From Beaches to History: Explore the Best of Hampton, Virginia
Hampton, Virginia, is a city along the Chesapeake Bay and part of the larger Hampton Roads area. There are many things to do there.
With an abundance of historic houses, museums, and parks, there’s something for everyone.
You may already be familiar with Hampton, Virginia. If you’re not, you’ll be glad to know that this city is an excellent place for a vacation.
Hampton, Virginia, is an independent city in Virginia. With a population of 137,000, it is the seventh most populous city in the state.
Hampton is a historic city with a rich history dating back to the Civil War. Today, it is an essential part of the Virginia region.
The town offers many things to do, including the historic district of Phoebus National Historic District.
Buckroe Beach and Park
Buckroe Beach and Park in Hampton, Virginia, is one of the oldest recreational areas in the state.
It is located on the Chesapeake Bay. The area has a long sandy beach, numerous picnic areas, and playgrounds. The park also offers boat and paddleboat rentals.
Buckroe Beach and Park has a fishing pier. This pier is well known for its cobia fishing.
During the summer months, many fishermen can be seen on the pier. In 2009, the city rebuilt the pier and reopened for business.
Buckroe Beach and Park is open from sunrise to sunset. There are ample parking lots available and certified lifeguards on the shore.
For community events, a stage is available. On Saturday nights, there are outdoor concerts.
Virginia Air & Space Science Center
The Virginia Air & Space Science Center is a great way to spend time with the family.
It’s a hands-on exhibit covering all aspects of space and air travel. In addition, you’ll learn all about the history of aviation, including the Wright brothers’ famous Kitty Hawk flight.
There are more than 30 historic aircraft at the Virginia Air & Space Science Center.
These include the Apollo 12 command module and the DC-9 passenger jet. Unlike the National Air and Space Museum, the Virginia Air & Space Science Center emphasizes interactive experiences.
Children can participate in a hands-on space gallery and enjoy the IMAX digital theater.
Sandy Bottom Nature Park
Located in Hampton, Virginia, Sandy Bottom Nature Park offers a slew of activities.
Whether you’re looking for a picnic, fishing, boating, or just walking in nature, this scenic park has something to suit your tastes.
Located off Interstate 64 on Big Bethel Road, Sandy Bottom Nature Park is a four-hundred-acre recreational paradise.
It features a nature center, a lake, and many trails.
The nature center has a nice playground and several other activities.
It also houses several wildlife exhibits, a classroom, and public restrooms. You can even take a guided tour of the lake.
Sandy Bottom offers twelve miles of hiking trails. The Trillium Trail is a 3.3-mile route that provides excellent views of the park’s two lakes.
Bluebird Gap Farm
The Bluebird Gap Farm in Hampton, VA, is a 60-acre interactive children’s farm. With over 150 wild and domestic animals, a zoo, and a petting zoo, it’s a fun day for everyone.
The best part is it’s free to attend! To learn more about the farm and its plethora of other activities, visit its website for a complete listing of activities and dates.
Located at 60 Pine Chapel Road in Hampton, Virginia, the Bluebird Gap Farm is an enchanting place to explore.
In addition to the animal displays, the park has an azalea nature trail, an antique barn, a large playground, and a new stage for special events.
The farm will host an annual fall festival during the fall months.
Larry King Law’s Langley Speedway
Larry King Law’s Langley Speedway in Hampton, Virginia, is a local race track that hosts a variety of races, including Late Models, Modifieds, Legends, Super Trucks, and Pro Wing Champ Karts.
The speedway is located just a short distance from Langley Air Force Base and is one of the most popular facilities in the Southeast.
Langley Speedway has hosted several big names in stock car racing.
Some of the best drivers of all time have raced there, including Bobby Allison, Dale Earnhardt, Donnie Allison, Jeff Gordon, Junior Johnson, and Darrell Waltrip.
It is also home to the Virginia State NASCAR Late Model Sportsman Division.
Langley Speedway hosts various weekly events, such as Modifieds and Late Models.
These are part of the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series, which determines the national champion for NASCAR-sanctioned local tracks.
Casemate Museum of Fort Monroe
The Casemate Museum of Fort Monroe in Hampton, Virginia, is an excellent place to learn about the site’s history.
It opened in 1951 and offered many exhibits that tell the story of Fort Monroe.
Visitors can tour the museum on self-guided walking tours or in a ranger-led walking tour.
During these walks, they can see various locations throughout the fort. Some sights include Quarters No.
1, where President Abraham Lincoln stayed. Visitors can also view the cell where Confederate president Jefferson Davis was kept prisoner.
Aside from its historic buildings, the Casemate Museum is also essential for African-American history.
The fort was the site of the first landing of enslaved Africans in 1619. In addition to being an important site for black history, Fort Monroe was also the site of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Visitors to the Casemate Museum can enjoy water views from the fort walls and take a tour inside the fort.
Visitors can participate in the Junior Ranger Program at the Casemate Museum. This program is free to all junior high school students and their families. There are also free summer campfire talks.
For those interested in the history of the Civil War, the Casemate Museum is a must.
It features exhibits highlighting the military and colonial roots of the fort.
Best Things to Do in Hampton, Virginia
Places to visit in Hampton, VA:
- Buckroe Beach and Park
- Virginia Air Space Science Center
- Sandy Bottom Nature Park
- Bluebird Gap Farm
- Larry King Law’s Langley Speedway
- Casemate Museum of Fort Monroe
