The Deadrise at Bluewater Yacht Haven offers waterfront dining with a menu featuring upscale seafood dishes, steak, and a well-curated selection of wines.

18. See The Old Point Comfort Lighthouse

The Old Point Comfort Lighthouse serves as a historic entrance to Hampton Roads and is strategically located at the mouths of the James, Nansemond. This location has a rich history dating back to the 16th century.

The lighthouse stands tall on the southern edge of Old Point Comfort, played a crucial role in protecting the old port of Hampton, originally named "Cape Comfort" by Christopher Newport's explorers in 1607. With the construction of nearby Fort Monroe, it became an integral part of the Union's defense during the Civil War. Today, it stands as a reminder of the rich history and significance of the Hampton Roads region.

19. Go To Blue Skies Gallery

Blue Skies Gallery, a lively and welcoming venue at 740 1st St., Hampton, VA, highlights the artistic abilities of regional artists with a constantly changing assortment of visual art. The artworks in this quaint gallery are made by local artists and include paintings, photographs, sculptures, and mixed-media pieces.

Explore the gallery's changing exhibitions, which frequently feature group and solo exhibitions, art receptions, and community activities meant to enlighten and inspire. In addition, the gallery provides all-ages art classes and workshops, giving novice and seasoned artists alike the chance to hone their abilities and express their creativity. 

20. Thimble Shoal Lighthouse

The cost of thimble Shoal Lighthouse is situated 2.3 miles off the coast of Fort Monroe. Thimble Shoal Lighthouse stands as a symbol of navigation and safety for ships entering the busy harbor.

The distinctive white tower with its red lantern room is an excellent example of 19th century lighthouse architecture. It is not open to the public but the visitors can enjoy scenic views of Thimble Shoal Lighthouse from Fort Monroe or take a boat tour from local operators who offer excursions to view the lighthouse up close.

The Thimble Shoal Lighthouse is also featured in various local maritime-themed events and educational programs that celebrate the rich heritage of the Hampton Roads area.