Hampton Welcomes Colonial Athletic Association
Colonial Athletic Association Swim & Dive Championship
The Hampton Convention & Visitor Bureau welcomes athletes and attendees of the Colonial Athletic Association Swim & Dive Championship. Please use this page as a reference for things to see, do, and explore during your time in Hampton.
Black History Sites Pass
Hampton’s more than 400-year-old Black historic sites tell a powerful story of perseverance, heritage, and pride. Download our free Hampton Black History Sites Pass to ‘check-in’ on your phone when you visit each site, and win a prize if you check-in to 4 or more!
Emancipation Oak
The Emancipation Oak was the site of the first public Southern reading of the Emancipation Proclamation. Its limbs span over 100 feet in diameter.
Hampton University Museum
Founded in 1868 on the campus of Hampton University, the Hampton University Museum is the oldest African-American museum in the United States.
First Africans in Virginia Marker
This marker denotes the arrival of the first documented enslaved Africans in Virginia at Point Comfort (modern day Fort Monroe) in Aug. 1619.
Aberdeen Gardens Museum and Historic Markers
Visit one of the only remaining Black resettlement communities from the New Deal in the 1930’s.
Hampton History Museum
Learn about the contributions of African Americans in Hampton. Galleries include the first African arrival in 1619 and the Hidden Figures exhibit showcasing the city’s involvement with the U.S. space program.
Fort Monroe Visitor and Education Center
This marker denotes the arrival of the first documented enslaved Africans in Virginia at Point Comfort (modern day Fort Monroe) in Aug. 1619.
Tucker Family Cemetery
The Tucker Family Cemetery is the resting place for descendants of William Tucker, the first recorded baby of African descent baptized in English North America. His parents were among the first enslaved Africans to arrive at Point Comfort in 1619.
Live Entertainment
Want to continue the competition outside of the pool? Try your hand at one of Hampton’s many trivia nights. If you’re looking for a way to celebrate after the tournament, head to The Vanguard Brewpub & Distillery on Friday night for some live music, excellent drinks and food. See their concert lineup here!
Food & Drink
Considering Hampton’s coastal heritage, fresh and local isn’t a trend. It’s a way of life. We were built on our connection with the sea and the local watermen and farmers who bring the freshest ingredients from the docks and farms to your table. From craft breweries to incredible family– and chef–operated restaurants to every fast food option imaginable, you’ll never have the same meal twice.
Discounts & Deals
Download our “Toast the Coast” mobile passport to gain exclusive discounts at breweries in the area! Logging a certain amount of check-ins at various spots will win you prizes like tasting glasses and t-shirts!
Download our “Taste of Hampton” mobile pass to gain exclusive deals at restaurants in the area! Once the pass is on your phone, present it to your server at participating locations to redeem whichever deal they may be offering. A list of participating locations and deals are here:
Attractions
Virginia Air and Space Science Center
Located in downtown Hampton, VASSC offers spacious galleries with a lot of room for social distancing. The new Space Explorer Gallery opened in December 2020 and showcases artifacts in innovative and exciting ways.
Fort Monroe National Monument
Leisurely explore 21 unique sites full of history, architecture, and nature on a self-guided walking tour of Fort Monroe, the largest stone fort in the United States.
Hampton History Museum
Learn about Hampton’s history and contributions of African Americans in Hampton. The 10 galleries are filled with the city’s history, as you travel from the 17th century to the present day.
Hampton Beaches
Soak up the sun during all seasons with a visit to our local beaches on the Chesapeake Bay. Public beaches in Hampton include Buckroe Beach, Outlook Beach at Fort Monroe, and Grandview Nature Preserve.
In Hampton, we have rich cultural history and wonderful parks and museums which showcase it. View a list of guided or self-guided tour opportunities.