Finding fun things to do in historic Hampton, Virginia, is much easier than you might think, mostly since its rich history stares you in the face upon arrival.
With its excellent location on the eastern side of the peninsula, Hampton has a beautiful seaside view, harbor tours, and cruises. This lively city is home to the state's Air and Space Center, a museum, coliseum, live music, and a myriad of other vital structures and attractions.
Here's a guide to fun things to do in Hampton, Va, as you prepare for your visit.
Fun Things to Do in Hampton That You’ll Love
The top of the list when visiting Hampton should be the Virginia Air & Space Center. Tourists can enjoy more than 100 interactive demonstrations, comprising the Be An Astronaut exhibit. Every aspect of the tour is futuristic and enjoyable, including the 3D-IMax theater.
Tour the Harbor and the Chesapeake Bay on a cruise starting at the Hampton Maritime Center. Your tour guide will show you points of interest, including the Old, Point Comfort, Lighthouse, and the most significant naval facility globally, Naval Station Norfolk.
If you visit during the summer, you are bound to come upon a festival, but they do have them all year round. The biggest and best festival, which reenacts the pirate year's in the 1700s, is the Blackbeard Pirate Festival, which sees old and young costumes day and night.
In June they have an amazing Jazz Festival with top performances.
Every January, Hampton hosts a Coastal Virginia Bluegrass & Brew Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors.
Things to Do In Hampton VA With Kids
Buckroe Beach and Park is the ideal beach for a family as it is beautiful, clean, and safe, particularly between May and September when lifeguards are present. Enjoy a Saturday night concert as well. Your toddlers will enjoy the play area with all its amenities, plus you can do paddle boarding and kayaking.
Take the family to Bluebird Gap Farm to see nearly 150 farm animals from chickens to goats and horses. Check out exotic animals as well, like peacocks and tortoises. They also feature llamas, deer, rabbits, and alpacas.
Take your toddlers over to Sandy Bottom Nature Park, a pond, walking trails, and tons of wildlife. You will likely see a white-tailed deer, turtles, and frogs, or even a rattlesnake. They have a huge play area for the children.
Bethel Paintball is fun and safe for the entire family. Your toddlers won't get hurt by the peewee balls made for their age level, unlike traditional paintball, which stings.
Adult-Only Things To Do: Night Out Without the Kids
Hampton University Museum was founded in 1868 and focused on diverse cultures and rituals. It is the only US with a permanent exhibition of African American fine art. The art is widely acclaimed and is among pieces from several other countries worldwide.
Head over to the St. George Brewing Company to try one or a few of 22 variations of ale, bock, and stout. And tours are available. Get a time and see the full brewing process.
Try the challenging Woodlands Golf Course with water on 11 of its holes and over 50 sand bunkers. After a rough patch, enjoy breakfast or lunch at the clubhouse restaurant.
Cheap and Free Things to Do in Hampton, VA: Inexpensive Activities
The Old Fort has free entry. This is Fort Monroe, named for the fifth president, and it took 15 years to build. It was active until nine years ago. Fort Monroe has walking trails, incredible views, restaurants, and you are allowed to fish. You even get to tour on a Segway, which is inexpensive, or if you are more adventurous, there are paddle boards, kayaks, and bicycles.
Sly Clyde Ciderworks is an inexpensive place to hang and get a drink or two. Their cider ales are highly recommended.
Cinemark City Center 12 has cheap tickets and a comfortable setting, with reclining seats. Even the armrests are separate. The staff is friendly as well.
Things to Do In Downtown Hampton VA: Explore the Urban Center
Downtown Hampton is always abuzz with activity.
Bring out your inner-child and take a ride on the antique Hampton Carousel. It is among seventy still standing across the country. It's open all year.
During summer, you have to hit the block party, which is held on Saturday nights. Bring your dancing boots.
Before partying, try a tasty meal at Brown Chicken Brown Cow down by the Queens Way area of downtown. The burgers and barbecue dishes are delicious, and they are organic, just like the milk used to make their specialty floats. You get live entertainment on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Over at The Grey Goose, enjoy hearty Southern meals, from pulled pork to Yankee pot roast or river catfish. Make sure to grab a pastry as you watch the dinner shows.
Night Owl? Things To Do in the Evenings
Enjoy Buckroe Beach by day, then on a Tuesday night, watch outdoor movies.
Check out one of the many festivals and showcases held at The Hampton Coliseum, used recreation outlet for music performances, comedy shows, and Cirque de Soleil. There are three major festivals each year, the Hampton Jazz, Funk, and Roads Soul Music Festivals.
Visit the St. George Brewing Company on a Tuesday or Friday night when the brewery organizes a food truck to come and serve tacos and burritos to the guests.
The Alley is an excellent lounge with a dance floor and great music. The atmosphere is hip.
Romantic Things to Do in Hampton
Avenue Blue is a live music and dining lounge in an intimate setting. Be sure to dress up.
The Escape Room Virginia Peninsula is great for couples to do after a nice dinner or before. Either way, you're sure to have fun.
The Vanguard Brewpub and Distillery is a restaurant and pub in a historic building but very classy. The food there is excellent.
Any couple will enjoy Mango Mangeaux: A Simply Panache Bistro that offers excellent food, wine, and a lovely setting.
Overall, you are guaranteed a great time because there are so many fun things to do in Hampton Va., for everyone. Be bold and explore the history of this lively little independent city.