Hampton, Virginia
Get to Know Hampton: Guide of the Places worth Visiting
The city of Hampton is the oldest continuously occupied English settlement in the United States. As the home to Langley Air Force Base and NASA Langley, it’s conveniently located almost halfway between Williamsburg and Virginia Beach. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, great local cuisine, and rich history that spans over 400 years. If you’re just moving to Hampton or are planning a vacation here, there are several attractions or museums worth checking out. Below are some things we recommend!
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Attractions & Museums
The Virginia Air & Space Science Center is the birthplace of America’s space program, and it has interactive aviation exhibits that span 100 years of flight, more than 30 historic aircraft, a hands-on space exploration gallery, unique space flight relics, and more. The Apollo 12 Command Module and the Orion PA-1 Test Vehicle are also housed at the Center.
Buckroe Beach and Park borders the magnificent Chesapeake Bay with three-quarters of a mile of clean beach. There are three picnic shelters, an observation pier with a shelter and a stage pavilion for community events, private events, and entertainment. A spacious nautical-themed playground will entertain the children. There are large restroom facilities with outdoor showers next to the playground and ample open space year-round.
In its long history, Fort Monroe National Monument and Park has witnessed some of our nation’s most significant events. Located at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay you can enjoy the panoramic waterfront views, nature trails, historic homes and buildings, restaurants, and beaches.
Grandview Nature Preserve is open to the public for free and forms the northeast corner of the city of Hampton. The Preserve covers over 475 acres of salt marsh, tidal creeks, and the Chesapeake Bay beachfront. The Preserve is a great location to beach comb, observe the migratory birds and photography. It is also a great place for fishing.
If you are a big baseball fan we suggest you go to see The Peninsula Pilots play in the Coastal Plain League, an NCAA summer baseball league. Their stadium, the War Memorial Stadium, offers all the charm of small town baseball!
Langley Speedway’s history is full of historic moments. From its humble beginnings as a horse racing facility to becoming one of the most prestigious short tracks in the country, Langley’s story is one worth seeing. During the past 70 years, Langley Speedway has been home to stock car racing’s biggest names like Richard Petty, Jimmie Johnson, Chase Elliott, and former track champion Denny Hamlin, as well as local drivers whose love of the sport can be seen each Saturday night from March to October. Over the course of the last 20 years, Langley Speedway has seen multi-million dollar renovations to its facility, upholding its current status as one of the top short tracks in the country.
Paradise Ocean Club is Your One-Stop Relaxation & Event Destination in Hampton! the club offers something for everyone; here are just a few of the amenities they offer: seafood restaurant, waterfront dining, full-service catering, private beach, Olympic-size pool, tiki bar, cabanas, a fast-serve food bar, and a giant stage where you will see both local and national entertainers perform. They also offer wedding packages, pavilions, and party deck rentals!
Dining & Entertainment
Downtown Hampton
Downtown Hampton is an urbanized core with a concentration of retail, dining, and entertainment destinations that serves both locals and visitors. When you visit Downtown Hampton, you’ll find tree-lined streets dotted with restaurants, pubs, art galleries, marinas, museums, and parks. It’s a vibrant community with picturesque views, a working waterfront, and year-round events. Here are our favorite places to go while exploring downtown:
Bull Island Brewing is Hampton’s Oldest Waterfront Brewery. They offer fine craft beer and food made to order from their kitchen. Located on the waterside under the Crowne Plaza parking garage, they have plenty of free parking and amazing waterfront views.
The Vanguard Brewpub & Distillery is housed within the historic Hampton Armory their premiere entertainment venue features caiseal beer & spirits (brewed and distilled on-site), live music from local and national musicians, and a full restaurant featuring a seasonal menu that pairs all items with select craft cocktails and craft brews for your enjoyment.
Marker 20 is the kind of place chock-full of friends you haven’t met yet. Big outdoor deck, sassy servers, barflies with tall tales, legendary fish n’chips, families celebrating milestones, sports on TV, and a can’t miss Sunday Funday!
Pour Girls is family-friendly with a vibrant outdoor dining space and newly renovated large upstairs space that is perfect for your special event or family gathering. Their menu is loaded with local seafood, comfort food, as well as seasonal fare. Serving up delicious cocktails, craft beer, and wine daily. Pour Girls is the perfect spot to gather and have a good time!
Brown Chicken Brown Cow offers grass-fed and finished burgers dry aged 28 days, BBQ, 20 draft beers with Virginia breweries making up half of the beers on tap, premium floats, and a dog-friendly back patio. With their award-winning food and their large indoor seating or back patio is the perfect place to relax and hang out any time of the year.
Phoebus
The city of Phoebus is in the Hampton region of Virginia and has a number of worthwhile locations to see. There are plenty of parks and entertainment destinations to explore as well, here are some of our favorites!
El Diablo Loco Cantina & Tequila Bar is an exuberant, adrenaline-fueled, mash-up of Mexi-Centric food and culture. El Diablo Loco respectfully explores and embraces the fascinating and complex world of Latin cuisine. Featuring over 50 Tequilas, a thoughtful selection of craft beer, food-friendly wine, and gracious, friendly service.
Mango Mangeaux menus are crafted from flavor infusions of three distinct cuisines; French, Creole, and NeoSoul. French cuisine is stylish, elaborate, and imbued with style and flair. Creole cuisine’s unique mix of flavors is not just about satisfying one’s appetite but building a celebration around a meal. NeoSoul cuisine has been crafted from Soul Food tradition that fills bellies and hearts with recipes passed from generation to generation. It is the perfect place to honor culinary heritage with a gourmet twist.
Fuller’s Raw Bar Seafood restaurant is less than a mile from Fort Monroe Beach. It specializing in raw oysters, steamer platters, and is a local favorite.
Phoebus Dive Bar is a neighborhood bar where locals gather to drink, eat and socialize. Guests always enjoy delicious comfort foods, unique house drinks, and a healthy selection of local craft beers and distilled spirits.
Fox Tail Wine Bar & Gastropub is a cozy take on a traditional wine bar. Located in the heart of Hampton VA, they aim to make sure that if you’re looking for a night of fun and entertainment you’ll go to them. From the music to the carefully curated list of drinks, their incredible staff proudly crafts a unique experience for their guests. Whether you’re on a night out with friends or looking for a romantic night out, Fox Tail Wine Bar will always be a safe bet.
Sly Clyde Ciderworkds has crushed Virginia apples to make award-winning ciders that aren’t too fussy and pair well with everyday life. Ranging from semi-sweet to off-dry, their ciders are sold in beach communities throughout Virginia and North Carolina. The Phoebus taproom hosts events, music, food trucks, special ciders you can’t get anywhere else!
The Baker’s Wife Bistro + Bar features French and American style cuisine from AuGratin to French Fries and Filet Mignon to Ribeye! Owned by chefs Dana and Phillip Epstein they opened in January 2021, and they bring a unique perspective on dining to Phoebus, VA.
Hampton has so much to offer its residents and visitors; it is an amazing part of Virginia that’s filled with culture, relaxation, events, and more. Whether you’re looking for good seafood, great food, or just a place to relax with friends this city is the perfect spot! We hope you find this guide helpful and if you have any questions or need more recommendations, please reach out to Bubba Hutchison.
