Blake Walsh

21 Best Things to Do in Hampton, GA

  • Published 2023/03/29

Hampton City in Georgia is a small town with a lot to offer.

Part of the southern suburb in the Atlanta metropolitan area, Hampton also has territories in eastern Clayton and northern Spalding County.

Once known as Bear Creek Station, the town was re-established in 1873.

The place got its name from an American soldier of the Revolutionary War, Brig. General Wade Hampton.

Hampton is thriving in the southwestern part of Henry County.

It’s a convenient place to live with its proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is only 30 miles away.

Although it is a small town, plenty of things make Hampton an exciting place to visit.

Here are the best things to do in Hampton, GA:

Enjoy Yourself at the Atlanta Motor Speedway

A NASCAR cup tournament at Atlanta Motor Speedway

Grindstone Media Group / Shutterstock.com

The Atlanta Motor Speedway is a 1.54-mile quad-oval track that can accommodate up to 125,000 spectators.

It is home to the NASCAR Cup Series, the Xfinity Series, and the Camping World Truck Series.

The Atlanta Motor Speedway also hosts various other events, such as the Atlanta 200 and the Georgia 300.

Race cars on Atlanta Motor Speedway's pit stop

Grindstone Media Group / Shutterstock.com

Visitors can tour the facility or watch a race from the grandstands.

Those who want to get closer to the action can purchase a hot pass, which will allow them to go behind the scenes and watch the races from the pit area.

The Atlanta Motor Speedway is a great place to experience the excitement of NASCAR racing.

Race cars along Atlanta Motor Speedway

Grindstone Media Group / Shutterstock.com

Step Back in Time at the Nash Farm Battlefield Park

Information board at Nash Farm Battlefield Park

Ora Ball, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Nash Farm Battlefield Park is one of the top historical places to visit in Hampton.

The 204-acre park is one of the largest Confederate campsites and the biggest cavalry battlefield in Georgia’s history.

In 1864, Nash Farm Battlefield Park was the scene of Kilpatrick’s Raid.

General Stephen Dill Lee also set up camp there.

The park features a museum with artifacts from the Civil War and a Visitors Center with interactive exhibits.

Visitors can take a self-guided tour at the Nash Farm Battlefield Park and follow the historic markers that tell the story of the Battle of Nash Farm.

There are hiking and biking trails in the park for those who want to explore more of the area.

Explore the Old Charms of the Historic Hampton Train Depot

Completed in 1873, the Historic Hampton Train Depot is one of the best places to visit in Hampton.

It was a stop for the Central Georgia Railway, which served as a passengers’ waiting area and a place for freight and mail.

Notable German immigrant Augustus Schwaab designed the train depot.

See how people used to ride trains by visiting the Historic Hampton Train Depot.

The Depot used to feature a warehouse for cotton in the same building as the passenger area.

It now has a museum open to the public, and visitors can tour the Depot to learn more about its history.

Play Golf at the Crystal Lake Golf & Country Club

Dubbed as one of the best daily fee golf courses in the South, the Crystal Lake Golf & Country Club is one of the top things to do in Hampton.

Denis Griffiths designed the course, and it has 18 holes that sprawl over 7,200 yards of rolling terrain.

Visitors can improve their skills by practicing at the par-72 course covering 6,967 yards.

Located near Eagle Landing, the Club features lush tall grasses, with vintage bunker placement around the greens.

Richly designed with magnificent stonework, the Crystal Lake Golf & Country Club has a shop with a wide selection of equipment and apparel.

Crystal Lake Golf & Country Club has a driving range, chipping, and putting green.

Enjoy a Relaxing Day at the McBrayer Park Splash Pad

Visiting the McBrayer Park Splash Pad is one of the best things you can do with the kids.

The Splash Pad is open from Memorial Day until Labor Day and is the perfect place to cool down during hot summer days.

The Splash Pad features water jets and sprinklers activated by a motion sensor.

There is also a concession stand near the Splash Pad, so visitors can grab a bite to eat.

The McBrayer Park Splash Pad also features a skate park, workout area, tennis court, pavilion, and a playground.

It’s the perfect place to spend a day with the family.

Tour the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation & Flying Museum

The Army Aviation Heritage Foundation & Flying Museum is for those interested in aviation and military history.

The Museum is located in a World War II hangar and features various static displays and aircraft.

Those who want to learn more about Army Aviation can join a Hangar Tour, which a museum docent leads.

It features the Bell AH-1 Cobra helicopters used in the Vietnam War.

Visitors can also avail of the Huey or Cobra Ride Program, where they can take a ride in a real helicopter.

The Hangar Tour will take visitors through the different aircraft on display and provide information on their history and significance.

