The Eastern Shore Region

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

The Eastern Shore region is accessible via the 17.5-mile Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel from the south and Highway 13 from the north. The Shore stretches 70 miles and is situated between the magnificent Chesapeake Bay and mighty 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 produce stands and antique stores and learn how to crab from a pier. And there’s tons of charter fishing so you can snag the “big one.”

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 towns on the Eastern Shore is the quaint village of Chincoteague Island. And Chincoteague is linked by a short bridge over the Assateague Sound to the Island of Assateague, a National Seashore. It is on Assateague that you will find a nature preserve, the wild ponies and the pristine natural beach.

If you’ve heard of the Pony Swim, you’ll know that each July the Saltwater Cowboys lead the wild ponies across the sound and into the town for the parade, carnival and pony auction. The Pony Swim was made famous by Margurite Henry's "Misty of Chincoteague".

If you want a real treat book a two hour boat tour around the islands. You’re sure to come up close with dolphins and the ponies!

• The Assateague Lighthouse
• Eastern Shore Railway Museum
• NASA Visitor Center at Wallops Flight Facility (rocket launches take place several times a year)
• 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!

Farther down the coast line is Cape Charles, a beautiful seaside resort town with plenty of opportunities to dock your boat, go antique shopping and enjoy the beautiful tree lined streets filled with Victorian homes.

Add to that, a full service European day spa and guided horseback trail rides on a waterfront estate Dining includes waterfront restaurants, a Viennese-inspired coffee house, Irish pub, old-fashioned soda fountain, and more.

The Cape Charles Museum provides a fascinating look back in time to see how Cape Charles was formed. The Art Deco Historic Palace Theatre spotlights local, regional, and national talent. The Oyster Farm at Kings Creek, with its marina, restaurant and event venue, flanks the northern side of town, while on the southern side there are two nationally ranked golf courses designed by golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. Soak up the sun at the town’s mile-long beach or set sail on the Chesapeake Bay.

And don’t miss the spectacular sunsets on the Eastern Shore, be sure to have your camera ready because the colors are stunning.

Come to the Eastern Shore to truly relax, slow down and reinvigorate your soul.