Traveling to Atlanta? Well boy, do we have just the suburb for you!
Hampton is one of the most diverse suburbs we’ve come across, with activities ranging from NASCAR racing to helicopter rides and everything in between!
Visit this true Georgia town to experience what the state is all about. Explore a bounty of wildflowers, Jamaican food, horseback riding, and more.
It would be a true shame to visit Atlanta without passing through this town full of adventure, thrills, and peace!
History
Once upon a time, Hampton was called Bear Creek and Bear Creek Station, referencing a creek running through the area.
In 1873, the town moved, reestablished itself, and chose the name Hampton after Brig. General Wade Hampton, who was a soldier in the War of 1812 and the Revolutionary War.
The town had to move because the Central Railroad of Georgia was being built.
Where exactly is Hampton, GA? How far is it from major cities?
Hampton, GA is located just barely northeast of central GA, in southwestern Henry County. It is also a suburb in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
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It takes about 50 minutes to drive from Hampton to Atlanta via US-19N/US-41 N and I-75 N.
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It takes about three hours and 20 minutes to drive from Hampton to Savannah via I-16 E.
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It takes about two hours and 40 minutes to drive from Hampton to Augusta via I-20 E.
Things to do in Hampton, GA
As mentioned above, Hampton has an impressively wide range of activities. It’ll take more than just a day to get through everything on our bucket list, so plan accordingly!
Visit the Hampton Depot
(photo: Blastoids)
This historic train station is the perfect stop if you’re a history buff. It was registered in 1979 on the National Register of Historic Places.
The train depot was built in 1881 and is a small one-story depot.
For the nerds out there, here’s the history!
Hampton was the only rail connection in the county up until 1882. The original depot was from 1873, but was soon discovered to be too small. In 1880, the superintendent announced the plans to build a new depot.
This new depot was unique because it had a cotton warehouse in the same area that the passengers stayed, while most cities had cotton markets that were separate from their depots.
Throughout the century, less and less trains came through until the depot got donated to the city in 1975. Now it contains a museum.
20 E. Main St S, Hampton, GA 30228
Atlanta Motor Speedway
The Atlanta Motor Speedway is a mile-and-a-half race track in Hampton. Ever since it came to fruition in 1960, it’s hosted NASCAR Cup Series stock car races!
The speedway has “Friday Night Drags” every week from Spring through Fall on a 1/8th mile stretch of the pit road.
If you’re a fan of racing, plan your trip around their events to watch the best race of your life!
1500 Tara Pl, Hampton, GA 30228
McBrayer Park Splash Pad
The McBrayer Park Splash Pad is a favorite summer activity and families from Georgia travel far and wide to get in on the fun!
The season starts on Memorial Day and ends on Labor Day. It’s open every day from 11am to 7pm. When the schools re-open the schedule changes to 4pm to 8pm M-F and 11am to 7pm Sat-Sun.
Everyone who goes to the splash pad has to check in with the attendant. It’s $5 per child if you’re not a resident. For every four children, one adult is required for supervision.
Central Ave, Hampton, GA 30228
Wetlands Center of Clayton County
This wetland trail is a .7 mile loop trail with moderate traffic. It features stunning wildflowers and is a great trail for any skill level. It’s typically used for running, walking, and nature trips. You can access the trail all year round.
It’s open Monday through Saturday from 8am to 5pm. This trail is also wheelchair friendly!
Wear thick-soled shoes if you plan to venture off the trail for a special behind-the-scenes look at local nature and wildlife.
Explore wetlands chock full of informational signs that guide you through the plethora of species you’ll come across. You’ll discover birds, mushrooms, turtles, dragonflies, and more. Blue herons and Eastern Painted Turtles call this trail home, so keep an eye out!
2755 Freeman Rd, Hampton, GA 30228
Reggae Vybz
Expect to be blown away by Reggae Vybz! Spend just $10 to get a huge plate of oxtails, cabbage, rice and peas, and plantains! And it’ll be the best plate of food you’ve ever eaten, at that.
Try new food like Festival, a kind of fried Jamaican fried bread. You’ll be served by husband, wife, aunts, and uncles- and they’ll make you feel like you’re part of the family too.
Their pepper sauce isn’t to be overlooke- just prepare yourself for the heat!
114 Woolsey Rd, Hampton, GA 30228
World of Illumination (seasonal)
Sunny, a 32-foot tall snowman, will greet you on this polar spectacular and introduce you to all of his friends! Enjoy your favorite classic and modern holiday music and magical winter characters.
Full of nostalgia and an experience you won’t forget, this is the world’s biggest animated light show drive-through that will take you on a thrilling adventure and you’ll leave feeling more cheerful than when you arrived.
1500 Tara Pl, Hampton, GA 30228
Ride in Huey Helicopter at Army Aviation Heritage Foundation and Flying Museum
The Army Aviation Heritage Foundation tells the story of the US Army Aviation via Air Shows, School Programs, Museum Tours, and a plethora of other events held throughout the country.
AAHF maintains and restores vintage aircrafts that represent Army Aviation during the Cold War and Vietnam War.
To honor people who served to protect our country, “Sky Soldiers” and volunteers put on education presentations, public helicopter rides, and flying presentations.
As part of this program, you can fly in a Huey with a veteran pilot for about 10 minutes. It costs about $100.
506 Speedway Blvd, Hampton, GA 30228
Lake Horton Park
Lake Horton Park and Reservoir is almost 800 acres large and stores about 3.5 billion gallons of water! The park is just over 80 acres and has about 3 miles of paved walking trails.
There are also picnic tables and boat ramps available, and it’s a great spot to go fishing. The park is open from 6:30am to 6pm EST or 6:30am to 8:30pm DST.
If you’re from outside the county, you can’t get a daily parking pass- you’ll need an annual pass. The reason for this is that the park was founded specifically for residents of Fayette County.
You can’t touch the water with your body, so swimming is prohibited.
Pets are allowed as long as they’re kept on a leash!
Ride horses at Calvin Center Equestrian Barn
The Calvin Center is an Atlanta conference and retreat center surrounded by stunning nature only 20 miles south of the Atlanta Airport.
It’s the perfect place for a retreat or camping trip, with the location being a prime favorite in the greater Atlanta area. If you’re stopping through, this is a great place to spend the weekend with jaw-dropping accommodations- and natural beauty!
The Calvin Center Therapeutic Riding Program was founded in 2001 to offer the magical benefits of therapeutic horseback riding and hasn’t looked back since. Horse riding has been proven to be highly medicinal, as the movements between the rider and the horse improve flexibility, coordination, core strength, and balance. Riding a horse will calm you down and give you confidence.
The Center is a PATH Intl. Premiere Accredited Horseback Riding Center, and all instructors are PATH Intl. certified.
13550 Woolsey Rd, Hampton, GA 30228
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