10 of the best things to do in Hampton Roads, according to the people who live here

Along the coast of southeastern Virginia lies Hampton Roads, arguably one of the most interesting and history-rich areas of the US, made up of several independent cities and counties: the core seven cities of Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Newport News, Hampton, Portsmouth, and Suffolk, along with Williamsburg, York County, Gloucester County, and Isle of Wight County.

The region got its name around 400 years ago when it was a British outpost; “Hampton” refers to the early English settlement that became the modern city of Hampton, and “Roads” is a nautical term for a protected area of water where ships can anchor safely near the shore. And that’s exactly what it is—a deep, natural harbor (the Chesapeake Bay), fed by the James, Elizabeth, Nansemond, and York rivers.

Considering its geography, you may have guessed that Hampton Roads has a rich colonial history (some say it’s basically where US history began), a strong naval and maritime culture, and some of the best seafood ever. Jump ahead a few hundred years, and you’ve got an area with both a busy tourism industry and a laid-back coastal lifestyle, serving as a backdrop for a growing metropolitan arts, culture, and culinary scene.

So where does a visitor begin? We asked the locals, and they answered. Here are some of their suggestions for things to see and do while you’re in Hampton Roads.

1. Go outside and play

According to Scott Westfall, owner and CEO of CGP Real Estate Consulting, Hampton Roads’s accessibility to nature is a major part of daily life in the region. “My family loves anything outdoorsy,” Westfall shared, “so we love days at the Virginia Beach oceanfront or secluded beaches, and bike rides through state parks.” For people who prefer to spend their outdoor adventure on the water, he adds that Hampton Roads is “a true playground for boating, jet skiing, and kayaking.” Westfall also recommended a picnic or hike at First Landing State Park, where visitors can explore trails, enjoy the waterfront, and do some birdwatching.

“But what really keeps us in love with the Hampton Roads area is the community,” says Westfall. “No matter where we go, we’re always met with kind, sincere neighbors ready to have a great time with everything this region has to offer.”

2. Explore Hampton Roads’ history

Westfall also notes the area’s fascinating historical sites as a must-see for visitors. To journey back in time, he recommended visiting historical sites like Colonial Williamsburg, an authentically preserved town complete with costumed “citizens” running everything you’d find in an 18th-century village, from artisan workshops to taverns. Westfall also pointed us to the lighthouses at Fort Story, not only famous for guiding ships through the busy harbor since the 1700s, but also for their gorgeous views of the ocean and bay.

3. Visit the Nauticus Naval Museum

Hampton Roads offers plenty of unique ways to learn about its naval heritage besides the Fort Story lighthouses. For a more interactive experience, Westfall recommends the Nauticus Naval Museum, where you can learn all about historic ships and engage with hands-on exhibits about the region’s tight connection to the sea and the US Navy.

Good to know: Nauticus is typically open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM and closed on Mondays. During the summertime (June to August), it’s usually open seven days a week from 10 AM to 5 PM, with some exceptions for holidays. Before you go, check out their website for the current schedule.

4. Take the kiddos to Hunt Club Farm

“In Hampton Roads, you’ll find an abundance of free and affordable activities that bring families like ours together,” says Westfall. “My young boys love taking trips out to Hunt Club Farm to pet the animals, a local staple that never gets old!” Aside from socializing with the Farm’s goats, pigs, sheep, llamas, and alpacas, you can also feed the birds in the Aviary (if you come armed with treats).  The Farm hosts seasonal events, too, like spring festivals, Easter egg hunts, fall fairs, and a spooky haunted farm experience at Halloween!

Good to know: The Farm is generally open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM (April–December), with extended hours during summer and fall. The Petting Farm and Pony Rides are closed in January and operate weekends only in February and March (10 AM–4 PM/11 AM–3 PM, respectively), weather permitting. As always, check the website for the latest hours before planning your trip.

5. Discover the Norfolk Botanical Garden

“We are a coastal attraction,” says Kelly Welsh of Norfolk Botanical Garden, “and just a few hours from the mountains, little more than an hour to the Outer Banks, and beaches right here in our area. We are also known for our glass and art collections as a whole in the City of Norfolk.”

