Virginia's Eastern Shore travel guide

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Virginia's Eastern Shore travel guide

Virginia regional guide

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REGIONAL TRAVEL GUIDE

Virginia's Eastern Shore

A coastal peninsula between Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic, with small waterfront towns, working farms, wild shorelines and room to slow down.

Region
Eastern Virginia

Type
Coastal peninsula and island region

Counties
Accomack County, Virginia and Northampton County, Virginia

Known for
Barrier islands, seafood, birding and historic towns

Virginia's Eastern Shore is the long, narrow stretch of the Delmarva Peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Its appeal is less about one big resort and more about the changing coastal landscape: quiet bayside towns, beaches, working waterfronts and the wild barrier-island shore. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel connects the region to Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads; farther north, towns such as Onancock, Virginia and Chincoteague, Virginia make appealing bases for exploring.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Plan a trip to Virginia's Eastern Shore travel guide

Places to stay

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Why go

Come for a coastal trip with several different moods. The Chesapeake side has harbors, working waterfronts and sunsets over the bay; the Atlantic side opens onto beaches, marshes and barrier islands. Between them, small towns offer local history, shops and places to eat, while farms and seafood traditions connect the visitor experience to the region’s land and water.

The Shore suits travelers who enjoy scenic drives, birding, beach walks, boating and unhurried town visits. It also rewards a longer stay: distances along the peninsula add up, and the northern and southern ends offer different combinations of towns, beaches and wildlife. The regional tourism organization describes the area as a place of historic waterfront communities, farms, coastal heritage and wild shoreline.

Highlights

Chincoteague and Assateague

Make time for the island town, nearby wildlife refuge, beaches and the coastal landscape associated with Chincoteague’s ponies. Check current refuge conditions, seasonal restrictions and event details before traveling.

Cape Charles

Explore a bayside town with a historic railroad-era character, waterfront setting and public beach.

Kiptopeke State Park

Visit for Chesapeake Bay access, coastal habitat and opportunities for hiking, birding and camping. Confirm current facilities and conditions with the park before setting out.

Virginia's Eastern Shore towns

Plan stops in communities such as Accomac, Exmore, Onancock and Wachapreague, each with a different relationship to the Shore’s agricultural and maritime life.

Beaches on Virginia's Eastern Shore

Compare bayside swimming spots with Atlantic-facing beaches and remote shoreline. Access rules, facilities and seasonal conditions vary by location.

Barrier islands and seaside marshes

The Shore’s Atlantic edge includes a chain of undeveloped barrier islands, marshes and inlets that support coastal wildlife. Many places have limited services and access; check island-specific rules and closures before planning a visit.

History and character

The peninsula’s character comes from the meeting of fertile farmland and surrounding waters. Farms, harbors and coastal communities developed around moving crops and seafood to market; towns including Onancock, Chincoteague, Cape Charles, Willis Wharf and Wachapreague reflect those connections. The railroad reshaped transport in the late 19th century, and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, opened in 1964, changed the Shore’s connection to mainland Virginia.

The barrier islands are both a defining landscape and important wildlife habitat. Virginia’s Department of Wildlife Resources describes the islands as a significant part of the Atlantic Flyway and notes that seasonal protections and closures help safeguard nesting birds. Visitors should keep to permitted areas, follow posted restrictions and carry out all trash.

Planning a trip

Getting there: Most visitors arrive by car, crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel from the Hampton Roads area or driving south from Maryland on U.S. Route 13. The regional tourism site describes the bridge-tunnel as the main connection to mainland Virginia. Check the operator’s current traffic, toll and travel information before departure.

Getting around: A car is useful for reaching towns, parks and beaches spread along the peninsula. Allow time for the drive between destinations, and check in advance whether a particular beach, island or attraction has access limits or requires arrangements.

Where to base yourself: Cape Charles works well for a southern Shore and Chesapeake Bay-focused visit. Onancock and other central communities offer a base for exploring the mid-Shore. Chincoteague is a practical starting point for the northern end, Assateague and the wildlife refuge. Choose lodging based on the places you plan to visit, and confirm seasonal availability directly with providers.

What to plan for: Bring sun and insect protection, water, and appropriate footwear for sandy or marshy terrain. Remote seaside areas can have few services, and tides, weather and seasonal wildlife protections can affect access. Before visiting barrier islands, consult current visitor policies and leave wildlife undisturbed.

Food and drink: Look for regional seafood and locally grown produce, and check restaurant schedules before making a long drive. The Shore’s food culture is closely tied to farming and harvesting from nearby waters.

Explore nearby

Chincoteague, Virginia
An island town and gateway to nearby refuge landscapes and Assateague beaches.

Cape Charles, Virginia
A historic bayside town near the southern end of the Shore.

Onancock, Virginia
A harbor town and a convenient stop for exploring the central Shore.

Assateague Island National Seashore
Explore the protected coastal landscape just north of Chincoteague; check current visitor information before going.

Virginia Beach
The Hampton Roads coastal city connected to the Eastern Shore by the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.

Things to Do on Virginia's Eastern Shore
Find more ideas for beaches, towns and outdoor experiences across the region.

Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon

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References

External links

• Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism
• Plan Your Trip — Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism
• Visiting the Virginia Eastern Shore Seaside
• Virginia’s Barrier Islands — Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources