Virginia is for Lovers

  • Welcome

    Welcome

    • About Virginia
    • Welcome Centers
    • VISITOR INFORMATION CENTERS
    • Accessible Travel
    • International Visitors
    • Weather
    • Transportation
    • Related Links
    • Weddings In Virginia
    • LGBT Travel
    • Virginia Green Travel
    • VIRGINIA IS FOR LOVERS SHOP

    Follow Us

    Virginia Travel Guide and State Map

    Virginia Travel Guide Covers
    Order Now
  • Things To Do

    Things To Do

    • Family Fun
    • Historic Sites
    • Eat & Drink
    • Outdoors
    • THEME PARKS & WATERPARKS
    • Zoos & Aquariums
    • Music
    • BEACHES
    • State Parks
    • National Parks
    • CAVERNS
    • Golf
    • SPAS
    • SHOPPING
    • MUSEUMS
    • Arts & Culture
    • LOVEworks
    • Filmed in Virginia

    Follow Us

    Virginia Travel Guide and State Map

    Virginia Travel Guide Covers
    Order Now
  • Events

    Events

    • ARTS & CRAFTS
    • CIVIL WAR
    • CULINARY
    • FAMILY FUN
    • FESTIVALS
    • HISTORY & HERITAGE
    • MUSIC FESTIVALS
    • PERFORMANCES
    • SPORTING
    • WINE FESTIVALS

    Follow Us

    Virginia Travel Guide and State Map

    Virginia Travel Guide Covers
    Order Now
  • Places To Stay

    Places To Stay

    • BED & BREAKFAST
    • COTTAGES & CABINS
    • INNS
    • RESORTS
    • PET FRIENDLY
    • CAMPING
    • HOTELS & MOTELS
    • LODGES & GUEST RANCHES
    • Vacation Homes & Rentals
    • VIRGINIA GREEN

    Follow Us

    Virginia Travel Guide and State Map

    Virginia Travel Guide Covers
    Order Now
  • Deals

    Deals

    • DEALS & DISCOUNTS
    • FALL PACKAGES
    • FAMILY FUN PACKAGES
    • FOOD AND WINE PACKAGES
    • HISTORY DEALS
    • SPRING PACKAGES
    • MILITARY DISCOUNTS
    • ROMANCE PACKAGES
    • TRAVEL PACKAGES

    Follow Us

    Virginia Travel Guide and State Map

    Virginia Travel Guide Covers
    Order Now
  • Store
  • Maps

    Maps

    • Virginia
    • Southwest Virginia - Blue Ridge Highlands
    • Central Virginia
    • Chesapeake Bay
    • Coastal Virginia - Eastern Shore
    • Coastal Virginia - Hampton Roads
    • Southwest Virginia - Heart of Appalachia
    • Northern Virginia
    • Shenandoah Valley
    • Southern Virginia
    • Virginia Mountains

    Follow Us

    Virginia Travel Guide and State Map

    Virginia Travel Guide Covers
    Order Now
  • Accessible Travel

Coastal Virginia - Eastern Shore

Eastern Shore

History and natural beauty combine to make Virginia's Eastern Shore a special destination.

The Coastal Virginia – Eastern Shore region is accessible via the 17.5-mile Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. The Shore stretches 70 miles and is situated between the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. 

Step back to a time of old railroad towns and intimate fishing villages. Listen for the unique old-world accents spoken here, especially by Tangier Island residents! Shop at a roadside stand, and learn how to crab from a pier.

The Shore is known for its fresh oysters and winter is the season to claim these succulents for your own. If harvesting is not as appealing as devouring, finding a restaurant to serve them up any way you wish is no task at all. 

One of the most beloved sites on the Eastern Shore is the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, where the annual Pony Swim and Auction occurs. The event was made famous by Margurite Henry's "Misty of Chincoteague".

No other beach walk will be as memorable as the one you'll take on Assateague. Watch wild ponies feed on the marsh grasses. Chances are, it'll be just you and them! 

Other Eastern Shore attractions:

  • The Assateague Lighthouse
  • Eastern Shore Railway Museum
  • NASA Visitor Center at Wallops Flight Facility
  • Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge
  • Wreck & Bone Island Natural Area Preserve
  • Kiptopeke State Park – home of the Eastern Shore Birding Festival in October!

Accommodations are cozy here with a variety of B&Bs and inns. The seafood can't be beat! You'll also love the out-of-the-way beaches, where you might not meet another human for miles. Be sure to check out the fun events on the Eastern Shore as you plan your vacation.

Area Events

  • VIEW STATEWIDE
Find my location

Trip Ideas

  • Cape Charles
    3-Day Guide: Virginia’s Eastern Shore
    Virginia’s gorgeous Eastern Shore is known for its oysters, outdoor activities, and pristine landscapes.
  • Onancock Harbor
    5 Small Towns On Virginia’s Eastern Shore
    Plan a relaxing retreat to one of these quaint, coastal town on Virginia's Eastern Shore, spanning 70 miles and bordered by the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
  • O
    Coastal Virginia Craft Beer Guide
    If you’re heading to the beach for a surfside Virginia vacation, plan a pit stop at a few of these coastal breweries for some incredibly tasty brews.

Cities & Towns

  • Accomac
  • Cape Charles
  • Chincoteague Island
  • Exmore
  • Onancock
  • Tangier Island
  • Wachapreague
 

Counties

  • Northampton County
  • Accomack County
 

SV16021603V_008.JPG

Winter in Virginia

  • Mountain Resorts

    Cabin Rentals

    Skiing

    Ice Skating

    Whale Watching

    Winter Hikes

    Luxury Retreats
Virginia is for Lovers Trucker Hat

Shop Virginia

Virginia is for Lovers
Lockn Festival Photo Jay Blakesburg

Explore Music Venues & Events

Discover Music

Travel Updates

Success! Get ready to start receiving Virginia.org travel updates.

Find out why Virginia is for Lovers. You’ll get monthly travel inspiration, insider tips, and itineraries to help you plan your best Virginia vacation yet. Plus exclusive offers, deals, packages and more! Sign up for Virginia is for Lovers Emails now!

There’s always more to LOVE in Virginia. Please select any topic that interests you!

About Va
  • Virginia Travel Blog
  • Welcome Centers
  • Cities & Localities
  • Transportation
  • Virginia Is For Lovers
Contact Us
  • Media/Press Room
  • Send Feedback
  • Privacy Policy
  • Travel Industry
  • Travel Guide Order
Travel
  • Group Planners
  • Sports Marketers
  • Meetings Professionals
  • Virginia Green Travel
  • Accessible Travel
Additional Links
  • Virginia Is For Lovers Store
  • Add/Update Your Listings
  • Website Survey
  • Site Map
  • Virginia is for Lovers
  • DiscoverAmerica.com
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • France
  • Germany
  • England
  • Korea
  • China
  • Japan

Official Tourism Website of the Commonwealth of Virginia ● © 2020 Virginia Tourism Corporation, 901 E. Cary St., Suite 900, Richmond, VA 23219
For Virginia citizen and business services visit www.Virginia.gov. ● Virginia Economic Development Partnership visit www.VEDP.org.