Recreation —What can I do during the pandemic, COVID-19?

Tired of the typical car rides, drive thru, grocery pick ups, etc.? 

Fine, below are a few suggestions to consider to remain active with the community.

Parks: City parks are open. You can walk trails or relax — just stay 6 feet away from people who don’t live in your house.

Bluebird Gap Farm: The farm is open regular hours. Again, buildings are closed and please stay away from others. The playground is closed.

Shelters: There are no reservations for shelters currently, but no more than 10 people allowed in a shelter. Contact Parks at  757-727-6348 if you need a refund.

Trails: Trails are open, just don’t crowd together. Try the Matteson Trail, Fort Monroe seawall, Buckroe Beach seawall, trails at Sandy Bottom Nature Park and Waterwalk. There are also neighborhood parks. Remember, playgrounds are closed.

Beaches: Starting May 29, all city beaches are open for swimming, sunbathing and walking. The beaches will be monitored by beach ambassadors to make sure safety measures are followed. Hampton’s outside parks continue to be open and available to those who want to go walking. Residents are reminded to practice social distancing by staying 6 feet away from each other.

Fishing:  The pier at Buckroe is closed for repairs, and Engineers Pier at Fort Monroe is closed due to COVID-19. Surf fishing is available on Grandview Beach but no other city beaches. There is also freshwater fishing at Sandy Bottom Nature Park and Armistead Pointe.

Athletic facilities: All of the city athletic facilities and fields are closed for play. Families can use them to pitch and catch with one or two people, but there is no basketball, football, soccer, softball, baseball or other sport allowed.

Golf: Beginning Friday, May 29, the city is opening its two golf courses, The Hamptons and The Woodlands. All facilities will open in a modified way that includes maintaining social distancing by not operating at full capacity. More information.

Tennis: The  the clay-court Hampton Tennis Center is open as of May 29.

What businesses are allowed to open? Essential retailers were never closed by the governor, but all retail is now allowed. Occupancy is limited.

Where can I get takeout food or find outdoor dining? The city has blocked off one block of Queens Way downtown to accommodate expanded outdoor dining if restaurants in those areas want to use those areas. The Convention and Visitor Bureau has a list of delivery, takeout and outdoor dining