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Hampton is an independent city at the tip of the Virginia Peninsula, where the James River and Chesapeake Bay meet at Hampton Roads. English colonists settled the area at Kecoughtan in 1610, making Hampton one of the oldest continuously settled English-speaking communities in the Americas. St. John's Church, whose parish dates to that era, still stands near downtown.
The city has played a remarkable role in American history. Fort Monroe, at Old Point Comfort, is where the first enslaved Africans in English North America arrived in 1619, and during the Civil War it became known as Freedom's Fortress, a refuge for people escaping slavery. Hampton University grew from classes held under the Emancipation Oak in 1861, and NASA Langley Research Center, where the Mercury astronauts trained, sits beside Joint Base Langley-Eustis.
Today Hampton has about 137,000 residents and a relaxed waterfront character. The Virginia Air and Space Science Center downtown tells the story of flight and space exploration, Buckroe Beach offers calm bay swimming, and Fort Monroe National Monument preserves its moated stone fort and waterfront paths. Grandview Nature Preserve protects marshes and beach along the bay.
A huge moat-ringed stone fort at Old Point Comfort, where the first enslaved Africans in English North America arrived in 1619 and where freedom seekers found refuge in the Civil War. Walk the ramparts and visit the visitor center. Admission is free; allow a few hours.
A historic church in downtown Hampton, built in 1728 and home to the oldest continuous English-speaking parish in America, founded in 1610. Its churchyard has old graves and the church has stained glass windows. Visitors can enter on weekdays; check opening times.
A massive live oak on the Hampton University campus where the first Southern reading of the Emancipation Proclamation took place in 1863, and where classes for freed people were held. It is designated one of the great trees of the world. Visit quietly and read the historic marker.
A museum inside the walls of Fort Monroe telling the story of the fort, its role in the Civil War and the coast artillery, including the cell where Jefferson Davis was held after the war. Admission is free. Combine it with a walk around the fort's ramparts.
A science center in downtown Hampton showcasing the history of flight and space, with more than 30 aircraft, NASA artifacts, the Apollo 12 command module and hands-on exhibits. It also has a giant-screen theater. Plan at least two hours, especially with kids.
A museum covering more than 400 years of Hampton history, from Native peoples and the colonial port to the Civil War and NASA. Exhibits include artifacts from Blackbeard's era and the burning of Hampton. It is next to the Air and Space Center downtown.
A historically Black university founded in 1868 on the Hampton River, with a beautiful waterfront campus. The Hampton University Museum, one of the oldest African American museums in the US, has fine art and artifacts. Visitors can tour the museum free of charge.
Hampton's riverfront downtown along the Hampton River, with marinas, restaurants, shops, the carousel and the Air and Space Center. It hosts festivals and events. Stroll the waterfront and watch the boats, then dine at a seafood restaurant.
A public beach on the Chesapeake Bay with calm water, a fishing pier, a boardwalk and a park with a playground and picnic areas. It hosts summer concerts and movies. It is free and less crowded than ocean beaches; bring a picnic and stay for the sunset.
A large nature preserve on the Chesapeake Bay with beaches, marshes and dunes, home to birds and wildlife. A walking path leads to the beach. It is a quiet spot for nature lovers; bring insect repellent and wear sturdy shoes.
A restored 1920 carousel with hand-carved horses and chariots, housed in a pavilion on the downtown Hampton waterfront. It originally operated at the former Buckroe Beach amusement park. Rides are cheap and fun for kids; check seasonal hours.
A free city-run farm park in Hampton with barnyard animals, including goats, pigs, cows and chickens, plus a playground and picnic areas. It is a great outing for young children. Bring snacks for a picnic and visit in the morning when animals are active.
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