Things to do in Hampton
African - American Heritage Tour
Self-guided tour to Hampton's African �American heritage sites Available year round. More information available at the Hampton Visitors Center. Best Western Hampton lodging is nearby. Call 800-800-2202 for more information.
710 Settlers Landing Road, Hampton, VA
Air Power Park
Learn about Hampton's space and aviation history by touring the outdoor air and spacecraft displays, model airplane collection and wind tunnel exhibit at Air Power Park. The park contains aircraft from the country's various service branches. Open year-round daily 9am - 4:30pm; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Free admission. Best Western Hampton lodging is nearby. Call 757-727-1163 for more information.
413 W. Mercury Boulevard, Hampton, VA
Air Power Park
Honoring the city's aviation and space history, the 15-acre park features outdoor displays of vintage jets, rockets and missiles. Indoor exhibits include a model wind tunnel, a model aircraft collection and archive photographs from local military bases. A playground and picnic facilities are on the grounds. Call (757) 727-8311 for more information.
413 W. Mercury Blvd., Hampton, VA 23669
American Theatre
Presenting world-class performers in a renovated 400-seat theater. Call 757-722-ARTS for more information.
125 E. Mellen Street, Hampton, VA
Bluebird Gap Farm
Bluebird Gap Farm offers an exciting adventure and educational experience rarely seen in an urban environment. Designed to resemble a working farm, this 60-acre site is home to cows, horses, sheep, goats, bobcats, mountain lions and other domesticated and wild animals familiar to traditional Virginia farmers. Playground and picnic tables are on site. Open year-round Wednesday - Sunday 9am - 5pm; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Free admission. Call 757-727-6739 for more information.
60 Pine Chapel Road, Hampton, VA
Busch Gardens Europe
This 100-acre European-themed adventure park celebrates the cultures of England, Scotland, France, Germany, Italy and Ireland with more than 50 thrill rides and attractions, nine main stage shows, a children's adventure area, eateries and shops. A Sesame Street-themed village, opening spring 2009, features children's rides, a 4-D movie and the opportunity to dine with Sesame Street characters. Thrillseekers will enjoy the park's five roller coasters. Griffon, reputedly the world's first and tallest floorless dive coaster, thrills riders with two Immelmann loops, dramatic drops and speeds of up to 75 mph as it climbs 205 feet, then dives 90 degrees straight down. The hypercoaster Apollo's Chariot takes riders over nine camelback humps, while the inverted steel coaster Alpengeist propels riders on a dynamic, high-speed journey. The Big Bad Wolf coaster sends guests "howling" through a Bavarian village, and Loch Ness Monster, named after Scotland's serpent, hurls passengers through interlocking loops. Curse of DarKastle sends guests aboard gravity-defying sleighs careening through the dark and mysterious corridors of a Bavarian castle. Roman Rapids is a white-water raft ride, and Escape from Pompeii, with an erupting Mt. Vesuvius, results in a wet retreat from the volcano. Jack Hanna's Wild Reserve offers guests up-close encounters with a variety of wildlife. Call (800) 343-7946 for more information.
1 Busch Gardens Blvd., Williamsburg, VA 23185
Casemate Museum at Fort Monroe
The largest stone fort ever built in the U.S. Fort Monroe is headquarters for the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. Within the historic Fort's stonewalls is the Casemate Museum, which chronicles the history of the fort and the Coast Artillery Corps. Open year-round daily 10:30am - 4:30pm; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Free admission. Call 757-88-3391 for more information.
Charles H. Taylor Arts Center
At the Charles H. Taylor Arts Center visitors can see contemporary art, including painting, sculpture, photography, and more. Each December a beautiful glass exhibition is featured. The center is also headquarters for the Hampton Arts Commission, which oversees Charles H. Taylor Art Center and American Theatre. Open year-round Tuesday - Friday 10am - 6pm; Saturday & Sunday 1pm - 5pm; closed Mondays & major holidays. Free admission. Call 757-727-1490 for more information.
4205 Victoria Boulevard, Hampton, VA
Fort Wool
This island fortress, dating to 1819, played important roles in the Civil War and in both World Wars. Although not accessible by car, it is easy to view from the Chesapeake Bay Shore of Fort Monroe. Harbor cruise boats dock at the island and allow passengers time for a guided tour during the spring, summer and fall, weather permitting. Pleasure boaters may moor and explore Fort Wool year-round. A WWII-era barracks was reconstructed on the site in 2000, and the fort will be home to a local element of the Confederate Navy, with both Rebel and Union re-enactors manning the fort on select weekends. Open year-round. Call 800-800-2202 for more information.
