If you’re PCSing to Hampton Roads, Virginia, or considering buying a home in the area, you’re moving to one of the most diverse, exciting, and military-friendly regions in the country. With world-class beaches, rich American history, a thriving food scene, and endless outdoor adventures, Hampton Roads offers something for every lifestyle — whether you’re stationed here temporarily or planning to put down roots.

Below is your ultimate guide to the best things to do around Hampton Roads, tailored for new residents, service members, and homebuyers looking to get to know the area.

1. Explore the Beaches of Hampton Roads

The region is surrounded by water, delivering some of the best beaches on the East Coast. Whether you want a quiet stretch of sand or a bustling oceanfront scene, Hampton Roads has a beach for every mood.

Top Beaches by City (Rearranged List):

Virginia Beach

• Sandbridge Beach – Calm, uncrowded, great for families

• Croatan Beach – Popular with surfers

• Oceanfront & Boardwalk – Dining, nightlife, festivals, entertainment

• First Landing State Park – Beach + hiking

• Little Island Park

Hampton

• Buckroe Beach

• Grandview Nature Preserve

• Outlook Beach (Fort Monroe)

Norfolk

• Ocean View Beaches - Great for swimming & fishing

Yorktown

• Yorktown Beach

Newport News

• Huntington Beach Park

Gloucester Point

• Gloucester Point Beach Park

James City County / Williamsburg

• Jamestown Beach Park

This coastline diversity is one of the biggest perks of buying a home in Hampton Roads.

2. Dive Into Virginia’s Most Important Historic Sites

Hampton Roads is where America officially began, offering unmatched access to historic locations and living museums within minutes of most military installations.

Must-See Historic Destinations:

• Colonial Williamsburg

• Jamestown Settlement

• Yorktown Battlefield & Victory Center

• Cape Henry Lighthouse (Fort Story)

• Virginia War Museum

• Endview Plantation & Lee Hall Mansion

Easy Day Trips:

• Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello

• George Washington’s Mount Vernon

• James River Plantations

• Civil War battlefields across Virginia

Hampton Roads is one of the best places for military families to connect with American history firsthand.

3. Outdoor Adventures From Beach to Mountains

One of the biggest benefits of living in Hampton Roads is quick access to both coastal relaxation and mountain scenery.

Within a Few Hours You Can Reach:

• Shenandoah National Park & Skyline Drive

• Crabtree Falls Trail (one of Virginia’s most beautiful hikes)

• Wintergreen, Massanutten & Snowshoe Mountain – Skiing, hiking, ziplining, golf & resorts

It’s rare to live somewhere where the beach and the mountains are both an easy road trip away.

4. Theme Parks & Family-Friendly Attractions

Hampton Roads is packed with family entertainment, museums, and attractions that make living here a blast.

Top Picks for Kids & Families:

• Virginia Zoo

• Virginia Living Museum

• Virginia Air & Space Science Center

• Mariners’ Museum & Park

• Chrysler Museum of Art

• Nauticus & USS Wisconsin Battleship

• Norfolk Botanical Garden

• Ocean Breeze Waterpark

• Great Wolf Lodge

• iFly Indoor Skydiving

• Military Aviation Museum

• Norfolk Tides Baseball & Norfolk Admirals Hockey

These attractions are perfect whether you're just settling in or entertaining visiting family.

5. Water Activities & Coastal Adventures

If you love the water, Hampton Roads is a dream location.

Local Water Experiences:

• Rudee Tours – Dolphin & whale watching in Virginia Beach

• Miss Hampton II Harbor Tour – The only boat tour of the historic Hampton Roads harbor

• Kayak and paddleboard rentals – Many available through base MWR programs

• Yorktown Schooners Alliance & Serenity – Sailing cruises

• Charter fishing from Virginia Beach, Hampton, and the Eastern Shore

• Piers for fishing across the region

Living here means water recreation is always just minutes away.

6. Amusement Parks Just Outside Hampton Roads

Just up the road near Williamsburg, you'll find two nationally known theme parks:

• Busch Gardens Williamsburg – Consistently named one of the most beautiful theme parks in America

• Water Country USA – The region’s largest waterpark

Both offer military discounts and “Waves of Honor” free admission for active-duty service members.

7. Local Culture, Events & Community Fun

Hampton Roads is not just about beaches — it’s a thriving region filled with events and creative culture.

Don’t Miss:

• Art festivals in Norfolk & Virginia Beach

• Local farmers markets (including Pungo in Virginia Beach)

• Seasonal waterfront events

• Historic tours and walking trails

• Food festivals and military appreciation events

Wherever you’re stationed, you’ll find something happening nearby.

8. Why Military Families Love Living in Hampton Roads

Every branch of the armed forces is represented here, making this one of the most military-friendly regions in the country.

Local Benefits Include:

• PCS-friendly rental and homebuying markets

• Large veteran community

• Multiple major bases (Oceana, Dam Neck, Norfolk Naval Station, Little Creek, Langley, Yorktown, Fort Eustis)

• Endless off-duty recreation

• Proximity to D.C. and East Coast travel spots

Hampton Roads truly feels like home — whether you’re here for one tour or planning to stay long-term.

Moving to Hampton Roads or Buying a Home Here? We Can Help.

If you're considering buying in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, or Newport News, we’d love to guide you.

📲 Tom & Dariya Milan — Luxury Elite Team | VAHomes.com
Your Trusted Hampton Roads Real Estate Experts for Military Relocation & PCS Moves