5 Days of Sun, Sea, and Adventure in Hampton

Explore the beauty of Hampton without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Hampton, United States is a great destination for travelers on a limited budget. With plenty of affordable accommodation options and free attractions, visitors can experience the beach town without breaking the bank. Don't miss out on the historic Hampton Carousel, the Buckroe Beach and Park, and the Virginia Air and Space Science Center – all great spots to explore without spending a dime.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Beach, Brunch, and Brews

  • Stay at The Hampton Inn for budget-friendly accommodation.
  • Start the day with a stroll on Hampton Beach, admiring the Atlantic Ocean's vastness.
  • Head to The Golden Egg for brunch, enjoying their famous Eggs Benedict and freshly-baked pastries.
  • Walk off brunch at the Nature Preserve at One Mile Marsh, where you'll see majestic wildlife.
  • Quench your thirst with a local brew at Central Waters Brewing Company, known for their unique craft beers.
  • Dinner at Johnson's Seafood & Steak, a charming waterfront spot with excellent seafood options.
Day 2

History and Culture

  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at The Dancing Egg. You'll need the energy.
  • Head to Hampton Historical Society & Tuck Museum, explore several colonial-era artifacts, and learn about local history.
  • Take a short drive or ferry to Portsmouth where you can tour the Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden, which transports visitors back to the 1700s.
  • Satisfy your tastebuds with comfort food at The Friendly Toast in Portsmouth. Toast to the memories before returning to your hotel.
Day 3

Get Active

  • If the weather's nice, start your day with yoga on the beach.
  • Rent bicycles and tour the tiny coastal community of Rye.
  • Pack a picnic lunch to have on the beautiful Odiorne Point State Park beach or a picnic table on the iconic Seacoast Science Center property.
  • Journey back in time as you explore the USS Albacore Museum, which features an excellent collection of submarine artifacts and history.
  • End the day with seafood specialties on Molly Malone's Irish Pub's comfortable, homey patio.
Day 4

Treat yourself

  • Rise early and treat yourself to a massage at The Spa Within at Hampton Inn & Suites.
  • Enjoy a leisurely drive to Newmarket to visit The Stone Church, an old church now converted to a bar offering exciting live music.
  • Lunch at the Riverworks Restaurant & Tavern boasting a delightful vintage atmosphere.
  • Spoil yourself with shopping therapy at Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods. Find the best deals on clothes, accessories, shoes, home decor, and much more.
  • Dinner in a trendy industrial environment at La Trattoria. Enjoy traditional Italian dishes with excellent wine and service.
Day 5

Coastal Scenery

  • Start your day with a warm beverage and pastry at Cuppacity Coffee.
  • Visit Seabrook Science & Nature Center to learn about nature and protect ecosystems.
  • Go to Salisbury Beach State Reservation and soak up the sun, walk on the beach, and splash in the ocean.
  • Stop by Brown's Lobster Pound, which is the perfect spot to enjoy steamed lobster on the banks of the tidal river.
  • As the sun begins to set, enjoy unforgettable margaritas and delicious Mexican food at the authentic authentic Las Olas Taqueria.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Hampton, United States by plane is to fly into Norfolk International Airport and then take a taxi or rental car for the 25-minute drive to Hampton.

Car

Driving to Hampton is a great option if you are coming from nearby areas. Hampton is located along Interstate 64, which connects the city to cities like Richmond, Virginia and Virginia Beach. You can also take US-17, US-258, and US-460 to get to Hampton depending on your location.

Train

Although there is not a train station in Hampton, there is an Amtrak station in nearby Newport News. From there, you can take a taxi or rental car for the 15-minute drive to Hampton.

Boat

Hampton has a wide variety of marinas for those who want to arrive by boat. The Hampton Public Piers, Bluewater Yachting Center, and Sunset Boating Center are some of the popular marinas located in Hampton.

Bus

Taking a bus is a convenient option for traveling to Hampton. Greyhound offers daily bus service from various locations in the United States to Hampton. The bus will drop you off at the Hampton Transit Center in downtown Hampton.

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