Things to Do in Virginia's Eastern Shore
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Region
Eastern Shore of Virginia
Counties
Accomack and Northampton
Setting
Between the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean
Gateway
Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel
Virginia’s Eastern Shore rewards a slower, seaside-paced trip. The peninsula runs between the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean, with small towns, working-waterfront traditions, public beaches, and wildlife-rich coastal landscapes. Start near Cape Charles and Kiptopeke at the southern end, then follow the Shore north toward Chincoteague and Assateague. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel connects the region to Hampton Roads; check current travel conditions and toll information before setting out.[1]
Plan a trip to Things to Do in Virginia's Eastern Shore
Why go
The Shore is a place to pair outdoor time with small-town exploring: walk a bayside beach, watch for migrating birds, browse a historic town center, or learn how coastal communities have lived with the water. The official regional tourism organization highlights its waterfront towns, barrier islands, artisans, farms, and coastal heritage as defining parts of the visitor experience.[2]
A trip can be built around one base or several stops. Cape Charles and Kiptopeke make a natural southern-Shore starting point; further north, Chincoteague is the gateway to the Virginia side of Assateague Island. Along the way, towns such as Onancock and Accomac offer a different pace from the beaches and nature areas.[3]
Highlights
Explore the island town of Chincoteague, the refuge landscape, and the Atlantic beach on Assateague. The Virginia side is known for its wild ponies and changing coastal habitats; check refuge conditions and seasonal hours before visiting.
Walk trails, look for wildlife, and start at the refuge visitor center near Cape Charles. The refuge notes that public access is limited to designated roads, trails, parking areas, and buildings.
Spend time on the Chesapeake Bay shoreline, explore trails, or look for migrating birds. Park amenities and seasonal services can change, so confirm current details before your visit.
Choose between bayside beaches near Cape Charles and Kiptopeke or the Atlantic beach reached from Chincoteague. Conditions, services, and seasonal access differ by location.
Learn about the people and communities of the barrier-island region through exhibits and programs in Machipongo. Check the center’s current visitor information before traveling.
Use this small island town as a base for exploring the nearby refuge, beaches, and coastal scenery.
Wildlife, beaches, and open water
At the southern end of the Shore, the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge offers trails and wildlife-oriented recreation. Its visitor center introduces refuge habitats and conservation work; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service advises visitors to remain on areas specifically open to the public.[4]
Nearby Kiptopeke State Park brings together Chesapeake Bay access, trails, and bird habitat. Farther north, the Chincoteague area offers access to the Virginia district of Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Refuge hours vary seasonally, and beach and trail conditions can change; verify current information before going.[5][6]
History and character
The Eastern Shore’s character comes from its geography and the communities shaped by it: towns and farms on the peninsula, watermen working the surrounding bays and inlets, and barrier islands along the Atlantic side. The regional tourism organization presents both coastal heritage and contemporary working life as part of the visitor experience.[7]
For a closer look at local history, stop at the Barrier Islands Center in Machipongo. In Accomac, stroll the historic town center and Courthouse Green; the tourism commission describes the town’s historic buildings and the courthouse records preserved there. Onancock offers another historic-town stop, with a harbor setting and shops, galleries, and museums within walking distance of the water.[8][9][10]
Planning a trip
The Shore is a long, narrow region, so allow time for driving between southern and northern destinations. Route 13 is the main through-route, while beach and refuge visits involve local roads and may require checking access conditions. The region’s tourism commission provides a town map and trip-planning information; consult those resources alongside individual park and refuge updates.[11]
A first visit might combine Cape Charles, Kiptopeke, and the southern wildlife refuge; a longer trip can continue north to Onancock, Accomac, and Chincoteague. If you plan to visit Assateague, check the National Park Service and refuge pages for current operating hours, closures, weather considerations, and rules. The Barrier Islands Center also advises visitors to check its site for current visitor arrangements and accessibility details.[12][13]
Explore nearby
Cape Charles
A historic bayside town and gateway to the southern Shore.
Chincoteague
An island town and launch point for exploring the Virginia side of Assateague.
Onancock
A harbor town with a walkable center, galleries, shops, and museums.
Accomac
Explore the historic county seat and its courthouse area.
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.
- ↑ Eastern Shore of Virginia, ESVA Tourism Commission. Retrieved 2026-10-27.
- ↑ Virginia's Eastern Shore, Virginia Is for Lovers, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved 2026-10-27.
- ↑ Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Retrieved 2026-10-27.
- ↑ Kiptopeke State Park, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-27.
- ↑ Basic Information: Assateague Island National Seashore, National Park Service. Retrieved 2026-10-27.
- ↑ Eastern Shore of Virginia, ESVA Tourism Commission. Retrieved 2026-10-27.
- ↑ Visit the Barrier Islands Center, Barrier Islands Center. Retrieved 2026-10-27.
- ↑ Accomac, ESVA Tourism Commission. Retrieved 2026-10-27.
- ↑ Onancock, ESVA Tourism Commission. Retrieved 2026-10-27.
- ↑ Plan Your Trip, ESVA Tourism Commission. Retrieved 2026-10-27.
- ↑ Basic Information: Assateague Island National Seashore, National Park Service. Retrieved 2026-10-27.
- ↑ Visit the Barrier Islands Center, Barrier Islands Center. Retrieved 2026-10-27.