Downtown Hampton Waterfront and Marina
A vibrant waterfront marina offering a welcoming community, excellent amenities, and easy access to dining, entertainment, and local attractions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Live music at the brewery
Downtown Hampton Waterfront and Marina
Best Time
Live music at the brewery
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant waterfront marina offering a welcoming community, excellent amenities, and easy access to dining, entertainment, and local attractions.
"The camaraderie we felt when we docked was unexpected and so nice. "
🤝 Camaraderie on Arrival
Expect a warm welcome; fellow boaters and staff often help with docking. :wave:
🔑 Access with Key Fobs
Receive key fobs for clean, well-maintained bathrooms and showers. :shower:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Docks @ Downtown Hampton
Marina
Friendly staff, clean facilities, and a welcoming community atmosphere for boaters.
Waterfront Dining & Brewery
Adjacent to the marina
Enjoy delicious food, craft beer, and live music with stunning marina views.
Loaner Bikes for Exploration
Marina office
Easily access nearby shops and attractions with complimentary bicycles.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Slip in Advance
Explore Beyond the Docks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤝 Camaraderie on Arrival
Expect a warm welcome; fellow boaters and staff often help with docking. :wave:
🔑 Access with Key Fobs
Receive key fobs for clean, well-maintained bathrooms and showers. :shower:
Two questions
This is my first time making a post on here so I’m sorry if the format is off. I am planning a bachelorette party weekend for my best friend and the month we will be visiting is July. What are some great out doors things to do around Portsmouth? Do they have a good night life? TIA.
🚲 Free Bikes for Town
Utilize loaner bikes to visit nearby grocery stores and shops. :bicycle:
🎶 Brewery Vibes
The on-site brewery offers great beer, food, and often live music. :musical_note:
Tips
from all over the internet
🤝 Camaraderie on Arrival
Expect a warm welcome; fellow boaters and staff often help with docking. :wave:
🔑 Access with Key Fobs
Receive key fobs for clean, well-maintained bathrooms and showers. :shower:
🚲 Free Bikes for Town
Utilize loaner bikes to visit nearby grocery stores and shops. :bicycle:
🎶 Brewery Vibes
The on-site brewery offers great beer, food, and often live music. :musical_note:
💰 Carousel Cash Only
The charming carousel is a delight but accepts cash only for rides. :moneybag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about The Docks @ Downtown Hampton, praising the exceptional staff, welcoming community, and excellent amenities like clean bathrooms and loaner bikes. The waterfront location offers great dining, a lively brewery with live music, and proximity to attractions. Some minor points include the carousel being cash-only, but overall, it's a highly recommended stop.
"I would definitely dock here again, our experience was great! The camraderie we felt when we docked was unexpected and so nice. There are only a dozen or so slips so everyone docked there is quick to get to know one another. One couple even helped us dock, in addition to the staff member.
I would suggest reserving a slip because they are getting more traffic than they used to and the locals still try to pull up, and they can for a few hours, but not when it's been reserved. I requested a slip through Dockwa in the evening and The Docks @ Downtown Hampton confirmed it the next morning. The day of the reservation I received a call from them to tell me my slip number and to ask me what time I'm coming in. When we arrived we were given key fobs to access bathrooms and showers. Those were very nice, three stalls and two showers on the women's side. There's an area for dinghys and there were two sailboats anchored and there was room for maybe two more to anchor. There's a brewery right there, restaurants a few more feet away, and the air and space museum that's just a block away."
Bethany Larsen
"The two girls managing the docks are super helpful.
Nice facilities, laundry, clean bathrooms, bicycles to borrow.
There's a brewery on site that serves food and good beer"
Howard Cheetham
"Another impressive experience at The Docks @ Downtown Hampton!
Great amenities. Newly renovated washrooms - very clean. Awesome high-quality laundry machines. Loaner bikes for easy provisioning rides to nearby Food Lion and Walgreens. Adjacent hotel for any visiting family or incoming crew and also a craft brewery just steps away with great live music on Saturday afternoons. Many other restaurants within an easy 5-minute walk. Pump outs available either on-site or at nearby fuel dock. Great new flexible pricing program…very competitive rates.
Competent staff take pride in providing top-notch customer service.
During our recent stay, when not “walking the docks” and/or assisting boaters, Allie & Rachel worked tirelessly to plant their annual container garden for transients and re-seed the grass in the neighbouring dog park for your little on-board Fidos.
We had to fly home for appointments and felt very comfortable leaving our boat there under the watchful eye of the staff.
We understand that they have just taken over the tired marina next door and will soon start on replacing the existing infrastructure with brand new docks and electrical. This just means that the next time we visit, there will be even more of an already good thing. Very exciting!"
