Hampton, Va is one of the oldest cities in the USA, with its origins going back nearly four hundred years to when Virginia was a British Colony. The city is located along the Chesapeake Bay, near Norfolk and Newport News. Hampton is home to Fort Monroe, Langley Air Force Base, NASA Langley Research Center and the Virginia Air and Space Center. The city also contains residential areas, historical sites, business and industrial complexes and waterfronts.

The city is part of the Hampton Roads - Tidewater region of Virginia. The name "Hampton Roads" refers to both a body of water and the region of land bordered by the Elizabeth and James Rivers, the Western edge of the Chesapeake Bay and the Virginia Beach waterfront. The seven cities of Hampton Roads are Norfolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, Chesapeake, Hampton, Virginia Beach and Suffolk.

The waterways of Hampton Roads create one of the world's biggest natural harbors. The area is occupied by the United States Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, NASA, Marines, and Army facilities, shipyards, coal piers, waterfront property and beaches.

The Hampton Visitor Center is a good place to begin a tour of the city. Located with the Hampton History Museum, the visitor center has brochures, tips, gifts and advice for visitors. After a stop at the visitor center, trips can be made to the Hampton University Museum, Virginia Air and Space Center or other nearby attractions.

Hampton has excellent shopping facilities including a wide range of chain stores, specialty shops, outlets, restaurants and other businesses. Among the newer shopping facilities is Peninsula Town Center. The project is the centerpiece of an ongoing revitalization of the Coliseum Central Business District in Hampton. The facility replaces Coliseum Mall, which operated from the early 1970’s until it was demolished.

In early, 2010, Peninsula Town Center developers, Steiner + Associates and Mall Properties, along with Hampton Mayor Molly Ward, announced the opening of more than 50 tenants at the center. The list included national retailers like The Limited, H&M, Hollister, New York & Company and Chico's, as well as a variety of unique eateries.

The city has a variety of marinas where travelers can find fishing charters, harbor cruises, boat tours, sailing adventures or other options. Visiting farmer's markets is another fun activity that is available seasonally. For sports fans, there is minor league baseball which occurs from May thru August.

Hampton is famous for its world class coliseum. The coliseum and nearby convention center provide an excellent environment for trade shows, expos, conventions and festivals. Among the most famous events is the Hampton Jazz Festival. The event is held each year during the last full weekend in June. The festival showcases jazz, R&B and blues artists and is always well attended by both residents and visitors.