More or less well-known to the masses, Hampton is one of the trendy tourist spots in the US, and there is no doubt about this. At the same time, its natural beauty, history, and space exploration work are something that makes this city attractive.
However, because the tourist spots in the city remain crowded, many people like to visit lesser-known spots to make the best out of their visit. That is why, in this article, I have written down the top 14 hidden gems in Hampton that can make your experience of visiting Hampton one of a kind.
Table of Contents
1. Blue Skies Gallery
Address: 26 S King St, Hampton, VA 23669
The first hidden gem in this is the Blue Skies Gallery, which has been in downtown Hampton for the last 30 years and is easily one of the best places in Hampton for art.
As you go inside, you will witness a very fine collection of art. Whether you like painting, photography, oil painting, mixed media painting, glass, sculptures, fiber art, or any other, you will most likely find an ideal piece from here. The wide variety of art forms available on display is what makes this place one of the most unique in the town as well.
Apart from this, they also offer custom art designs where you’ll tell them what kind of art piece you want with design, and they will make it for you. At the same time, they also offer art classes.
Read More: 15 Lesser-Known Tourist Spots in Nashville
2. Art Central Gallery
Address: 118 E Mellen St, Hampton, VA 23663
Started by a self-thought artist and is now featuring works of many local artists in Hampton, the Art Central Gallery is a place that also deserves your appreciation.
You will witness a very fine environment inside, which is what a typical art gallery would have, which makes it look beautiful. Inside, you will mainly find paintings, photography, oil paintings, wood carvings, and other prints. Even if you are not in the mood to purchase, just go and window shop, and you’ll definitely love the time inside.
And because almost every art piece in the gallery is made by the local artists, you will also find this gallery more affordable than most others in the town.
3. Bethel Park
Address: 123 Saunders Rd, Hampton, VA 23666
Bethel Park is easily the best must-visit hidden gem in Hampton for those who want a break from the city’s pace and want to be around greenery and water.
It’s not a typical park in every neighborhood, but it is different because it is way bigger and also provides a view of Big Bethel Reservoir, which makes it unique. As you reach here, you will see well-maintained walking trails sandwiched between local flora.
Inside is Bethel Battlefield Park, which is also worth visiting. This park also has a pavilion, which has plenty of space. In addition to that, you can also get cooking, paintball, fishing, and boating experience at reasonable rates in this park. Overall, it is one of the most ideal places to visit if you are with friends and family.
4. Briarfield Park
Address: 1560 Briarfield Rd, Hampton, VA 23666
Briarfield Park, which spans over 49 acres of green space, offers picnic and sports facilities and is more or less loved and appreciated by locals.
As you go inside, you’ll see a vast land covered with grass where you can sit. There are also benches under the shade of trees, so it’s up to you where you want to sit. Moreover, there are five different tennis courts, a baseball field, and a kid’s playground if you’re going to play or have kids with you.
Overall, it’s a park where you’ll love spending some time in the evening, but the kids will enjoy it the most because of the playground.
5. Woodlands Golf Course
Address: 9 Woodland Rd, Hampton, VA 23663
Woodlands Golf Course is an underrated golf course in Hampton that should be on your radar if you like playing golf.
It’s not far away from downtown Hampton. It is a public 18-hole, par-69 course that is ideal for pro and beginner golfers wanted to have a nice time on the course. The course is also beautiful, with small ponds in the middle, which makes it even more beautiful.
There is a big parking area on the front of the course. Moreover, on the left side is the Hampton Tennis Center. So it is not only about golf, but you can also play tennis if you want,
6. Langley Lanes Bowling Center
Address: 75 Nealy Ave, Hampton, VA 23665
While talking about playing different sports and games, the next hidden gem in Hampton on this list is the Langley Lanes Bowling Center. And because this bowling alley is suitable for people of all ages, it’s a very fun place for everyone.
This place has several well-maintained bowling lanes with different lighting. At the same time, there is also an arcade and gaming room with various other gaming options. After you finish gaming, there is also a snack bar where you can eat food before leaving this space. Overall, it’s going to be a very fun experience for you.
7. Hampton University Museum
Address: 14 Frissell Ave, Hampton, VA 23669
Founded in 1868 and is considered the oldest African American Museum in America, the Hampton University Museum is not something you want to miss when you are in Hampton.
It has a collection of around 12,000 objects, including African, Native American, Asian, and Pacific art. This museum also has the world’s first African American fine art, which was made by Henry O. Tanner.