Sandra Hinton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The marina is easily accessible by boat, with slips available for reservation. For land access, it's located in downtown Hampton, Virginia, with nearby parking options.
While specific routes may vary, downtown Hampton is generally served by local bus services. Check with Hampton Roads Transit for current schedules.
Yes, there are areas for anchoring, with space for a few sailboats. Reservations are recommended for dockage.
Navigate to downtown Hampton, VA. The marina is a central feature of the waterfront area. Specific GPS coordinates can be found on the marina's website or booking platforms.
The closest major airport is Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF), about a 30-minute drive away. Norfolk International Airport (ORF) is also an option, roughly a 40-minute drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reservations are highly recommended due to popularity. You can request a slip through platforms like Dockwa, and the marina typically confirms the next morning.
The marina staff are actively managing the docks, and while specific office hours may vary, they are responsive to reservations and inquiries.
There is no general entrance fee for the waterfront area itself. Dockage fees apply for boats staying overnight.
No tickets are required for the brewery or most restaurants; they operate on a walk-in or reservation basis.
The waterfront area is active with local festivals and live music, especially on Saturday afternoons at the brewery.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Amenities include newly renovated, clean bathrooms and showers, high-quality laundry machines, and loaner bicycles for provisioning.
Yes, there are several restaurants within a 5-minute walk, including a brewery on-site that serves food.
You can enjoy waterfront dining, visit the brewery, explore the Air and Space Museum nearby, or take a ride on the $1 carousel.
Information on Wi-Fi availability is not explicitly detailed in reviews, but it's common for marinas to offer it. Inquire directly with the marina.
There is a dog park nearby, suggesting that pets are generally welcome. Staff have even re-seeded the grass there. :dog:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Reviews mention a variety of options, including chili and other dishes at the brewery, and general waterfront dining experiences.
Yes, there is a craft brewery located steps away from the marina, offering good beer and food.
The brewery and nearby restaurants offer casual dining. The carousel also provides a fun, inexpensive treat.
Yes, you can use the loaner bikes to ride to nearby Food Lion and Walgreens for groceries.
Restaurant and brewery hours can vary. It's best to check their individual schedules, especially for live music on Saturdays.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning marina views, especially during sunset. The brewery's atmosphere and the nearby Air and Space Museum also offer great shots.
Yes, dolphin sightings are common in the Chesapeake Bay, and you might catch them from the waterfront or during a bay tour.
The marina itself, the boats docked, the waterfront restaurants, and the carousel are all picturesque spots.
Golden hour, around sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting for the marina and water views. Evenings can be lovely with the lights.
Respect private property. If you are a guest on a boat, you can take photos, but always ask permission before photographing someone else's vessel.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Kids will also enjoy the $1 carousel rides, though remember to bring cash. The overall atmosphere is welcoming, and the clean facilities, including bathrooms and showers, are a plus for families. The proximity to dining options also makes meal planning easier.
💰 Budget Travelers
While dockage fees apply for boats, the overall experience is enhanced by the availability of clean, free-to-use facilities like bathrooms and showers. Dining at the on-site brewery or exploring the numerous nearby restaurants can cater to various budgets.
⚓ Sailors and Boaters
Reservations are essential due to limited slips. The availability of loaner bikes is a significant convenience for provisioning. With nearby dining and attractions, it's an ideal stop for a comfortable and engaging boating experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Boater's Experience at The Docks
Staff members, like Allie and Rachel, are noted for their dedication, going above and beyond by tending to the marina's container garden and dog park. This level of care contributes to a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. The marina is also undergoing upgrades, with plans for new docks and electrical infrastructure, promising an even better experience for future visitors.
Reservations are strongly advised, as the marina is experiencing increased traffic. Booking through platforms like Dockwa is efficient, with prompt confirmations. The marina provides key fobs for access to facilities, ensuring security and convenience for all guests.
Culinary Delights and Entertainment
Beyond the brewery, numerous restaurants are within a short walking distance, providing a variety of culinary options. While specific restaurant types aren't detailed, the proximity ensures convenient dining for everyone. For a unique and affordable treat, the carousel offers rides for just $1, though it's important to note that it accepts cash only.
For those needing to stock up on supplies, the loaner bikes make it easy to reach nearby grocery stores like Food Lion and Walgreens, combining the convenience of a marina stay with the amenities of a town.
Exploring Hampton's Attractions
For those interested in the bay's natural beauty, dolphin sightings are a common occurrence in the Chesapeake Bay. Visitors have reported seeing dolphins from the waterfront or during bay tours, adding a touch of wildlife wonder to the experience.
The area also hosts local festivals and events, particularly around the waterfront, adding a vibrant community feel. The carousel, while a simple attraction, adds to the nostalgic charm of the waterfront.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit