Exploring the Hampton Coliseum Area: Entertainment, Dining & Community
The Hampton Coliseum area in Hampton, Virginia is a dynamic hub where entertainment, dining, history, and community converge. Whether you’re a local resident, a visitor catching a show, or someone exploring Hampton Roads for the first time, this vibrant district offers something for everyone. Use this as your guide to discovering the best of the Hampton Coliseum neighborhood and surrounding areas.
Hampton Coliseum: The Heart of Entertainment
The Hampton Coliseum stands as one of the region’s premier entertainment venues, hosting concerts, sporting events, family shows, and conventions year-round. Since opening in 1970, this iconic arena has welcomed legendary performers and created countless memories for Hampton Roads residents.
From major touring artists to college basketball tournaments, the Coliseum draws crowds from across the Peninsula and beyond. The venue’s central location makes it easily accessible from neighborhoods throughout Hampton, Newport News, and York County.
Peninsula Town Center: Shopping & Dining Hub
Just minutes from the Coliseum, Peninsula Town Center offers an open-air shopping and entertainment experience. With popular retailers, restaurants, a movie theater, and seasonal events, it’s become a gathering place for the community.
Whether you’re looking for a pre-show dinner, weekend shopping, or a place to meet friends, Peninsula Town Center provides a walkable, vibrant atmosphere that complements the energy of the Coliseum area.
Air Power Park & Hampton History
For a dose of local history and outdoor space, visit Air Power Park on Mercury Boulevard. This free park features historic aircraft, rockets, and military equipment on display—a tribute to Hampton’s deep connection to aviation and NASA Langley Research Center.
It’s an ideal spot for families, history enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to appreciate Hampton’s role in aerospace history while enjoying a picnic or leisurely walk.
Virginia Air & Space Science Center
A short drive from the Coliseum area brings you to the Virginia Air & Space Science Center in downtown Hampton. This Smithsonian-affiliated museum offers interactive exhibits on flight, space exploration, and Hampton’s contributions to aerospace innovation.
From the Apollo 12 command module to hands-on galleries perfect for children, the Air & Space Center provides an educational and inspiring experience for visitors of all ages.
Hampton University Museum
Located on the historic campus of Hampton University, the Hampton University Museum is the oldest African American museum in the United States. The museum’s collections include African art, Native American artifacts, and pieces documenting African American history and culture.
For residents and visitors interested in Hampton’s rich cultural heritage, this museum offers a meaningful connection to the community’s past and present.
Fort Monroe National Monument
Just a few miles from the Coliseum area, Fort Monroe National Monument sits at Old Point Comfort where the Chesapeake Bay meets Hampton Roads harbor. This historic fort, managed by the National Park Service, played crucial roles in the Civil War and American history.
Today, visitors enjoy walking trails, beaches, historic buildings, and stunning waterfront views. The Casemate Museum explores the fort’s history, including its connection to the first enslaved Africans arriving in English North America in 1619.
Buckroe Beach & Park
For a coastal escape within Hampton city limits, head to Buckroe Beach. This family-friendly beach offers swimming, a playground, picnic areas, and seasonal concerts and events.
It’s the perfect spot for Coliseum area residents looking to enjoy the Chesapeake Bay without traveling far from home.
Neighborhood Connections: Phoebus, Wythe, Langley & Beyond
The Hampton Coliseum area connects several distinct Hampton neighborhoods, each with its own character:
- Phoebus offers a charming historic downtown with local restaurants, breweries, and walkable streets
- Wythe provides family-friendly neighborhoods with convenient access to shopping and schools
- Langley connects residents to NASA Langley Research Center and aerospace employment
- Fox Hill and Downtown Hampton bring waterfront living and historic charm
These neighborhoods form the fabric of Hampton’s community, making the Coliseum area a natural gathering point for the entire city.
Dining & Local Flavors Near the Coliseum
The Coliseum area and surrounding neighborhoods offer diverse dining options:
- Pre-show meals at Peninsula Town Center restaurants
- Local favorites along Mercury Boulevard
- Historic Phoebus district breweries and eateries
- Waterfront dining in downtown Hampton
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite before an event or enjoying a leisurely dinner, the area provides plenty of culinary variety.
