Virginia travel guide to the Eastern Shore

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Virginia travel guide to the Eastern Shore

Virginia regional guide

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REGIONAL TRAVEL GUIDE

Virginia’s Eastern Shore

A narrow coastal peninsula of historic towns, working-waterfront traditions, wildlife refuges, barrier islands, and beaches between the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean.

Region
Coastal Virginia

Landscape
Peninsula, bays, beaches, marshes, and barrier islands

Counties
Accomack County, Virginia and Northampton County, Virginia

Known for
Coastal towns, seafood, birdlife, and Chincoteague ponies

Virginia’s Eastern Shore is a long, low peninsula where a trip can move from a small-town main street to a quiet bay beach, salt marsh, or ocean-side wildlife refuge. The Chesapeake Bay borders its western side and the Atlantic Ocean its eastern side; the Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel connects the southern end with mainland Virginia. Plan around the Shore’s spread-out destinations: Cape Charles, Virginia makes a natural southern gateway, while Onancock, Virginia, Chincoteague, Virginia, and other towns reward slower stops farther north.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Plan a trip to Virginia travel guide to the Eastern Shore

Places to stay

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Why go

The Shore suits travelers who want a coastal getaway with room to explore beyond the beach. Its character comes from the contrast between bayside waterfront towns and the more remote seaside landscape: working-watermen communities, historic railroad towns, small local businesses, and protected habitats sit within a compact but elongated region. The state tourism office highlights seafood, village-scale coastal stops, and Chincoteague’s wildlife as signature parts of the visit.

Come for birding, wildlife watching, paddling, fishing, and walks by the water, or build a trip around historic towns and local food. The Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge offers trails and wildlife-focused activities, while the seaside barrier islands call for more preparation: access, permitted activities, and seasonal restrictions vary by island.

Highlights

Chincoteague and Assateague Island

Explore the island community, refuge landscapes, and the famous Chincoteague ponies. Check refuge and event information before setting out.

Cape Charles

Start or end a Shore journey in a historic bayside town, with a waterfront setting and access to nearby natural areas.

Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge

Look for trails, birding, wildlife watching, and reminders of the refuge’s history near the southern entrance to the Shore.

Kiptopeke State Park

Make time for coastal scenery and outdoor recreation at this state park near Cape Charles.

Onancock

Pause in a historic waterfront town and use it as a base for exploring the central Shore.

Barrier Islands Center

Learn about life and history along the barrier islands at this museum and education center in Machipongo.

The Barrier Islands Center is a useful cultural stop for understanding the people and places shaped by the Shore’s island environment. Its visitor information lists museum and education buildings, group tours, and accessibility details; check its current visitor page before traveling.

History and character

The Eastern Shore is the Virginia portion of the Delmarva Peninsula, shaped by water on three sides and by the shifting coastline of its bays, marshes, and barrier islands. Its towns and communities reflect several strands of coastal life: maritime work, agriculture, trade, and transport. Railroad-era towns and intimate fishing villages remain part of the regional identity, alongside contemporary galleries, local businesses, and visitor services.

The seaside is not simply an open-access beach destination. Barrier islands are dynamic natural places, and visitor rules differ by site; the regional seaside guide advises checking island-specific policies and preparing for limited access and services. Respect closures and wildlife protections, and do not assume that camping, vehicles, pets, or fires are allowed.

Planning a trip

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel is the southern road connection to the Shore. Once across, Route 13 is the principal north–south corridor, so allow time for driving between towns and for side trips to beaches, refuges, and waterfronts. Confirm current bridge–tunnel travel information before departure, and plan accommodations and activities around the places you most want to visit.

For a first visit, consider dividing time between the southern Shore and the northern island destinations rather than trying to see everything in one day. The official regional tourism site offers a travel guide, town information, and trip-planning resources. Visitor-center services and opening details can change, so confirm directly before making a special stop.

At the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, follow posted access rules and check current conditions for facilities, trails, and activities. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service notes that only areas specifically posted for public access—such as designated trails, roads, parking areas, and buildings—are open to visitors.

For seaside outings, check the relevant island’s access policy before launching a boat or arranging transport. Tides, weather, shifting sands, and limited services make preparation especially important; seasonal restrictions and closures may apply.

Explore nearby

Chincoteague
An island town and gateway to the refuge and ocean-side landscapes of Assateague.

Accomac
The Accomack County seat, with historic architecture and a central-Shore setting.

Wachapreague
A small bayside town with access to the Shore’s waterways and seaside landscapes.

Tangier Island
A Chesapeake Bay island community reached by water or air; confirm transportation options before planning a visit.

Beaches on Virginia's Eastern Shore
Compare bayside and ocean-side settings, and verify public access and conditions for your chosen beach.

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 Commission
• Virginia Tourism Corporation: Virginia’s Eastern Shore
• Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge visitor information
• Explore Our Seaside visitor guidance
• Barrier Islands Center visitor information