Eastern Shore of Virginia

Travel Guide
Chincoteague showing general coastal views and a sandy beach
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

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Piney Island

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

Piney Island
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Captain's Cove

Captain's Cove might not have many top sights, but Robert N. Reed Downtown Waterfront Park and Captain Timothy Hill House are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Captain's Cove
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Picketts Harbor

While Picketts Harbor isn't home to many top sights, Kiptopeke State Park and Bay Creek Golf Club are some notable places to visit nearby.

Picketts Harbor
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Kings Creek Landing

While there might not be top attractions in Kings Creek Landing, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Cape Charles Beach and Bay Creek Golf Club.

Kings Creek Landing
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Bay Ridge

While Bay Ridge isn't home to many top sights, Kiptopeke State Park and Cape Charles Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Bay Ridge
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Tower Hill

Though Tower Hill might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Cape Charles Beach and Bay Creek Golf Club.

Tower Hill
Comfort Suites Chincoteague Island Bayfront Resort
Comfort Suites Chincoteague Island Bayfront Resort
2.5 out of 5
4195 Main St, Chincoteague, VA
The price is ¥17,881 per night from Apr 14 to Apr 15
¥17,881
per night
Apr 14 - Apr 15
Stay at this hotel in Chincoteague. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,009 reviews)
"From check in to check out, this was an amazing experience. One of the best experiences at a hotel we’ve ever had. The check in was smooth, the room was extremely clean and comfortable, and every one of the staff greeted us and made us feel welcome."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

Comfort Suites Chincoteague Island Bayfront Resort
Key West Cottages
Key West Cottages
3 out of 5
4251 Main Street, Chincoteague, VA
The price is ¥25,718 per night from Apr 16 to Apr 17
¥25,718
per night
Apr 16 - Apr 17
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. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (208 reviews)
"Such a new feeling!"

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2024

Key West Cottages
Refuge Inn
Refuge Inn
3 out of 5
7058 Maddox Blvd., Chincoteague, VA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥18,918 per night from Apr 10 to Apr 11
¥18,918
per night
Apr 10 - Apr 11
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chincoteague. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"Really like the establishment, it was had nice indoor pool and found the hotel warm and inviting. I like the bath soaps and decorations throughout the place."

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2024

Refuge Inn
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.
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. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (208 reviews)
"Such a new feeling!"

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2024

Key West Cottages
Shackeau East - Magnificent Views!
Shackeau East - Magnificent Views!
Chincoteague Island
Stay at this cottage in Chincoteague. Enjoy a water park, an in-room DVD player, and a TV. Popular attractions Museum of Chincoteague and Maui Jack's Waterpark ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Wonderful view
"Cozy place with a wonderful view"

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2023

Shackeau East - Magnificent Views!
Cozy Little Cottage on chincoteague island va.
Cozy Little Cottage on chincoteague island va.
Chincoteague
Stay at this cottage in Chincoteague. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and 1 bedroom. Popular attractions Assateague Point and Chincoteague Channel are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
"This was our second time staying here, with our first being during the summer. The cottage is very clean and overall quite pleasant with a location perfect for bicycling into town and to the beach. However, this cottage really needs heat if it is to be rented during the cooler months. The owner did ..."

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2023

Cozy Little Cottage on chincoteague island va.
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.

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