The Washington Oak, which is named for George Washington who passed through the area in 1791 and rested a night in a nearby tavern, is a famous landmark in the village of Hampstead. In 1925, the Daughters of the American Revolution placed a monument at the base of the tree. This tiny village is also well-known for the Spot Festival every September with some 5,000+ lbs. of yummy fish on hand. Hampstead is most sought out for its lack of development and quaint fishing and farming lifestyle.

Highway 17 runs through Hampstead and will be widening to a four land coastal highway stretching from Virginia to Florida. Currently, the traffic is mild and consists mainly of commuters to Wilmington or Jacksonville. The drive to Wilmington is 20-25 minutes and to Jacksonville 40 minutes or less.

Olde Point, Middle Pointe Village, Eagles Watch, Whitebridge, Washington Acres, Sloop Point, Deerfield Estates, Forest Sound and Hickory Point are some of the larger subdivisions in Hampstead, North Carolina. Also, Castle Bay and Belvedere Plantation are golf course communities located in the area.