Hampton isn’t just another coastal Virginia city—it’s a hidden gem where 400 years of American history collide with sandy beaches, aerospace innovation, and mouthwatering seafood.
Think Blackbeard’s pirate haunts next to NASA launch sites, waterfront parks perfect for crabbing, and a downtown buzzing with craft breweries (whoops—scratch that) and local art.
This is where colonial roots meet modern adventure in the most unexpected ways.
Whether you’re here for the outdoor thrills, historical deep dives, or just some good old-fashioned beach time, these 12 best things to do in Hampton, Virginia will show you why this city deserves a spot on your travel radar.
1. Virginia Air & Space Science Center – Best Overall & For Families
This hands-on museum makes you feel like an astronaut from the moment you walk under the full-sized F-22 Raptor hanging in the lobby.
The Mars Orbiter simulator lets you “land” on the red planet, while the 3D IMAX theater shows breathtaking space documentaries.
Don’t miss the actual Apollo 12 command module or the Moon Rock Gallery with lunar samples you can touch.
Kids go wild for the flight simulators that let them dogfight like Top Gun pilots.
Local tip: Check their calendar for launch viewing parties when rockets take off from nearby Wallops Island.
2. Buckroe Beach and Park – Best For Beach Lovers
Hampton’s hidden shoreline gem offers miles of sandy beaches without the crowds of Virginia Beach.
The gentle waves make it perfect for little swimmers, while the fishing pier draws anglers hoping to hook flounder or croaker.
The recently renovated park features picnic shelters, playgrounds, and free summer concerts.
Come at sunset when the Chesapeake Bay turns golden and the Norfolk skyline twinkles in the distance.
Budget bonus: Parking is free October through April, and just $2/hour in summer.
3. Fort Monroe National Monument – Best For History Buffs
Walk in the footsteps of Captain John Smith, Edgar Allan Poe, and escaped Civil War slaves at this massive stone fortress surrounded by water.
The casemate museum tells gripping stories of the fort’s 400-year history, including where Confederate President Jefferson Davis was imprisoned.
Rent bikes to cruise the 3.2-mile moat trail, or climb to the top of the ramparts for panoramic views of the harbor.
Don’t miss the oldest standing building in Hampton—the 1720s Old Point Comfort Lighthouse.
Hidden gem: The paradise dunes behind the fort—a secluded beach with the best shell hunting.
4. Bluebird Gap Farm – Best For Animal Lovers
This free petting zoo lets kids get nose-to-nose with goats, llamas, peacocks, and even a retired circus pony.
The 60-acre farm feels worlds away from the city, with nature trails, picnic areas, and a replica 19th-century homestead.
Time your visit for the daily animal feedings (2 PM is prime goat chaos), and don’t miss the heritage breed chickens that look like feathery dinosaurs.
Pro tip: Bring quarters to buy feed for the hungriest ducks in Virginia at the pond.
5. Hampton History Museum – Best For Local Stories
This underrated museum reveals Hampton’s layered past through interactive exhibits and artifacts.
See the actual door from the 1861 “Great Contraband” slave escape, touch Civil War bullets fused together in battle, and learn why Hampton was once called “Crabtown USA”.
The “From Freedom to Ph.D.” exhibit tracing local African American education is particularly powerful.
Free walking tour maps help you explore historic sites downtown.
Don’t miss: The 1920s oyster shucking display—you’ll never look at seafood the same way.
6. Sandy Bottom Nature Park – Best For Outdoor Adventures
This 456-acre wilderness in the city limits offers 12 miles of trails through pine forests and around two lakes.
Rent kayaks or paddleboats to spot ospreys and turtles, or fish from the accessible fishing pier.
The Bark Park is paradise for dogs, with separate areas for big and small pups.
The nature center has cool exhibits on local wildlife, including a live beehive observation window.
Early bird perk: Arrive by 7 AM to have the boardwalk through the wetlands all to yourself.
7. Downtown Hampton Public Piers – Best For Waterfront Strolls
This recently revitalized marina district is perfect for watching boats glide by as you stroll past public art installations.
The “Hampton Carousel” (a 1920s antique ride) delights kids, while the “Legends of the Sea” statues tell nautical stories.
Time your visit for the Saturday morning farmers market (May-October) where local watermen sell just-caught crabs and oysters.
At night, the lighted fountains create a magical atmosphere.
Photo op: The “Hampton” sign by the water makes the perfect vacation selfie backdrop.
8. Air Power Park – Best For Aviation Geeks
Where else can you see a Cold War-era F-105 Thunderchief fighter jet next to a NASA lunar orbiter test vehicle? This free outdoor museum showcases rare aircraft and missiles from the 1950s-70s.
Kids love climbing into the cockpit of the T-33 trainer, while history buffs geek out over the German V-1 “Buzz Bomb”—one of only a few in the U.S.
Hidden detail: Check the tail numbers—some planes here flew secret missions over Vietnam.
9. Peninsula Fine Arts Center – Best For Creative Souls
This light-filled gallery rotates exhibitions of contemporary Virginia artists, from glass sculptures to photography.
The hands-on art lab lets visitors create their own masterpieces, while the sculpture garden blends art with native plants.
Free Family Days (first Sundays) include live music and art activities. Don’t miss the gift shop for unique jewelry and ceramics by local makers.
Current highlight: The interactive sound installation that turns visitor movements into music.
10. Grandview Nature Preserve – Best For Wild Beaches
Forget manicured resorts—this undeveloped 2.5-mile beach feels like your own private paradise.
The shelling is phenomenal, especially after storms when fossilized shark teeth wash up.
Hike through salt marshes and maritime forests to reach the secluded shoreline where dolphins often play offshore.
Bring binoculars—the birdwatching here is some of Virginia’s best.
Important note: Check tides—parts of the trail flood at hgh tide.
11. The American Theatre – Best For Performing Arts
This 1930s Art Deco gem hosts everything from Broadway touring shows to Grammy-winning musicians.
The acoustics are phenomenal, and even the cheap balcony seats feel special under the starlight ceiling.
Local tip: Their “Phantom Arts” film series screens classic movies with live organ accompaniment—pure nostalgia magic.
Behind-the-scenes: The haunted backstage has spooked many performers—ask ushers for ghost stories.
12. The Vanguard Brewpub & Distillery – Best For Local Flavors
Hampton’s first craft brewery (whoops—scratch that) craft beverage hub since Prohibition serves up small-batch sodas and locally inspired bites.
Their Hampton Pretzel with beer cheese is legendary, while vegans rave about the BBV (Baconless BLT).
The industrial-chic space features local art, and the outdoor patio is perfect for people-watching.
Try the “Blackbeard’s Booty” root beer—a nod to Hampton’s pirate past.
Community connection: They host monthly maker markets featuring Hampton artisans.
Final Thoughts
From space-age museums to wild dolphin-spotting beaches, Hampton proves coastal Virginia has way more than just colonial Williamsburg.
These 12 best things to do in Hampton, Virginia showcase its perfect mix of history, nature, and small-town charm.
So what’s first on your list? Touching moon rocks? Hunting for shark teeth? Or maybe just riding that vintage carousel? Pack your sense of adventure and discover why locals love this waterside gem.
Which Hampton experience speaks to you? The aerospace thrills? The quiet beaches? Or those fresh-from-the-bay seafood feasts? The adventure starts now!