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 notables:
- 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
Regional Guides
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Virginia’s gorgeous Eastern Shore is known for its oysters, outdoor activities, and pristine landscapes.
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Spanning 70 miles and bordered by the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia’s Eastern Shore is a coastal paradise.
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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.
