The Virginia Eastern Shore
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Region
Coastal Virginia
Counties
Accomack County, Virginia and Northampton County, Virginia
Landscape
Peninsula, barrier islands, bays, and Atlantic coast
Known for
Wildlife, small towns, seafood, and coastal heritage
Virginia’s Eastern Shore is a narrow, roughly 70-mile-long stretch of the Delmarva Peninsula, bordered by Chesapeake Bay to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Reached from the south by the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, it feels distinct from the busier resort coast: the appeal is in the wide-open shorelines, small towns, wildlife, and a strong connection to the water. Visitors can pair a beach or refuge outing with time in towns such as Cape Charles, Virginia, Onancock, Virginia, and Chincoteague, Virginia.[1][2]
Plan a trip to The Virginia Eastern Shore
Why go
Come for the contrast between bayside and seaside landscapes. Beaches, salt marshes, farms, and waterfront communities sit close together, making the Shore a good fit for travelers who want outdoor time and local character rather than a packed schedule. Birding, paddling, fishing, cycling, and wildlife watching are among the activities highlighted by the regional tourism organization and state tourism guide.[3][4]
The region also rewards a slower, town-to-town itinerary. Spend time in a historic waterfront district, look for local art and farm stands, and make room for seafood shaped by the area’s fishing and shellfish traditions. The two sides of the peninsula offer different coastal settings, so it is worth choosing outings by landscape as well as by distance.
Highlights
Explore the island community, nearby refuge landscapes, and the famous wild-pony tradition. Check current refuge and beach conditions before setting out.
At the southern tip of the Shore, trails, wildlife viewing, and coastal habitats make this a rewarding stop for nature lovers.
Enjoy a bayside state-park setting near the southern entrance to the peninsula. Confirm current facilities and seasonal details with the park before visiting.
Discover the history and culture of the barrier-island communities through exhibits and local interpretation.
Pair a walk through a small coastal town with time by the Chesapeake Bay.
Make time for this bayside town, whose local heritage and waterfront setting offer a change of pace from the beach.
History and character
The Shore’s geography has long shaped its communities and livelihoods. Its position between bay and ocean connects small towns, working waterfronts, farms, and barrier islands in a landscape where access to water is part of everyday life. Today, visitors can encounter that heritage in historic towns, local museums, and regional driving routes.
The Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission promotes heritage trails that cross Northampton and Accomack counties. Its current trail collection includes routes focused on the Revolutionary era and African American history; consult the commission’s guide for route details and updates before planning a self-guided drive.[5]
Planning a trip
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel connects the Shore to the Virginia mainland at its southern end. The region is spread out, so a car is useful for linking towns, beaches, and natural areas. The bridge-tunnel operator’s traffic and travel information is worth checking before departure, especially when weather or traffic could affect the crossing.[6]
For a first visit, choose a base around the experience you want: Cape Charles and the southern Shore for bayside scenery and nearby refuges; Onancock for a town-centered stay; or Chincoteague for access to the island and refuge landscape farther north. Distances can make a multi-stop itinerary feel longer than it looks on a map, so allow time for scenic detours and unhurried meals.
The Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge offers outdoor recreation including hiking, wildlife observation, biking, and boating. Public access is limited to designated roads, trails, facilities, and other posted areas; check refuge rules, conditions, and current visitor information before going. Hours and access can change seasonally.[7]
On the Virginia side of Assateague, the wild horses are managed as part of the Chincoteague tradition, and the National Park Service notes that most of the island’s Virginia land is managed as a wildlife refuge. Keep a respectful distance from wildlife and check official refuge and park guidance for current access, restrictions, and seasonal conditions.[8]
Explore nearby
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
The southern gateway connecting the Eastern Shore with Virginia’s mainland.
Chincoteague, Virginia
An island town and a convenient base for exploring the northern Shore and nearby refuge lands.
Cape Charles, Virginia
A bayside town near the peninsula’s southern end.
Virginia's Chesapeake Bay
Explore the broader bay coast, its communities, and outdoor destinations.
Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon
References
- ↑ Virginia's Eastern Shore, Virginia Is for Lovers, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved 2026-10-27.
- ↑ Plan Your Trip, Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission. Retrieved 2026-10-27.
- ↑ Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission, Visit ESVA. Retrieved 2026-10-27.
- ↑ Virginia's Eastern Shore, Virginia Is for Lovers, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved 2026-10-27.
- ↑ Your Guide to Celebrating VA250 on the Eastern Shore, Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission. Retrieved 2026-10-27.
- ↑ Plan Your Trip, Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission. Retrieved 2026-10-27.
- ↑ Visit Us, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Retrieved 2026-10-27.
- ↑ Frequently Asked Questions, Assateague Island National Seashore, National Park Service. Retrieved 2026-10-27.