Grandview Nature Preserve
The Preserve covers over 475-acres of salt marsh, tidal creeks, and Chesapeake Bay beachfront. The preserve and estuary on the Chesapeake Bay is ideal for observing wildlife, hiking and watching birds. The preserve includes a 2 1/2-mile stretch of tranquil bay-front beach. Open daily, year-round. Free admission. Call 757-727-6347 for more information.
Beach Road and State Park Drive, Hampton, VA
Hampton Carousel
Take a spin on The Hampton Carousel and experience an American tradition. Built in 1920, the carousel has been completely restored to its original beauty and is housed in its own weather-protected pavilion on the city's downtown waterfront. It is one of only 170 antique wooden merry-go-rounds still existing in the U.S. Operating April 1-September 30 Monday - Saturday 10am - 8pm; Sunday noon - 6pm; October 1 - November 30 daily noon - 6pm; open weekends - December 15. Closed mid-December - March. Rides cost $1. Call 800-296-0800 for more information.
602 Settlers Landing Road, Hampton, VA
Hampton Trolley
This festive trolley connects the downtown attractions and shops to the Coliseum central hotels and shopping. Operating May - September and November 25 - December 31. Fee is charged. For further information contact the Hampton Convention and Visitors Bureau Call 757-222-6100 for more information.
2 Eaton Street, Hampton, VA
Hampton University Campus Tour
Home to six national historic landmarks and rich African-American heritage. More information on the tours can be acquired at the Huntington Building on Campus. Call 757-727-5308 for more information.
Hampton University Museum
Founded in 1868, the museum is the oldest African-American museum in the U.S. and one of the oldest museums in the state of Virginia. The collection contains over 9,000 artifacts and works of art including traditional African, Native American, Asian and Pacific Island art; fine arts. Open year-round Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm; Saturday noon -4pm; closed Sunday. Closed major holidays and campus holidays. Free admission. Call 757-727-5308 for more information.
HarborLink Passenger Ferry
This ferry system connects Norfolk and Hampton. Enjoy a relaxing ride with a great view of the waterfront activities. Call 757-722-9400 for more information.
762 Settlers Landing Road, Hampton, VA
Jamestown Settlement
This living history museum was established in 1957 to celebrate the 350th anniversary of Jamestown's founding. An introductory film, "1607: A Nation Takes Root," and galleries displaying 17th-century artifacts trace the influence of the European, African and Powhatan Indian cultures that shaped the colony's development. Also explored are the settlement's origins in England and its first century in America. Costumed interpreters provide a glimpse of life during the early 1600s at three outdoor living history areas. The palisaded structure that was home to the first Jamestown colonists is re-created at James Fort. Wattle-and-daub buildings include a church, the governor's house, a storehouse and an armory. Visitors can climb aboard a 17th-century sailing vessel on the James River, where reproductions of the Discovery, Godspeed and Susan Constant are moored. The Powhatan Indian Village, with several houses, a garden and a ceremonial dance circle, is based on archeological findings and eyewitness accounts of the period. Call (757) 253-4838 for more information.
US 31 & Colonial Pkwy., Jamestown, VA 23081
Langley Speedway
Enjoy NASCAR weekly racing every Saturday night April - October. Call 757-865-1100 for more information.
3165 Armistead Avenue., Hampton, VA
Little England Chapel
Built circa 1879, Little England Chapel is Virginia's only known African-American missionary chapel. The sanctuary holds a permanent exhibit that helps visitors understand the religious lives of post-Civil War blacks in Virginia. The display includes handwritten Sunday school lessons, photographs, a 12-minute video and 19th-century religious books. The chapel is both a State and National Historic Landmark. Call for a church tour. Open year-round Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 10am - 2pm; open other days by appointment. Free admission; donations accepted. Call 757-728-1710 for more information.
4100 Kecoughtan Road, Hampton, VA
Miss Hampton II Harbor Cruises
This double-decked tour boat offers daily narrated cruises of the Hampton Roads harbor and Chesapeake Bay. Get a taste of Hampton's seafaring culture as you take to the water to see local fishing boats, mighty commercial cargo ships, Blackbeard's Point, Old Point Comfort, Fort Wool and the awesome gray fleet at the world's largest naval installation, Norfolk Naval Base. When weather permits, passengers disembark at Fort Wool for a guided tour of the island fortress. Tour schedule runs April - October daily at 10am; Memorial Day - Labor Day daily at 10am & 2pm. Call 888-757-2628 for more information.
