Welcome to historic Hampton Roads. America’s history begins here with the founding of our nation at Jamestown. The name dates from the 17th century English Earl of Southampton, Henry Wriothesley and the nautical term road. The area was named in his honor by the first royal governor, Lord de la Ware, in the early 1600s.

Hampton Roads area is also known as “Seven Cities,” after its seven major cities: Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach. The land area includes most of the counties, cities and towns in the southeastern corner of Virginia and parts of Northeastern North Carolina. For statistical purposes, officially known as the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC MSA, the Hampton Roads area has a population of about 1.6 million and is the fourth largest metropolitan area in the southeastern United States, as well as the largest between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta. Hampton Roads is notable for U.S. naval and air force facilities, shipbuilding and repair yards, coal piers, miles of waterfront property and beaches, all of which contribute to the diversity and stability of the area’s economy.

Hampton Roads is home to over 1.6 million people and is made up of several growing counties and cities with economic and social bonds. The region includes the communities of Chesapeake, Franklin, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, and Williamsburg; and the counties of Gloucester, Isle of Wight, James City, Mathews, Southampton, Surry, and York; and the county of Currituck in North Carolina.

The name “Hampton Roads” is a nautical term meaning protected anchorage or a safe harbor. For more than 200 years, Hampton Roads’ ports have served as a beacon for shipping interests and mariners worldwide.

Designated in the late 17th century as the world’s largest natural harbor, Hampton Roads is the birthplace of Colonial America, merging centuries of history with rich culture, beautiful waterfront landscapes, livable communities, modern technology, economic prosperity, a thriving maritime, and a strong military presence.

The region abounds in history. During the Revolutionary War, many battles were fought here, ending with Cornwallis’ surrender at Yorktown. In addition, the harbor was the site of the famous Civil War battle between the ironclads, the Union Monitor and the Confederate Virginia, commonly known as the Merrimac. In more modern times, the region’s large military presence and shipbuilding industries have continued to play a major role in American history and defense.

Chrysler Museum of Art Consistently earning high ranks in various “quality of life” surveys, Hampton Roads abounds in cultural, educational, and economic opportunity. Educational opportunities in the area are enriched by seven colleges and universities as well as two community college systems. International trade, shipbuilding, healthcare, tourism, military bases, and agriculture provide a diverse economic base with a wide range of employment possibilities.

State and city parks, public beaches, and other recreational facilities are open to the public for camping, boating, surfing, fishing, hiking, swimming, tennis, and golf. University sports, professional hockey, professional soccer, and AAA minor league baseball are available, and Hampton Roads is one of the most active yachting areas in the nation. History buffs can visit the restored villages of Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. Foodies will enjoy the many fine and casual restaurants and cafes throughout the area that offer a wide variety of local and ethnic cuisines.

Many seasonal festivals are available, including the Virginia Arts Festival (along the entire Virginia waterfront), Virginia Beach Boardwalk Art Show, Hampton Bay Days, the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, the Norfolk Azalea Festival, the Suffolk Peanut Festival, Chesapeake’s Jubilee, Portsmouth’s TodiMusicFest, Norfolk’s Harborfest, Octoberfest, holiday Grand Illumination in Norfolk/Portsmouth and in Williamsburg, and the Portsmouth Seawall Arts Festival. Near the EVMS campus, on the downtown waterfront, special events are presented most weekends, sometimes including fireworks and boat parades. Several tour boats set sail nightly throughout the year, providing tours of the waterfront.

Hampton Roads also offers you many opportunities for weekend getaways. The cultural attractions of Washington, D.C., the windswept beaches of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, and the scenic beauty and ski resorts of the Blue Ridge Mountains are only a few hours drive away.