Find Your Wanderlove: 7 Reasons to Plan Your Next Road Trip to Hampton


WanderLOVE is about reconnecting with the places you love: the sandy beaches, the delicious food that brings everyone together, and the journey you take to get there. Plan your next road trip to Hampton, Va and explore history, taste local food, ciders, and brews, and let your heart fall in love with the oldest continuous English speaking settlement in America. 

7 Reasons to Visit Hampton for your next road trip: 

Easy Travel 

If you are traveling from Northern, Central, or Southern Virginia, take 64 West toward Hampton for an easy drive. Hampton also has the perk of being located before the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel, making travel easier! 

Looking for a scenic route with windy roads? Take Colonial Trail E. from Richmond toward Smithfield and the James River Bridge (VA-10 E), or John Tyler Memorial Highway. Travelers coming from North Carolina can take Route 58 to arrive in Hampton. Once you arrive in Hampton everything you could want from the small town feel, to quiet parks, and sandy beaches is just minutes away.

Indoor and Outdoor Accommodations   

Simply Panache Place

Having a safe place to stay during your visit is important to us! Our hotels are practicing safe procedures and Hampton also has several other accommodations. If you are traveling in a RV, park for a night at The Colonies RV Travel Park, or if you prefer to travel by car spend a night at Simply Panache Place, a boutique hotel located in Phoebus. After a restful night at Simply Panache Place, head over to Mango Mangeaux for a complimentary breakfast! 

Magnolia House Inn, Hampton’s premier bed & breakfast, is also perfect for a sophisticated and comfortable stay. If you would rather sleep outdoors, Sandy Bottom Nature Park has sites available for camping, or renting a yurt. Wherever you decide to stay, we are certain these accommodations will help you relax after a day of exploring Hampton. 

Outdoor Activities

Photo By: Morgan Luttrell

Sandy Bottom Nature Park

If you love exploring the outdoors, Hampton is a perfect place to visit. With sandy beaches open after Labor Day, Fort Monroe, and parks with walking trails, there is lots to explore. 

Make sure to stop by Air Power Park to see real life air and space craft up close! The park also connects to the Waterwalk trail, a four mile out and back trail that gives you a scenic view of Hampton. From beaches to trails, there are endless opportunities for outdoor activities. 

Fort Monroe

Historical Destinations  

Calling all history lovers! Founded in 1610, Hampton is the oldest continuous English speaking settlement in America. During your visit, explore historic Fort Monroe built from 1812 to 1836 as a coastal defense strategy. Rich with military history, It is the largest stone fort in America, covering 63 acres. 

Along with stopping at Fort Monroe, visit the locations on our African American Cultural Tour. Hampton is rich with African American culture, heritage, and history, and this tour will help you have a meaningful visit to our city. Explore more history at the Hampton History Museum and learn about everything from the first settlement to the beginning of the space age to complete your historical road trip.

Family Fun

Road trips are always more fun when they are with the whole family. Visit the animals at Bluebird Gap Farm, set sail on Miss Hampton II, or spend a relaxing day at one of our quiet beaches. Bring a frisbee, games, or build a sand castle to help create lasting memories! Don’t forget to grab a meal on Queen Street in Downtown Hampton to keep yourself fueled throughout your adventures. 

Hampton History Museum

Delicious Meals

The Deadrise

From Downtown Hampton to Phoebus, and Peninsula Town Center, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Most local restaurants have both indoor and outdoor seating options, and are practicing social distancing. After a long day of exploring Hampton, there is nothing like filling up with a delicious meal. With many options for every meal you will never be hungry during your visit. 

Toast the Coast 

Capstan Bar Brewing Company

Enjoy a fun night out with a visit to one of our breweries or cideries on the Toast the Coast: 4 taps 4 cities trail. Hampton has five unique breweries, and the only cidery in the Coastal Virginia area, Sly Clyde Ciderworks.

With an array of microbreweries and craft breweries you are sure to find something to enjoy! Make sure to check out each breweries calendar for special events, live music, food trucks, and more each weekend. Remember to drink responsibly. 

WanderLove is calling – and adventure is the destination. Reconnect with what you love on an epic road trip to Hampton, Va. When you are ready, we cannot wait for you to visit our coastal city. See you soon!