Things to Do in Hampton Virginia
There is no shortage of things to do while touring the Virginia Peninsula; from enriching historic attractions to cultural outlets and events, the communities of the Peninsula truly offer something for everyone.
Hampton is a city with an old soul and youthful enthusiasm. It is a Coastal Virginia vacation destination with fascinating sights to see and interesting things to do. Situated in the middle of the Hampton Roads region and the heart of the Mid-Atlantic, Hampton welcomes vacationers and meeting attendees alike with charming hospitality, multi-faceted attractions and activities and an atmosphere of discovery that you’ll find pleasantly surprising.
History and Museums
Hampton is home to several historic sites and museums, including the Casemate Museum at Fort Monroe, the Aberdeen Gardens Historic Museum, the Hampton History Museum and the impressive Virginia Air & Space Center, which includes the Hampton Carousel. The air & space center serves as the visitor center for the NASA Langley Research Center and Langley AFB and it is filled with hands-on exhibits and flight simulators, as well as fascinating aeronautics and space displays.
Newport News houses The Mariners’ Museum, a facility designated as America’s National Maritime Museum. The city is also the site of the Virginia Living Museum and the Virginia War Museum, where visitors view more than 60,000 artifacts depicting U.S. military history from 1775.
Less than 30 miles northwest of Newport News is Jamestown, the site of the first permanent English settlement on the continent. Visitors can check out the original site of the Jamestown Settlement, which is lined with fascinating indoor and outdoor exhibits. Other Peninsula area historic sites include the Yorktown Battlefield, the Watermen’s Museum, Colonial Williamsburg and the Riverwalk Landing.
For the Family
In addition to the attractions highlighting the area’s rich heritage, the Virginia Peninsula is home to family-friendly destinations such as Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Water Country USA, Langley Speedway and a host of cultural venues. Owned by the Hampton Arts Foundation and managed by the City of Hampton’s Arts Commission, the landmark American Theatre stands as one of the most popular performing arts venues in the region.
Other sites that continue to draw audiences who enjoy everything from professional theatrical performances to musical concerts and art exhibitions include CNU’s Ferguson Center for the Arts, Downing Gross Cultural Arts Center, the Peninsula Fine Arts Center, the Virginia Premiere Theatre and the Charles H. Taylor Arts Center.
The Virginia Peninsula hosts a number of much-anticipated events. Residents and visitors take pleasure in such events as Hampton’s BlackBeard Pirate Festival, Hampton Bay Days, Hampton Jazz Festival, the Poquoson Seafood Festival and the Chamber’s State of the City Series.
Accommodations
Visitors to the Virginia Peninsula have a wide selection of accommodations to choose from. Numerous full-service hotels cater to both business travelers and leisure tourists with common amenities such as indoor pools, fitness centers, business centers, event space, complimentary high-speed internet and breakfast. Extended stay options are available for longer durations. Those in search of more private quarters can settle in, the area’s charming bed and breakfast inns, which offer a peaceful environment conducive to a relaxing vacation.