Area Landmarks and Local Attractions
A city of 138,000 residents, Hampton is part of the metro area known as Hampton Roads. Hampton Roads, with a population of 1.3 million, is the 27th largest Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) in the U.S. The region called Hampton Roads encompasses the cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach and Williamsburg; as well as the counties of Accomack, Currituck, Gloucester, Isle of Wight, James City, Mathews and York.

The name Southampton was bestowed upon the area in the early 1600s by Lord Delaware, royal governor to the colony of Virginia. It was selected in honor of the third Lord of Southampton, a stalwart supporter of Virginia colonization and a sponsor of many expeditions to the New World.

The word roadstead, a nautical term for a place where ships could ride safely at anchor, described the important waterways that surrounded the developing colonial cities.

Originally called the Earl of Southampton’s Roadstead, the name of the area was gradually shortened to Hampton Roads.
 

Museums
Charles H. Taylor Art Center - Home to the Hampton Arts Commission and hosts changing exhibitions featuring local artists.
Virginia Air & Space Center - 757/727-0900 :: 800/296-0800 - Boasts historic air and space craft suspended in midair from a soaring 94-foot ceiling, a giant-screen IMAX theater, and hands-on activities for all ages, conveniently located just a short walk from the University.
 
Hampton University Museum - 757/727-5308 - Home to a collection of over 9,000 objects including traditional art from a myriad of different cultures and a gallery highlighting new and established artists.
 
The Mariners' Museum - 800/581-7245 - Collections ranging from figureheads, navigational instruments, to marine paintings, and costume interpreters.
 
The Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center - 757/247-2360 - A restored 1899 Queen Anne Victorian home and was once the home of Joseph T. Newsome, a prominent attorney, journalist, and civic leader who led the fight for social justice within the Commonwealth in the first half of the 1900's.
   

Historical Landmarks
Emancipation Oak - Located on Emancipation Drive on the Hampton University Campus. According to folklore, this tree heard the Emancipation Proclamation read to the newly freed slaves, class given at the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, and Sunday church services.
Little England Chapel - 757/723-6803 - Virginia's only known African-American Missionary Chapel. Built c. 1879, it was in continuous and varied use by the surrounding community until 1989. After an extensive restoration it reopened in 1993 and offers a permanent exhibit and video program.
 
St. John's Church - Downtown Hampton :: 100 West Queens Way :: 757/722-2567 - Built in 1728, is the oldest English-speaking parish in continuous service in America. St. John's is famous for its exquisite stained glass windows and communion silver made in London in 1618.
   

Recreational Activities
Bluebird Gap Farm - 757/727-6739 - An educational farm located in the Coliseum Central area. Animals range from horses and cattle to wolves and birds of prey.
 
Hampton Carousel - 757/727-6381 for the hotline :: 757/727-6347 - One of only 200 antique carousels still in operation in the US. It boasts its original mirrors and oil paintings, as a well as 48 intricately detailed horses. This unique c. 1920 carousel has been restored and placed within walking distance from the campus in Downtown Hampton.
Miss Hampton II - Downtown Hampton :: 764 Settlers Landing Rd. :: 1-888-757-BOAT :: 757/722-9102 - Harbor Cruises offers professionally narrated cruises of Fort Wool and the Norfolk Naval Fleet. Tours are two and one-half to three hours.
Harborlink Passenger Ferry - 762 Settlers Landing Rd. :: 757/722-9400 :: Web: www.harborlink.com - Enjoy a ride across the Hampton River on a luxury ferry to Downtown Norfolk. Take advantage of the local attractions such as Nautilus, McArthur Shopping Center, and an assortment of 5-star hotels and restaurants.
  Beaches & Waterfront Parks - Residents and tourists alike enjoy the Chesapeake Bay's Buckroe Beach and Grandview Nature Preserve areas in Hampton. Buckroe Beach provides lifeguard service from Memorial Day to Labor Day and is open from 10am to 6pm. Grandview has no lifeguard and is open year-round from 7am until sunset.
  Hampton Community Centers - Like the Old Hampton Community Center (757/727-1123), offer basketball courts, game room, lounge with TV, and swimming pool. Visitors, of course, are welcome.
   

Military Sites of Interest
Air Power Park - 757/727-1136 - Exhibits on the evolution of aviation including displays of jet airplanes and rockets. The park is open daily 9am-5pm and admission is free.
Casemate Museum - 757/88-2000 - Within the old stone walls of Fort Monroe, the Museum features displays and exhibits that trace the history of America's third oldest fort, with emphasis on its importance in the Civil War.
Fort Wool - 888/757-2628 :: 757/722-9102 - Located in the middle of Hampton Roads harbor, Fort Wool is a pre-Civil War island fortress. Accessible to visitors via the Miss Hampton II tour boat, the fort offers guided tours and historical interpretation.
Virginia War Museum - 757/247-8523 - Wide assortments of artifacts and items of daily life from the Revolutionary War to the present, relating to the wars America has been in.

Tours
Hampton Conventions & Tourism Group Tours - bnewton@hamptoncvb.com :: 757/722-1222 :: 800/487-8778 :: Fax - 757/727-1310  - a city department funded by the city of Hampton general fund whose mission includes the promotion of Hampton as a destination by aggressively marketing Hampton attractions, hotels, restaurants, retail operations and festivals to local, state and regional markets.  Allow them to assist your tour and order their free official Group Tour Manual jam-packed with great reasons to come and visit our Harbor-front city.
  Travel Talk International, Inc. - 757/988-8886 - Specializing in Christian Group tours.
   

Shopping
Coliseum Central - Home to Coliseum Mall, several shopping centers, a wide variety of restaurants and hotels, and the Hampton Coliseum, all conveniently located at I64 and Mercury Blvd. (Exit 258).
Patrick Henry Mall - 757/249-1305 - Offers 120 stores, convenient restaurants and a theater. In the immediate vicinity are the Yoder Barn Theater. [(757) 249-4187], Barnes & Noble, and Starbucks, among others. Located at I-64 and Jefferson Avenue, Exit 255A.
Williamsburg Pottery Factory - Located on Route 60 in Williamsburg (approximately a 45 minute drive) and offers everything from plants and gifts to home decor.
   

Golfing and Tennis
  Woodland Golf Course - 757/727-1195 - Offers 18 holes of traditional golf, clubhouses, locker room, pro shop, and a snack bar.
The Hamptons Golf Course - 757/766-9148 - Offers 27 holes of golf (9 holes of link golf, 18 holes traditional).
  Hampton Tennis Center - 757/727-1193 - Offers instruction at all levels; leagues, tournaments, retail sales, and restringing of rackets. Offering 7 har-tru lighted tennis courts.