The City of Hampton has two distinct areas with links to the Chesapeake Bay. The downtown waterfront area has been renovated and welcomes visitors. Attractions downtown include cobblestone streets, brick sidewalks, and shops, restaurants, pubs, galleries, an air and space museum, restored antique carousel, and a waterfront park.
The nearby presence of NASA's Langley Research Center has brought the Virginia Air and Space Center to downtown Hampton (600 Settlers Landing Road). The Air and Space Center tells the story of aviation and space exploration and features an IMAX movie theater. In a park next door to the Air and Space Center, visitors can ride on an authentic restored 1920's wooden carousel. The carousel operates from April through December 15th and you can take a ride for only 50 cents.
Mill Point Park, located at the eastern end of Queens Way on the waterfront, hosts live rock music each Wednesday evening and live jazz on Friday evenings from May to September. Saturday night Block Parties at Queens Way feature live top 40 dance music, street entertainers, and games.
The Phoebus/Fort Monroe area is located on Hampton's eastern side. Phoebus was once an incorporated town and has retained it's individual character. Today's Phoebus is experiencing a renaissance and features a nice mix of older homes, antique shops, arts and crafts galleries, and restaurants. The restored American Theatre at 125 East Mellon Street is well worth a visit. The American Theatre has quickly become one of the premier performance venues in Hampton Roads.
Fort Monroe, at Old Point Comfort, is the largest star fort ever built in this country. A visit to this fort's casement museum, surrounded by beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay and picturesque structures, should be part of any visit to Hampton.
The Hampton Coliseum is a large, multi-purpose facility that hosts events such as concerts, sporting events, conventions, and trade shows. The Coliseum is located in the middle of the city, just off of Interstate 64. Visit the Coliseum's website for a calendar of upcoming events.
Radisson Hotel Hampton. Located on the waterfront in downtown Hampton. Convenient to downtown attractions and events. This is the only hotel located in downtown Hampton, the rest are located aournd the Hampton Coliseum. Traveler Reviews and Rate Comparison
Country Inn & Suites by Carlson. Conveniently located off of Interstate 64. Minutes away from NASA Langley, Hampton Convention Center, Hampton University, Fort Monroe, Hampton business parks, Hampton Coliseum, Coliseum Mall and Sentara Medical Facility. Continental Plus Breakfast offered with all rates per person & includes several hot items. Traveler Reviews and Rate Comparison.
Courtyard by Marriott, Hampton. 2 miles from downtown Hampton, this hotel is 3.5 miles from the Virginia Air Space Museum and 8 miles from Hampton College. Wireless Internet access in public areas and a restaurant located in the lobby. Traveler Reviews and Rate Comparison.
Hilton Garden Inn Hampton Coliseum Central. This hotel is 1 mile from the Hampton Coliseum and within 3 miles of offices for Northrop Grumman Corporation and Lockheed Martin. The Hilton Garden Inn Hampton Coliseum Central features a 24-hour Pavilion Pantry® convenience mart and an on-site bistro. Guests can work out in the complimentary fitness center, relax in the whirlpool, or take a plunge in the pool. Traveler Reviews and Rate Comparison.
Clarion Hotel. Across the street from the Coliseum Mall in Hampton. The Clarion Hotel offers fitness equipment, a bar and restaurant, laundry facilities, and an indoor pool. Traveler Reviews and Rate Comparison.
La Quinta Inn Hampton. This three-story La Quinta Inn in Hampton offers lodging 19 miles north of downtown Norfolk and 18 miles from the airport. Complimentary amenities include parking, local calls, and Continental breakfast. The hotel provides an outdoor pool. Traveler Reviews and Rate Comparison.
June -- Blackbeard Festival. Pirates take over the downtown waterfront in this family festival. More Information.
June 14 -- Hospice Regatta of Greater Hampton Roads. Annual sailboat regatta with more than 40 boats racing on a closed course in Hampton Harbor to raise money for local hospice organizations. More Information.
Sundays, June 15 - August 24. Groovin' by the Bay. Live music under the stars at Buckroe Beach Park, Hampton. 6:00 to 9:00.
June 27 - 29 -- Hampton Jazz Festival. Annual jazz music festival featuring top national blues, soul, and pop performers. Hampton Coliseum. More Information.
August 8 - 10. Hampton Cup Regatta. East Mercury Bridge, Fort Monroe, VA. Annual hydro-plane boat races. More Information.
Sept. 5 - 7 -- Hampton Bay Days. Hampton's largest festival pays tribute to the Chesapeake Bay. This year's festival features free concerts by Bruce Hornsby and Ricky Skaggs on Sunday afternoon. More Information.