764 Settlers Landing Road, Hampton, VA
NASA Langley Tour
Departing from the Virginia Air & Space Center during the summer months, the NASA Langley Motor Tour transports you to the site where our nation's aerospace history began. Take an up-close look at NASA wind tunnels and the gigantic Lunar Landing Research Center. Tour time is approximately 1 1/2 hours. Tours run daily during the summer season. Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. An admission fee charged. Call 800-269-0800 for more information.
Nauticus
The Norfolk waterfront maritime science museum features hands-on exhibits that explore the naval, economic and natural power of the sea. Visitors can feel the texture of a nurse shark's skin, touch a tornado, participate in a naval battle simulation and watch digital high-definition films on a giant screen. On the second floor, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum examines 2 centuries of naval activity in and around the harbor. The museum manages the day-to-day operations of the Battleship Wisconsin, which is berthed at Nauticus. A chronology of the ship's history is presented in Wisky Walk: 50 Years of Service. Call (757) 664-1000 for more information.
One Waterside Dr., Norfolk, VA 23510
Sandy Bottom Nature Park
This 456-acre recreational facility is the ideal nature getaway The area features two lakes, wetlands areas, trails for hiking and biking, fishing, non-motorized boating, picnic areas, children's playground, a campground, tent cabins for rent and a beautiful nature center. Call about special nature programs. Open year-round Tuesday - Sunday 8am - sunset. Free admission.
1255 Big Bethel Road, Hampton, VA
St. John's Church
Established in 1610, St. John's is the oldest continuous English-speaking parish in the U.S. Since 1728 the church has been at its present site on lovely Queens Way. A recorded message introduces visitors to the church and its features, including a stained-glass window depicting the baptism of Pocahontas. A museum is located in the Parish Hall. Open year-round Monday - Friday 9am - 3pm; Saturday 9am - noon; no tours Sunday due to services. Closed on major holidays. Call 757-722-2567 for more information.
100 W. Queens Way, Hampton, VA
Venture Inn Charters
The Venture II offers a variety of scenic cruises and party boat fishing trips. Cruises include Bay/Harbor fishing (bait & tackle provided), 3-hour Scenic Harbor Cruises and 5-hour narrated James River Fleet Cruises. The Venture Inn II is also complete with a full galley, beer and wine. A minimum 15 passengers is required. Private charters welcome. The Venture Inn II, docked at The Sunset Boating Center. Call 800-853-5002 for more information.
766 Settlers Landing Road, Hampton, VA
Virginia Air & Space Center
Your imagination will soar when you visit the Virginia Air & Space Center, the official visitor center for NASA Langley Research Center. This world-class facility features more than 100 hands-on exhibits that tell the story of air and space exploration. See the Apollo 12 Command Module, a Mars meteorite and a three-billion-year-old moon rock! Visit the technologically advanced IMAX Theater and see an IMAX film on a giant five-story high screen with 16,000 watts of digital-sound. During the summer months, hop aboard a van at the Virginia Air & Space Center for a tour of the NASA Langley Research Center. Hours of operation are Memorial Day - Labor Day Monday - Wednesday 10am - 5pm; Thursday - Sunday 10am - 7pm; Labor Day - Memorial Day Monday - Sunday 10am - 5pm. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Call 800-296-0800 for more information.
600 Settlers Landing Road, Hampton, VA
Virginia Living Museum
Virginia's natural heritage is explored through indoor and outdoor exhibits that highlight regional geography, geology, ecosystems, plants and animals. An elevated boardwalk winds through a 10-acre nature area, offering views of red wolves, bobcats, eagles, deer and coyotes. Interactive discovery centers invite visitors to handle natural science specimens and live animals. The Coastal Plain Gallery presents marine life from the Chesapeake Bay estuary. Gems, fossils and cave-dwelling creatures are found in the Virginia Underground Gallery. The James River ecosystem is depicted in the Piedmont and Mountains Gallery. Ghost crabs, sharks, flying squirrels and other live nocturnal animals dwell within the Virginia's World of Darkness Gallery. Call (757) 595-1900 for more information.
524 J. CLYDE MORRIS BLVD., Newport News, VA 23601
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