Spanning 175 acres, the garden features more than 65 themed gardens, “from stunning plant collections to the interactive WOW – World of Wonders: A Children’s Adventure Garden, which can be explored by tram, boat, or walking tours.”

Welsh adds, “Norfolk Botanical Garden is undergoing its largest expansion with The Garden of Tomorrow that includes the 26,000 sq. ft. Perry Conservatory with a Desert and Tropical biome – housing and protecting the most threatened plants around the world. We will also have the permanent Chihuly Perry Collection – one of the largest in the U.S.”

She stresses that the garden’s mission is “to immerse visitors in a world of beauty, lead through environmental action, and inspire through education and connection to nature.” The garden is recognized as a Virginia Historic Landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

Good to know: Welsh gave us the practical deets, too. “Admission is $21.00 for adults, $19.00 for seniors and military, $16.00 for ages 3-12, 2 and under are free,” she says. “Explore our reduced admission programs: Norfolk Power Up and Museums for All!” For more information, visit www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org.

6. Check out the local coffee shops and culinary scene

“Favorite things to do in Hampton Roads include exploring local coffee shops, enjoying the many parks, or spending summer days at the beach,” says Erene Henninger of Project Seed Coffee. Henninger also mentioned Hampton Roads’s diverse culinary scene, with many restaurants offering “creative twists on traditional dishes,” that will appeal to foodies of all kinds.

7. Meander through the Chrysler Museum of Art

For art aficionados, Henninger emphasizes that the Chrysler Museum of Art is a “must stop!” Located in Norfolk, the Chrysler Museum is a cultural icon with a history dating all the way back to the 1930s. You may recognize the museum’s namesake—Walter P. Chrysler Jr., heir to the Chrysler Corporation and avid art collector, gifted a huge portion of his personal collection to the city. Today, you’ll find a collection of more than 35,000 works spanning over 5,000 years, including European and American paintings, sculpture, photography, decorative arts, and one of the largest glass art collections in the US.

The Chrysler also hosts the Wonder Studio, where families and kids can make their own art. Interested in making your own glass art? Visit the Perry Glass Studio on the museum’s campus, where you can watch live demonstrations and take a class!

Good to know: Amazingly, admission to the Chrysler is free! It’s open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from noon to 5. The museum is closed on Mondays.

8. Celebrate at one of Hampton Roads’ Cultural festivals

Henninger also recommends stopping by one of Hampton Roads’s exciting cultural events. “If visiting during the Fall season, check out the Greek Festival or Filipino Festival: Mabuhayfest, which showcases food and culture,” she explains. These events celebrate the area’s diversity through music, dance, and, of course, amazing food! You might also be interested in checking out the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival in the fall, with sand sculpting art, and lots of other stuff to do for the whole family. Finally, there’s the Virginia Arts Festival with music, theater, dance, and more.

9. Admire the marine life at the Virginia Aquarium

Located in Virginia Beach, the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is home to an impressive array of critters. Visitors can see exotic fish, sea turtles, sharks, otters, and more housed in over 800,000 gallons of aquariums and habitats. And, of course, there’s a touch tank where you can pet the stingrays and tidal animals. There are also outdoor trails to enjoy, boat tours where you can learn about the local marine ecosystems, and seasonal activities like wildlife talks, kayak tours, and summer camps.

Good to know: The Aquarium and Marine Center are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

10. Marvel at Mount Trashmore

Yep, Mount Trashmore is what it sounds like: a Virginia Beach icon built on a reclaimed landfill. The resourceful people of Virginia Beach transformed a trashy heap into a beautiful urban park with trails, playgrounds, skate parks, picnic areas, and even tennis and volleyball courts.  It’s popular with the locals for family outings and seasonal events, and it’s an excellent place to get active—but it’s also perfect for a lazy afternoon picnic boasting panoramic city and ocean views.

Experience Hampton Roads for yourself!

From outdoor adventures to heritage excursions to culinary discoveries, Hampton Roads really does have something for everyone. If you’re planning a visit, the locals are always glad to point you in the right direction. Happy exploring!