Eastern Shore of Virginia Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Chincoteague which includes surf and a sandy beach
Chincoteague which includes general coastal views and a beach
Chincoteague which includes a beach
Chincoteague showing a beach, bird life and signage
Chincoteague showing general coastal views

Cruise to deserted islands, hike across sand dunes, taste award-winning wines and watch rockets blast into space at one of the most fascinating regions of Virginia.

The Eastern Shore of Virginia is an alluring escape of natural beauty. The region is a 70-mile (113-kilometer) stretch of the Delmarva Peninsula on the eastern side of Chesapeake Bay. Visitors are drawn to its farmland, forests, miles of coastline, historic towns and rocket launches.

Embark on a bird-watching trip to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The more than 14,000 acres (5,666 hectares) of habitats include dunes and marshes where you can see snow geese and thousands of migratory birds. Find more bird-watching opportunities in the maritime forests of Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve.

Take your pick from many hiking and biking trails throughout the region. The Southern Tip Hike and Bike Trail is a 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) paved trail passing through upland forest. Rent a boat and a guide to get to the Barrier Islands where you can stroll along miles of deserted beaches.

Get out the map to explore Eastern Shore’s historic centers. See 17th- and 18th-century homes, buildings and shops at Colonial Williamsburg. Visit the Jamestown Settlement, a re-creation of America's first permanent English colony. Climb aboard replicas of ships that sailed from England to Virginia in 1607. Go to the Yorktown Battlefield where the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War was fought.

Wine lovers are in for a treat because the Eastern Shore is home to a handful of renowned wineries offering public tours and wine tastings. These include Chatham Vineyards in Machipongo and Holly Grove Vineyards in Franktown.

Just off Virginia’s Eastern Shore is Wallops Island where the NASA space agency launches rockets into space. Watch them climb into the sky from anywhere along the Delmarva Peninsula or at the NASA visitor center. Wallops Island also hosts the Space Flight Adventure Camp for 11- to 15-year-olds every summer.

Reach Eastern Shore by flying into Norfolk International Airport and then rent a car to travel to historic locations, wildlife reserves and picturesque countryside.

Where to stay in Eastern Shore of Virginia

Default Image

Historic Downtown Cape Charles

While visiting Historic Downtown Cape Charles, you might make a stop by sights like Cape Charles Beach and Central Park.

Historic Downtown Cape Charles
Default Image

Piney Island

While visiting Piney Island, you might make a stop by sights like Maui Jack's Waterpark and Museum of Chincoteague.

Piney Island
Default Image

Picketts Harbor

Picketts Harbor might not have many top sights, but Kiptopeke State Park and Bay Creek Golf Club are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Picketts Harbor
Default Image

Kings Creek Landing

Though Kings Creek Landing may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Cape Charles Museum & Welcome Center and Cape Charles Beach.

Kings Creek Landing
Default Image

Bay Ridge

While there might not be top attractions in Bay Ridge, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Bay Creek Golf Club and Kiptopeke State Park.

Bay Ridge
Default Image

Tower Hill

Tower Hill might not have many top sights, but Cape Charles Museum & Welcome Center and Cape Charles Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Tower Hill
Chincoteague Inn
Chincoteague Inn
2 out of 5
4417 Deep Hole Road, Chincoteague, VA
The price is NZ$238 per night from 2 July to 3 July
NZ$238
2 July - 3 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Chincoteague. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"John at the front desk was very helpful"

Reviewed on 30 Jun. 2025

Chincoteague Inn
Refuge Inn
Refuge Inn
3 out of 5
7058 Maddox Blvd., Chincoteague, VA
The price is NZ$344 per night from 7 July to 8 July
NZ$344
7 July - 8 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Chincoteague. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
"The rooms are so clean! Staff is very friendly and welcoming. You can walk about 50 feet from the hotel and rent a bike. I definitely will be back."

Reviewed on 25 Jun. 2025

Refuge Inn
Atlantic Shores Inn and Suites
Atlantic Shores Inn and Suites
2 out of 5
6273 Maddox Blvd, Chincoteague, VA
The price is NZ$181 per night from 9 July to 10 July
NZ$181
9 July - 10 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Chincoteague. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Property was nice, wish there was more parking though."

Reviewed on 24 Jun. 2025

Atlantic Shores Inn and Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Blufin Bungalows & Marina
Blufin Bungalows & Marina
3 out of 5
2477 Main St, Chincoteague, VA
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Chincoteague. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Chincoteague Channel and Assateague ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (141 reviews)
"Excellent place to stay"

Reviewed on 29 Jun. 2025

Blufin Bungalows & Marina
Key West Cottages
Key West Cottages
3 out of 5
4251 Main Street, Chincoteague, VA
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Chincoteague. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (391 reviews)
"We had wonderful stay. Everything about this resort was perfect."

Reviewed on 24 Jun. 2025

Key West Cottages
At the Water's Edge - is there anywhere you'd rather be?!
At the Water's Edge - is there anywhere you'd rather be?!
Chincoteague Island
Stay at this vacation home in Chincoteague. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Robert N. Reed Downtown Waterfront Park ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (44 reviews)
We had a great time
"Property was exactly like it showed in the pictures. There was a loud fan noise in the attic that maintenance was unable to resolve but we still had a great time."

Reviewed on 28 Jun. 2025

At the Water's Edge - is there anywhere you'd rather be?!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Eastern Shore of Virginia