Commune with Nature at the Wetlands Center of Clayton County

The Wetlands Center of Clayton County is the perfect place to commune with nature for those who love the outdoors.

The center is located on a 32-acre wetland, and it is home to a variety of plant and animal species.

Visitors can take a walk in the different areas of the wetland.

You may be lucky enough to meet some resident animals, such as 130 bird species, raccoon, beaver, otter, and turtles.

The Wetlands Center of Clayton County also offers a variety of programs and events, such as bird walks, canoe trips, and wetland ecology lessons.

The Wetlands Center of Clayton County is open year-round, and it is a great place to enjoy the beauty of nature.

You can also go on a nature hike or join one of the educational programs offered by the center.

The park also features a 50-seat auditorium, exhibit learning areas, conference facilities, and educational videos.

The Wetlands Center of Clayton County is the perfect place to learn more about the importance of wetlands and how to protect them.

Check Out the Calvin Center Therapeutic Riding Program

Established in 2001, the Calvin Center Therapeutic Riding Program provides therapeutic riding lessons to people with special needs, whether physical, mental, or emotional.

The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship has accredited the program, which certified instructors run.

The Calvin Center Therapeutic Riding Program also has a variety of horses, ponies, and donkeys that are specifically trained for therapeutic riding.

It provides a fun environment for those with special needs and is a great way to help them improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

The Calvin Center Therapeutic Riding Program also offers a limited program for those who want to experience therapeutic riding.

You can also go there if you’d just like to learn how to ride a horse.

Taste the Best Wines at the Cana Wine Tours

Cana Wine Tours is a company that offers wine tours in the mountains of Northern Georgia.

It provides transportation to and from the wineries and a tour guide.

Cana Wine Tours also offers wine tastings, such as the Premium Wine Tasting, which includes six premium wines.

You can also try their Tasting Room Experience, which includes a facility tour and a wine tasting.

For Beer Lovers, Cana Wine Tours also offers tours on a wide selection of makers of local craft beers and brews.

Cana Wine Tours is a great way to learn about the different types of wines, as it also offers lessons on being a sommelier.

Bring Your Kids to the North Mt. Carmel Park

Known as the biggest public playground in Henry County, the North Mt. Carmel Park is the place you can bring your kids for a fun day.

The park features amenities like a playground, walking trails, soccer fields, a Bark Park, and picnic pavilions.

It features a separate play area for younger children to use their imagination and a roadway for bigger kids to ride their bikes and learn the road rules.

The North Mt. Carmel Park is handicap accessible and has a fitness circuit for those who want to get a workout.

You can also explore the Bushy Tail Art Trail, a half-mile walking trail featuring decorative squirrel tables by local artists.

Meet Cute Squirrels at the Bushy Tail Art Trail

The Bushy Tail Art Trail is a half-mile walking trail that features decorative squirrel tables from local artists.

The trail is located in North Mt. Carmel Park, and it is a great place to get to know the cute squirrels in the area.

The trail also features a variety of different sculptures, as well as a playground and picnic pavilions.

Georgia’s Artist Consortium organizes the Bushy Tail Art Trail to beautify more public spaces.

It also aims to give an avenue for local artists to showcase their work.

Get Lost in the Fun at the South Clayton Recreation Center

Housed in Lovejoy Regional Park, the South Clayton Recreation Center is great for getting lost in fun.

The recreation center offers programs such as hip-hop dance, music production, virtual world cycling, and beginner boxing.

It also features two gymnasiums, an indoor walking track and game room, an aerobic room, basketball gyms, and an outdoor swimming pool.

South Clayton Recreation Center also offers rooms for rent, which you can use for activities such as meetings.

There’s a computer lab in the Recreation Center, which is open to the public.

The recreation center is perfect for those who want to stay fit and active.

See Different Animal Species at the Melvin L. Newman Wetland Center

The Melvin L. Newman Wetland Center is a great place to learn about different animal species.

The South Clayton wetland center features various exhibits, such as the alligator, bird, and turtle exhibits.

Named after Clayton County Water Authority general manager Melvin L. Newman, it aims to educate the public about the importance of wetlands and water rescues.

It also serves as a research center for students and is open to the public.

The Melvin L. Newman Wetland Center offers a guided tour for those who want to learn more about the animals in the wetlands.

The Wetland Center also offers experiential programs, such as Project WET’s “The Incredible Journey,” a hands-on learning experience about the water cycle.

Spot the Film Locations Included in the Walking Dead Show

If you’re a fan of zombie shows, you might be familiar with The Walking Dead.

And if you’ve watched the show, you might be glad to know it showcases some of Hampton’s overlooked spots.

