Hampton University Campus
Founded 1868 for freed slaves — Booker T. Washington graduated here
Best time
April-October, Hampton University Homecoming (October)
Currency
USD
Language
English
Mid-range / day
USD 120
Is Hampton safe for Black travelers?
Hampton scores 4.0/5 (Very good) on the ROAM BLK safety index for Black travelers. Hampton is a safe, welcoming city with military presence. The waterfront area and university campus are excellent for visitors.
Community welcome
5/5
Police climate
3/5
Discrimination risk
4/5
Black-owned presence
4/5
Why this score: Fisk University HBCU; Nashville Black academic heritage
Neighborhoods to Know
Phoebus
Historic area near Fort Monroe with restaurants and shops
Old Hampton
Historic downtown area near the waterfront
Must-Visit Places
Hampton University Museum
One of the oldest Black museums in America — over 9,000 pieces of African, Native American, and African American art
Hampton, Virginia
Emancipation Oak
National Historic Landmark — where the Emancipation Proclamation was first read south of Washington DC
Hampton, Virginia
Fort Monroe National Monument
Contraband of War site — where enslaved people first found freedom
Hampton, Virginia
Hampton Coliseum
Major concert venue — Hampton's legacy of bringing Black music acts
Hampton, Virginia
Hampton Jazz Festival
Annual summer jazz festival drawing major acts
Hampton, Virginia
Native Soul Bar & Market Black-Owned
Black-owned vegan cafe / market in Hampton.
Hampton, Virginia
Kente’s African American Cafe Black-Owned
Black-owned african / american restaurant in Hampton.
Hampton, Virginia
Palm Tree Caribbean Café Black-Owned
Black-owned caribbean restaurant in Hampton.
Hampton, Virginia
Bowman’s Soul N the Wall Black-Owned
Black-owned soul food in Hampton.
Hampton, Virginia
Art Central Gallery Phoebus Black-Owned
Black-owned gallery in Hampton.
Hampton, Virginia
Capture The World Black-Owned
Black-owned apparel in Hampton.
Hampton, Virginia
Magnolia House Inn Black-Owned
Verified Black-owned bed & breakfast in Hampton.
Hampton, Virginia
Simply Panache Place Black-Owned
Verified Black-owned boutique hotel in Hampton.
Hampton, Virginia
Magnolia House Inn Black-Owned
Black-owned waterfront downtown Hampton B&B — a Queen Anne Victorian on the National Register of Historic Places and Virginia Landmarks Register. 3 elegant guest rooms with impeccable service. maghousehampton.com.
Downtown Hampton, Virginia
Alberta Beach House Black-Owned
Black-owned 6-bedroom, 3,000 sq ft Hampton beach house sleeping 14. Less than a 10-minute walk to family-friendly Buckroe Beach. Perfect for family reunions and homecoming weekends.
Hampton (near Buckroe Beach), Virginia
Visa
No visa required for US citizens
Frequently asked questions
Is Hampton safe for Black travelers?
Hampton scores 4.0 out of 5 (Very good) on the ROAM BLK safety index for Black travelers. Hampton is a safe, welcoming city with military presence. The waterfront area and university campus are excellent for visitors.
Which neighborhoods in Hampton are good for Black travelers?
Hampton University Campus, Phoebus, Old Hampton. Founded 1868 for freed slaves — Booker T. Washington graduated here
Are there Black-owned businesses in Hampton?
Black-owned presence in Hampton is strong. Black-owned spots ROAM BLK recommends include Native Soul Bar & Market, Kente’s African American Cafe, Palm Tree Caribbean Café, Bowman’s Soul N the Wall, Art Central Gallery Phoebus.
When is the best time to visit Hampton?
April-October, Hampton University Homecoming (October)
How much does a day in Hampton cost?
Budget: USD 60 · Mid-range: USD 120 · Luxury: USD 250 per day, per ROAM BLK estimates.
Plan your Hampton trip in ROAM
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