The village was founded at the beginning of the nineteenth century as a fishing port by William Young of Inverugie. It expanded when the new harbour was built in 1838 for the export of stone from the nearby quarries. The old part of Hopeman has a grid-iron street layout. The main part of the village is set back from the beach and there is a village green with playing fields, a playground and a skate park). The B9012 passes west to east to the south of the village.
The main street, Harbour Street, runs north to south from the harbour to its junction with the B9012 and has a wide variety of shops.
Hopeman Lodge, the largest house in Hopeman, occupies a commanding position on the east side of the village. It was once used by nearby Gordonstoun school as a boarding house but now provides holiday flats for rent.
There is a caravan site on the coast for any campers.
During the summer the village organises a hugely popular gala which runs for a whole week. Activities range from traditional sandcastle competitions through to rock concerts, fancy dress parades, Songs of Praise and an Arts and Craft Fete. 2014 will see the village celebrate the 40th anniversary of its gala, which will commence on 19 July.
Hopeman Golf Course is to the east of the lodge and includes the famous 12th hole, named Prieshach, where the green is located within a cove named Clashach 100 ft (30 m) below the level of the tee box.
Phayrelands is to the west of the village on the main road towards Cummingston.