The Walkin’ Dead Hampton tour is a 14-stop walking tour that lasts about an hour or so.

It starts at the Speakeasy Bookstore and includes infamous spots like the dumpster as seen in the show’s 6th Season and 3rd Episode.

A guide will walk you through the process of how the city became the apocalyptic world you now see in the show.

This is a tour unlike any other, so be sure to book your session in advance!

Find Rare and Antique Books at Speakeasy Bookstore

One of the hidden gems of Hampton is the cozy Speakeasy Bookstore.

This bookstore offers a wide range of used paperbacks and hard bounds in several major genres.

But unlike any bookstore, this one stands out because of its love for antique and hard-to-find bestsellers.

It also has a coffee and espresso bar onsite.

So, after you find your next favorite book among the rows of collectibles, settle down with a hot cup of your favorite coffee.

Speakeasy Bookstore is on East Main Street.

Play Sports at R.W. & Mary Lou Coley Park

Make your family outing extra special with a drop by R.W. & Mary Lou Coley Park.

This public park spans 40 acres of sand and grass property.

It got its name from one of the city’s notable Little League coaches and his wife.

Its amenities include seven lighted baseball fields and a picnic pavilion.

Your little ones may also like the playground area within the area.

R.W. & Mary Lou Coley Park also hosts several ball games, so if you’ve got the time, take your loved ones out to watch a game.

You can find this park on West Main Street.

Go Fishing at the Seasonally-Opened J.W. Smith Reservoir

The seasonal J.W. Smith Reservoir is a must-visit if you’re up for a fun time in the waters.

Spanning 250 acres, this reservoir is a Clayton County Water Authority property.

It’s open to a variety of activities, including fishing and picnicking.

You can also rent a boat to explore the waters during calm days.

Catch a few crappies and bass fishes, which are the common fish species within the area.

This reservoir is open from March to October.

Head over to North Bridge Road to reach J.W. Smith Reservoir.

Browse Through Art Stalls at the Annual Yellow Pollen Street Festival

If you’re in Hampton to celebrate its art and culture, mark your calendars for the Yellow Pollen Street Festival.

This annual event, celebrated every May, is a community staple for over 10 years now.

It aims to welcome spring by gathering artisans and craftsmen in a vibrant art explosion.

It features live music, food stalls, and a variety of entertainment and activities for everyone—from children to seniors.

So, bring your family with you as you explore the art stalls and booths displayed at this event.

Yellow Pollen Street Festival takes place on Main Street in the historic downtown area of Hampton.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Get a Blast from the Past at the Stately Oaks Plantation

Exterior of Stately Oaks Plantation

Maksim Sundukov, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you are a history buff, you will enjoy a blast from the past at the Stately Oaks Plantation.

The Plantation is in Jonesboro, Georgia, a great place to learn about the Civil War.

It’s 21 minutes from Hampton.

The house in the Plantation sports a Greek Revival style that sits in Clayton County.

Side facade of Stately Oaks Plantation

Giorgia Basso / Shutterstock.com

Called “The Home of Gone with the Wind,” the Stately Oaks Plantation was the setting of Margaret Mitchell’s classic novel.

The Plantation is also known for its beautiful gardens and is open to the public.

The Plantation is open for rentals, meetings, and events.

Go Boating at Lake Horton Park

To love being in the water, you will enjoy boating at Lake Horton Park.

You’ll find the 82-acre park in Fayetteville, Georgia, 19 minutes from Hampton.

It features 2.8 miles of walking trails.

Visitors will have a grand time bonding with family and friends in the Park’s complete picnic facilities.

You can try to catch a largemouth bass or a rainbow trout in the lake.

The Park features a playground for your children.

Some ducks and geese live in the Park, which is a great place to take a stroll and relax.

Marvel at the Beauty of the Lovejoy Regional Park

The Lovejoy Regional Park is a beautiful park located in the city of Lovejoy, Georgia, 12 minutes from Hampton.

The park covers feature different amenities, such as playgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails.

The Lovejoy Regional Park is also perfect for your furry friend with its dog park with a pond, agility course, and a doggy playground.

Visitors can fish in one of the two ponds in the Park.

The Lovejoy Regional Park also houses the South Clayton Recreation Center offers programs such as yoga, Zumba, and martial arts.

It also features two gymnasiums, an indoor walking track, and a pool.

The Lovejoy Regional Park is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Final Thoughts

The Hampton area is a great place to visit, with plenty of things to do.

From outdoor activities like fishing and hiking to cultural attractions like museums and theaters, there’s something for everyone in this charming small town.

If you’re looking for a place to spend your weekend, Hampton is worth checking out.

You’ll have a good time with many things to do and see.

Book your Hampton trip today!

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