{"id":147445,"date":"2026-03-26T06:29:25","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T13:29:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/?p=147445"},"modified":"2026-03-30T23:15:12","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T06:15:12","slug":"things-to-do-in-hampton-roads","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/local-resources\/things-to-do-in-hampton-roads\/","title":{"rendered":"10 of the best things to do in Hampton Roads, according to the people who live here"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/virginia-beach-va\/\">Virginia Beach<\/a>, Chesapeake, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/norfolk-va\/\">Norfolk<\/a>, Newport News, Hampton, Portsmouth, and Suffolk, along with Williamsburg, York County, Gloucester County, and Isle of Wight County.<\/p>\n<p>The region got its name around 400 years ago when it was a British outpost; \u201cHampton\u201d refers to the early English settlement that became the modern city of Hampton, and \u201cRoads\u201d is a nautical term for a protected area of water where ships can anchor safely near the shore. And that\u2019s exactly what it is\u2014a deep, natural harbor (the Chesapeake Bay), fed by the James, Elizabeth, Nansemond, and York rivers.<\/p>\n<p>Considering its geography, you may have guessed that Hampton Roads has a rich colonial history (some say it\u2019s 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\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019re in Hampton Roads.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-147466\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/beautiful-cherry-blossom-trees-in-norfolk.png\" alt=\"beautiful cherry trees in bloom in norfolk va\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/beautiful-cherry-blossom-trees-in-norfolk.png 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/beautiful-cherry-blossom-trees-in-norfolk.png?resize=500,333 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/beautiful-cherry-blossom-trees-in-norfolk.png?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/beautiful-cherry-blossom-trees-in-norfolk.png?resize=150,100 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>1. Go outside and play<\/h2>\n<p>According to <span data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">Scott Westfall, owner and CEO<\/span> of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cgprealestateconsulting.com\/\">CGP Real Estate Consulting<\/a>, Hampton Roads\u2019s accessibility to nature is a major part of daily life in the region. \u201cMy family loves anything outdoorsy,\u201d Westfall shared, \u201cso we love days at the Virginia Beach oceanfront or secluded beaches, and bike rides through state parks.\u201d For people who prefer to spend their outdoor adventure on the water, he adds that Hampton Roads is \u201ca true playground for boating, jet skiing, and kayaking.\u201d Westfall also recommended a picnic or hike at First Landing State Park, where visitors can explore trails, enjoy the waterfront, and do some birdwatching.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut what really keeps us in love with the Hampton Roads area is the community,\u201d says Westfall. \u201cNo matter where we go, we\u2019re always met with kind, sincere neighbors ready to have a great time with everything this region has to offer.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>2. Explore Hampton Roads&#8217; history<\/h2>\n<p>Westfall also notes the area\u2019s 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 \u201ccitizens\u201d running everything you\u2019d 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.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-147471\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/norfolk-hampton-roads.png\" alt=\"aerial view of norfolk hampton along river\" width=\"960\" height=\"623\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/norfolk-hampton-roads.png 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/norfolk-hampton-roads.png?resize=500,324 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/norfolk-hampton-roads.png?resize=768,498 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/norfolk-hampton-roads.png?resize=150,97 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>3. Visit the Nauticus Naval Museum<\/h2>\n<p>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\u2019s tight connection to the sea and the US Navy.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Good to know:<\/strong> Nauticus is typically open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM and closed on Mondays. During the summertime (June to August), it\u2019s usually open seven days a week from 10 AM to 5 PM, with some exceptions for holidays. Before you go, check out <a href=\"https:\/\/nauticus.org\/visit\/hours-tickets\/#:~:text=Tour%20concludes%20with%20a%20visit,90%20Minutes%20Long.\">their website<\/a>\u00a0for the current schedule.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-147467\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/nauticus-naval-museum-norfolk.png\" alt=\"front image of nauticus naval museum in norfolk\" width=\"1015\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/nauticus-naval-museum-norfolk.png 1015w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/nauticus-naval-museum-norfolk.png?resize=500,296 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/nauticus-naval-museum-norfolk.png?resize=768,454 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/nauticus-naval-museum-norfolk.png?resize=150,89 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1015px) 100vw, 1015px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>4. Take the kiddos to Hunt Club Farm<\/h2>\n<p>\u201cIn Hampton Roads, you\u2019ll find an abundance of free and affordable activities that bring families like ours together,\u201d says Westfall. \u201cMy young boys love taking trips out to Hunt Club Farm to pet the animals, a local staple that never gets old!\u201d Aside from socializing with the Farm\u2019s goats, pigs, sheep, llamas, and alpacas, you can also feed the birds in the Aviary (if you come armed with treats). \u00a0The Farm hosts seasonal events, too, like spring festivals, Easter egg hunts, fall fairs, and a spooky haunted farm experience at Halloween!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Good to know:<\/strong> The Farm is generally open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM (April\u2013December), 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\u20134 PM\/11 AM\u20133 PM, respectively), weather permitting. As always, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.huntclubfarm.com\/farm-hours\">check the website<\/a> for the latest hours before planning your trip.<\/p>\n<h2>5. Discover the Norfolk Botanical Garden<\/h2>\n<p>\u201cWe are a coastal attraction,\u201d says Kelly Welsh of <a href=\"https:\/\/norfolkbotanicalgarden.org\/\">Norfolk Botanical Garden<\/a>, \u201cand 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Spanning 175 acres, the garden features more than 65 themed gardens, \u201cfrom stunning plant collections to the interactive WOW \u2013 World of Wonders: A Children\u2019s Adventure Garden, which can be explored by tram, boat, or walking tours.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Welsh adds, \u201cNorfolk 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 \u2013 housing and protecting the most threatened plants around the world. We will also have the permanent Chihuly Perry Collection \u2013 one of the largest in the U.S.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>She stresses that the garden\u2019s mission is \u201cto immerse visitors in a world of beauty, lead through environmental action, and inspire through education and connection to nature.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-147468\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/norfolk-botanical-gardens.png\" alt=\"norfolk botanical gardens\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/norfolk-botanical-gardens.png 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/norfolk-botanical-gardens.png?resize=500,333 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/norfolk-botanical-gardens.png?