Things to Do on Virginia's Eastern Shore

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Things to Do on Virginia's Eastern Shore

Virginia travel guide

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VIRGINIA COASTAL GETAWAY

Things to Do on Virginia's Eastern Shore

Explore a two-sided coast of quiet Chesapeake Bay towns, Atlantic beaches, wildlife refuges, barrier-island landscapes and maritime history.

Region
Virginia's Eastern Shore

Counties
Accomack County, Virginia and Northampton County, Virginia

Landscape
Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic coast and rural peninsula

Known for
Wildlife, beaches, small towns and coastal heritage

Virginia’s Eastern Shore is a place for slowing down and taking the long way between the water and the towns. Stretching down the Delmarva Peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean, the region brings together beach days, birding, historic main streets and working-waterfront culture. Start in Cape Charles, Virginia for a walkable Bay-side town and beach, head north to Chincoteague Island for refuge trails and wild ponies, or make time for small-town stops and an island outing along the way. The region’s visitor organization highlights its waterfront towns, barrier islands and coastal recreation as key parts of the experience.

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Why go

The Shore’s appeal lies in its variety and its unhurried scale. On the Chesapeake side, beaches and sunset views pair naturally with historic towns; on the Atlantic side, marshes, dunes and refuge land offer room for wildlife watching and outdoor exploration. Between them, Route 13 links communities where a short detour can lead to a local museum, a waterfront, or a roadside farm stand.

This is a good destination for travelers who want outdoor time without making every day a beach day. Walk a historic district, look for migrating birds, visit a regional history museum, or plan a boat trip to an island. Before setting out, check official sources for current hours, fees, ferry schedules, seasonal access and any refuge or beach advisories.

Highlights

Chincoteague and Assateague

Explore refuge trails, beach and wildlife habitat, and look for the ponies that graze in the salt marsh. The refuge also offers a route to the historic Assateague Lighthouse; confirm current access and tour details before visiting.

Cape Charles

Spend time on the Chesapeake Bay waterfront, browse the historic town center, or stroll the public beach. The town’s visitor information also points to local architecture, arts and shops as reasons to explore on foot.

Kiptopeke State Park

Head to the Bay for trails, a beach, fishing and birding. The park is also a place to learn about coastal habitats along a major migratory flyway; check the park’s current information for facilities, programs and conditions.

Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge

At the southern end of the Shore, explore refuge trails and watch for wildlife and seasonal migration. The refuge’s visitor center and guided tours have schedules that can change, so check current information before you go.

Barrier Islands Center

Make a stop in Machipongo to learn about the region’s barrier-island communities, history and culture. Check the center’s current visitor information before planning around its opening days and hours.

Take a trip to Tangier Island

Make an island outing from Onancock by boat, or plan another authorized boat or air connection. Tangier is accessible only by boat or plane, and ferry service is seasonal; confirm the operator’s schedule and availability before building a day around the trip.

History and character

The Eastern Shore’s geography has shaped its communities: a narrow peninsula with the Chesapeake Bay to the west and the Atlantic to the east, connected to mainland Virginia by the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. The area developed as a set of waterfront and agricultural communities, with towns and working-waterfront traditions that remain part of its character. The regional tourism organization describes the Shore’s history as closely tied to its relative isolation and the ferry connection that preceded the bridge-tunnel.

For a deeper look at local history and culture, the Barrier Islands Center in Machipongo interprets the region’s barrier-island heritage. In Cape Charles, the historic streets offer a different lens: an architectural walk through a town shaped by its railroad-era development. Check individual sites for current exhibits, tours and opening schedules.

Planning a trip

The Shore is best explored by car, with time built in for side roads and unplanned stops. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel connects the southern end of the peninsula to mainland Virginia; consult its official travel information for current tolls, traffic and travel conditions. The distance between Cape Charles and Chincoteague makes it worth choosing a base or planning an overnight if you want to explore both ends rather than rush through.

For outdoor days, bring water, sun protection and layers, and follow posted rules at beaches and wildlife areas. Refuge access, fees, tours, beach conditions and facilities may vary by season. If visiting Tangier Island, arrange boat transportation in advance and verify the return schedule. Regional tourism information lists visitor centers and trip-planning resources for the area.

Explore nearby

Cape Charles, Virginia
Walk the historic town center, visit the Chesapeake Bay waterfront and make time for the town beach.

Chincoteague
Use this island town as a gateway to the refuge, Assateague Lighthouse and Atlantic-side outdoor activities.

Onancock
Explore a Chesapeake Bay harbor town and check seasonal boat connections to Tangier Island.

Virginia's Eastern Shore Beaches
Compare Bay-side beaches and the Atlantic coast when choosing where to swim, walk or spend a day by the water.

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References

External links

• Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism — ESVA Tourism Commission
• Regional trip-planning information
• Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge — U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
• Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge — U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
• Kiptopeke State Park — Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
• Barrier Islands Center