Accomack County, Virginia
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Region
Virginia's Eastern Shore
Type
Coastal county
County seat
Accomac
Known for
Barrier islands, small towns and NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility
At the northern end of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Accomack County is a place of bayside creeks, Atlantic-facing barrier islands, farmland, marsh and historic small towns. Its shoreline meets both Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, and communities such as Accomac and Onancock offer a slower-paced counterpoint to the county’s beaches and wildlife areas.[1]
Visitors can build a trip around coastal nature, local history or a mix of both: walk historic streets in Accomac or Onancock, explore the wildlife refuges near the county’s southern and northern ends, or visit NASA’s Wallops Visitor Center near Chincoteague. The Eastern Shore Tourism Commission’s official guide is a useful starting point for planning across the region; check individual sites for current hours, access and seasonal conditions before setting out.[2]
Plan a trip to Accomack County
Why visit Accomack County?
Accomack is a rewarding choice for travelers who prefer coastal scenery and small-town character to a single resort strip. The county’s bayside and seaside landscapes make room for beach walks, boating, birding and quiet drives, while its historic communities preserve a sense of the Shore’s agricultural and maritime past.[3]
It also brings together distinctly different experiences. In the north, Chincoteague is a gateway to the barrier-island landscape of Assateague; farther south, Onancock’s harbor and historic district invite a slower town visit. NASA’s presence at Wallops adds a science-and-space dimension to a coastal itinerary.
What to see and do
Accomac’s historic streets
In the county seat, a self-guided walking tour introduces visitors to historic homes and the town’s long civic history. The town describes Accomac as the county seat and notes its succession of historic names, including Drummondtown.[4]
Onancock and Ker Place
Explore Onancock’s historic downtown and waterfront, then visit Ker Place, a Federal-period house museum that serves as the home of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society. The town’s visitor information also highlights local museums, arts studios, performances and waterfront activities; check ahead for current schedules and availability.[5]
Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge
Near the southern tip of the Shore, this refuge offers trails, wildlife viewing, birding and a visitor center. Its Southern Tip Bike and Hike Trail provides a paved route, while other walks lead through refuge habitats and toward a saltmarsh overlook and World War II bunker. Refuge access rules and visitor-center hours can change, so confirm details before going.[6][7]
Chincoteague and Assateague
Use Chincoteague as a base for exploring the Virginia side of Assateague Island, its wildlife and coastal scenery. The Virginia district of Assateague is managed as Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, with National Park Service services at the refuge’s recreational beach; consult official park information for current conditions and access details.[8]
NASA Wallops Visitor Center
At Wallops Island, NASA’s public visitor center presents exhibits and programs about space science, engineering and the facility’s work. The center’s hours and public offerings may change around launches or other operations, so verify current information before visiting. Access to the active facility is separate and subject to NASA’s tour requirements.[9][10]
History and character
Accomack County’s history is closely tied to the geography of the Eastern Shore: a long peninsula between Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic, with communities shaped by water access, farming and trade. The county government traces its establishment to 1634, when it was among Virginia’s original counties. The county was renamed Northampton in 1642; in 1663, the northern portion again took the name Accomack, while the southern portion retained Northampton.[11]
The county seat, Accomac, has its own layered story. The town’s historical overview describes its early names and explains that the county and town spellings were distinguished in 1940: Accomack for the county and Accomac for the town.[12] In Onancock, a deep-water harbor supported trade and shipping, while the town’s preserved historic buildings and waterfront reflect its development as a port and community center.[13]
Today, the county’s character is still shaped by its working landscapes and waterside communities, alongside conservation areas and visitor destinations. NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility adds a prominent scientific and aerospace presence to this rural coastal setting.[14]
Planning a visit
Accomack County is spread out, so plan around the towns and sites you most want to see rather than expecting to cover the whole Shore on foot. A car is useful for moving between communities, refuges and beach areas; confirm directions and access with each destination, especially when visiting protected lands.
The Eastern Shore Tourism Commission provides regional trip-planning information. For current operating details, check the relevant official source: refuge access and trail rules through the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, NASA Visitor Center information through NASA, and town walking-tour or visitor information through Accomac and Onancock. Seasonal wildlife activity, weather and launch operations may affect plans.
Nearby places and attractions
Chincoteague, Virginia
An Eastern Shore town and gateway to the Virginia side of Assateague Island.
Assateague Island National Seashore in Virginia
Explore the coastal landscape and visitor opportunities on Assateague’s Virginia side.
Virginia's Eastern Shore
Plan a broader trip through the peninsula’s towns, coastal scenery and wildlife areas.
Northampton County, Virginia
Continue south along Virginia’s Eastern Shore into its neighboring county.
Cape Charles, Virginia
Discover a historic waterfront town near the southern end of the Eastern Shore.
Onancock, Virginia
Explore a historic harbor town known for its downtown, cultural stops and waterfront.
Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon
References
- ↑ About the County, Accomack County, Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Welcome to the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ About the County, Accomack County, Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Walking Tour, Town of Accomac. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Visitors, Town of Onancock. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Visit Us, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Facility Activities, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Plan Your Visit, National Park Service. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Plan Your Visit to Wallops, NASA. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Wallops Facility Tours, NASA. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ About the County, Accomack County, Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Historical Overview, Town of Accomac. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Visitors, Town of Onancock. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Wallops Flight Facility, NASA. Retrieved 2026-10-22.