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/norfolk-botanical-gardens.png?resize=150,100 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Good to know:<\/strong> Welsh gave us the practical deets, too. \u201cAdmission is $21.00 for adults, $19.00 for seniors and military, $16.00 for ages 3-12, 2 and under are free,\u201d she says. \u201cExplore our reduced admission programs: Norfolk Power Up and Museums for All!\u201d For more information, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org\/\">www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>6. Check out the local coffee shops and culinary scene<\/h2>\n<p>\u201cFavorite things to do in Hampton Roads include exploring local coffee shops, enjoying the many parks, or spending summer days at the beach,\u201d says Erene Henninger of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.projectseedcoffee.com\/\">Project Seed Coffee<\/a>. Henninger also mentioned Hampton Roads\u2019s diverse culinary scene, with many restaurants offering \u201ccreative twists on traditional dishes,\u201d that will appeal to foodies of all kinds.<\/p>\n<h2>7. Meander through the Chrysler Museum of Art<\/h2>\n<p>For art aficionados, Henninger emphasizes that the Chrysler Museum of Art is a \u201cmust stop!\u201d 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\u2019s namesake\u2014Walter 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\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n<p>The Chrysler also hosts<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>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\u2019s campus, where you can watch live demonstrations and take a class!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Good to know:<\/strong> Amazingly, admission to the Chrysler is free! It\u2019s open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from noon to 5. The museum is closed on Mondays.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-147472\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/norfolk-virginia-beautiful-city.png\" alt=\"beautiful view of downtown norfolk\" width=\"960\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/norfolk-virginia-beautiful-city.png 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/norfolk-virginia-beautiful-city.png?resize=500,328 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/norfolk-virginia-beautiful-city.png?resize=768,504 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/norfolk-virginia-beautiful-city.png?resize=150,98 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>8. Celebrate at one of Hampton Roads\u2019 Cultural festivals<\/h2>\n<p>Henninger also recommends stopping by one of Hampton Roads\u2019s exciting cultural events. \u201cIf visiting during the Fall season, check out the Greek Festival or<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>Filipino Festival: Mabuhayfest, which showcases food and culture<strong>,<\/strong>\u201d she explains. These events celebrate the area\u2019s 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\u2019s the Virginia Arts Festival with music, theater, dance, and more.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-147469\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/aquarius-in-norfolk.png\" alt=\"aquarius in norfolk\" width=\"960\" height=\"633\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/aquarius-in-norfolk.png 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/aquarius-in-norfolk.png?resize=500,330 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/aquarius-in-norfolk.png?resize=768,506 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/aquarius-in-norfolk.png?resize=150,99 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>9. Admire the marine life at the Virginia Aquarium<\/h2>\n<p>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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Good to know:\u00a0<\/strong>The Aquarium and Marine Center are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.<\/p>\n<h2>10. Marvel at Mount Trashmore<\/h2>\n<p>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. \u00a0It\u2019s popular with the locals for family outings and seasonal events, and it\u2019s an excellent place to get active\u2014but it\u2019s also perfect for a lazy afternoon picnic boasting panoramic city and ocean views.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-147470\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/mount-trashmore-virginia-beach.png\" alt=\"aerial view of mount trashmore in virginia beach\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/mount-trashmore-virginia-beach.png 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/mount-trashmore-virginia-beach.png?resize=500,333 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/mount-trashmore-virginia-beach.png?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/mount-trashmore-virginia-beach.png?resize=150,100 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Experience Hampton Roads for yourself!<\/h2>\n<p>From outdoor adventures to heritage excursions to culinary discoveries, Hampton Roads really does have something for everyone. If you\u2019re planning a visit, the locals are always glad to point you in the right direction. Happy exploring!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":148,"featured_media":147464,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[38988],"class_list":["post-147445","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-local-resources","tag-local-guides","gallery-content-unit"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v23.4 (Yoast SEO v24.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Top things to do in Hampton Roads, recommended by locals<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Looking for fun things to do in the Hampton Roads area? We&#039;ve got recommendations straight from locals for a great time.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/local-resources\/things-to-do-in-hampton-roads\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"10 of the best things to do in Hampton Roads, according to the people who live here\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Looking for fun things to do in the Hampton Roads area? We&#039;ve got recommendations straight from locals for a great time.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/local-resources\/things-to-do-in-hampton-roads\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"RentCafe rental blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-03-26T13:29:25+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-31T06:15:12+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/hampton-roads-featured-image.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1400\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"598\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Mihaela Buzec\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Mihaela Buzec\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/local-resources\/things-to-do-in-hampton-roads\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/local-resources\/things-to-do-in-hampton-roads\/\",\"name\":\"Top things to do in Hampton Roads, recommended by locals\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/local-resources\/things-to-do-in-hampton-roads\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/local-resources\/things-to-do-in-hampton-roads\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/hampton-roads-featured-image.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-26T13:29:25+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-31T06:15:12+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/b510a69aa13be0d422865c49655573de\"},\"description\":\"Looking for fun things to do in the Hampton Roads area? 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