Not only that, but in this museum, you will see various other exhibits, which include things like clothes, pottery, and jewelry that African tribes used to wear. Overall, the collection of this museum is very rare and gigantic, and missing out on it would be a mistake.
8. Hampton History Museum
Address: 120 Old Hampton Ln, Hampton, VA 23669, United States
If you are interested in learning about the history of Hampton, just head to the Hampton History Museum, where you will find plenty of exhibits and artifacts that will take you to the past.
As you go inside, you will see various displays about the early days of Hampton and will learn about the early settlers in this region as well. At the same time, you will see various exhibits related to civil war, old machinery, life-sized models, and recreated streetscapes that catch most visitor’s attention here.
Overall, it is a very informative and interesting museum that will keep everyone engaged, whether kids or adults.
9. Hampton Carousel
Address: 602 Settlers Landing Rd, Hampton, VA 23669
Managed by the Hampton History Museum, Hampton Carousel is also an underrated tourist spot ideal for families. This carousel is among the very few carousels that remain in the United States of America.
It’s not just another ride. This place also holds historical significance, as the horse designs inside were made in 1920 and hand-carved, which increases their significance. And as you finish your rides, spend some time on the marina in front of the Hampton River before leaving this place to have an ideal ending.
Hidden Gem Restaurants in Hampton
10. Langley Thai Cuisine
Address: 1719 N King St, Hampton, VA 23669
The first hidden gem restaurant in Hampton that you should definitely check out is the Langley Thai Cuisine. Whenever you crave Thai food, just head over to this place for some good Thai food.
The ambiance inside is very cool and aesthetic. The lighting is good, and the wooden tables and chairs look even better. There are also some paintings on the wall and an LED as well. If we talk about the food, here you’ll find a wide variety of Thai dishes like soups, noodles, and different rice options.
11. Williams O’Delicious LLC
Address: 1814 Todds Ln, Hampton, VA 23666
Williams O’Delicious LLC is a family-owned bakery that should be on your list whenever you crave to eat something sweet in Hampton.
The ambiance of this bakery is very simple and inviting, with cakes and pastries on display in a chiller. On the back of the display, the blackboard shows the price of items available, and if we talk about seating, you’ll find it here.
On the menu, you will find different cakes, pastries, tarts, pies, and bread options, which are a must in a bakery.
12. Kente’s
Address: 301 N Back River Rd, Hampton, VA 23669
Kente’s is another hidden gem cafe option that deserves appreciation. The ambiance inside the cafe is very simple, but it looks even better with brown paint, colored counters, and tables and chairs.
If we talk about the food, you will find a good variety of almost every item, whether you want rice, burgers, sandwiches, turkey, fish, shrimp, and many more. Not to forget the sweet items where you can get cakes, pies, etc.
13. Domoishi
Address: 2870 Kilgore Ave, Hampton, VA 23666
Another restaurant that is underrated is Domoishi, which serves Asian food and deserves a visit whenever you are in Hampton.
If we talk about the ambiance inside, you’ll see a very modern interior that is pleasing to the eyes and refreshing. There is a big counter in front, and on top of that are 3 LCDs that show the menu. Moreover, the red color interior really looks classy.
For the menu, you can have rice bowls, shrimp, chicken wings, spring rolls, a wide variety of ramen, Japanese fried chicken, and many more, which is really impressive.
14. LV’s Restaurant
Address: 1565 Briarfield Rd, Hampton, VA 23666
The last restaurant in the list of hidden gem restaurants in Hampton is LV’s Restaurant, which specializes in Soul food (a traditional cuisine of African Americans).
It’s not a very big restaurant, but it is relatively average in size and overall has a good environment inside. There is also a snooker table inside, where you can play as well.
When it comes to food, they offer a nice variety of food, with soul foods as their specialty. You’ll find mac and cheese, fish, fried chicken, burgers, pies, rice, noodles, cakes, and many more.
FAQ’s
1.. Is Hampton a famous tourist spot?
Yes, Hampton is a well-known tourist spot because of its coastal beauty and NASA’s Research Center, which attracts visitors from different parts of the US.
2. What is special about Hampton?
There are a lot of special things about Hampton, VA, like its historical significance, natural beauty, and space exploration programs.
3. Is Hampton expensive to visit?
Even though it depends on what time you are visiting and what are your spending habits. But, overall, it is still better to consider Hampton, an expensive place for tourists.
4. What’s the best time to visit Hampton?
Ideally, visiting Hampton from May to October would be a nice decision.
