9 kid-friendly activities in Cape Charles Go
    Man and children playing together at the beach
    Social Distance with These Off-the-Grid Excursions from Cape Charles Go
    Happy couple hiking together in mountains with backpacks

    Activities & Attractions

    Two girls playing on the beach on a sunny day
    Splash Beach & Watersports The waters of the Chesapeake Bay offer endless opportunities for entertainment in Cape Charles, from swimming in the shallows off the town beach to jetskiing toward the horizon. Give in to the pull of the gentle waves and embrace the urge to splash in the Bay.
    Get on the water Enjoy Cape Charles Town Beach This is the only public beach on Virginia’s Eastern Shore that doesn’t require an entrance or parking fee.
    Search what to do on our map
    Get on the water Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding Explore the waters and get a great workout by taking a spin on a stand-up paddleboard, available to rent from local businesses, such as Poseidon Watersports and Southeast Expeditions.
    Search what to do on our map Local Businesses
    Get on the water Explore on a Kayak Put in your kayak right on the beach or branch out to explore other local waterways, with single and two-person rentals available.
    Search what to do on our map Local Businesses
    Get on the water Go Kiteboarding The brisk breezes on the Chesapeake Bay make for excellent kiteboarding conditions.
    Get on the water Take a Boat Tour Explore unspoiled seaside coastline, putter around Kiptopeke's concrete fleet, watch dolphins or enjoy a sunset with local captain on a boat tour.
    Search what to do on our map Local Businesses
    Sunny day at the beach full of people
    Enjoy Cape Charles Town Beach
    Two people on a paddle board on the sea
    Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding
    People riding kayaks on the sea
    Explore on a Kayak
    Kiteboarding on the Bay
    Go Kiteboarding
    Chesapeake Bay scene
    Take a Boat Tour
    View of sidewalk, trees and a house on main street
    Stroll Architecture & History A lot has changed since Cape Charles was established in the 1880s, but the town’s historic district still looks strikingly similar today. Stepping back in time is as easy as taking a stroll down one of our streets and appreciating one of the largest concentrations of turn-of-the-century buildings on the East Coast.
    Our History
    Historic Homes See examples of Victorian, Colonial Revival, Craftsman, and Neo-classical homes in the Historic District dating from the 1880s to the early 1900s.
    Our History
    Historic Palace Theatre This art deco theatre on Mason Avenue was designed by German architect Alfred Lublin and built in 1942.
    More about the Historic Palace Theater
    Cape Charles Memorial Library The oldest library on Virginia’s Eastern Shore is located on the corner of Mason Avenue and Pine Street.
    Our History
    Renovated house painted in blue
    Historic Homes
    Historic Palace Theatre
    Historic Palace Theatre
    Cape Charles Memorial Library from outside
    Cape Charles Memorial Library
    Close-up of shop window mannequins and
    Shop Arts & Boutiques Shop for Eastern Shore souvenirs, browse works from local artists, treat yourself to a new bauble, or grab a paperback for the beach — you can do all this and more in Cape Charles’ vibrant retail corridor anchored by Mason Avenue.
    Local Businesses
    Local Shops Clothing & Accessories From swimwear and beach gear to everyday apparel and accessories for all ages, Cape Charles boutiques are ready to outfit your vacation.
    Search where to shop on our map
    Local Shops Gifts & Souvenirs Whether shopping for yourself or someone else, enjoy browsing for something special to help you remember your time in Cape Charles.
    Search where to shop on our map
    Local Shops Galleries Discover inspired works by local artists ranging from photography and paintings to pottery and sculptures.
    Search where to shop on our map
    Local Shops Gourmet Goods Fine wines and cheeses, cocktail accoutrements, and homemade fudge are just some of the gourmet goods you’ll find in Cape Charles shops.
    Search where to shop on our map
    Stacks of beach hats in a store
    Clothing & Accessories
    Colorful cans of oysters placed on a shelf in store
    Gifts & Souvenirs
    Local gallery wall
    Galleries
    Packages of coffee placed on a shelf in store
    Gourmet Goods
    Tennis courts provide lots of fun in Cape Charles' Central Park
    Play Tennis, Pickleball, Golf Tennis anyone? Enjoy the lighted courts adjacent to Central Park for tennis and pickle ball. Or kick a soccer ball around in the park. Bring the little ones to enjoy the playground there as well.
    Map & Directions
    Play Boat Tours Explore the barrier islands, cruise around the concrete ship fleet at Kiptopeke State Park, enjoy a sunset from the water and cruise other areas of interest along the Eastern Shore with one of Cape Charles' experienced boat tour captains.
    Play Fishing Book a fishing charter to enjoy some quality time on the Chesapeake Bay and catch your own dinner under the guidance of a local fisherman.
    Play Golf Bay Creek has 27 holes of golf for members and Bay Creek renters. Some reciprocal club arrangements can be made as well through the Bay Creek pro-shop.
    dolphins in Cape Charles
    Boat Tours
    Beautiful sunset on the harbor
    Fishing
    Bay Creek in Cape Charles
    Golf
    Beautiful sunset at the beach
    Explore Nature & Recreation Beyond the beaches, you’ll find miles of trails through shady maritime forests just begging to be explored. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some Eastern Shore wildlife along the way.
    Ways to Explore
    Explore Hiking The Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve and Savage Neck Dunes are two parks with hiking trails that are accessible to all skill levels.
    Explore Biking Bring your own bikes or rent them from a local company to explore the Cape Charles area on two wheels.
    Explore Birding The natural areas surrounding Cape Charles attract a remarkable number of bird species, from osprey and owls to Green Heron, Indigo Bunting and Yellow Warbler.
    Lake surrounded by trees
    Hiking
    Close-up view of a bicycle basket with a book and a blanket inside, on the beach
    Biking
    Eagle sighting
    Birding
    Group of women doing yoga at a beach
    Restore Beauty & Rejuvenate Take your self-care goals to the next level by making an appointment at a Cape Charles salon or studio. From expert-level haircare to yoga and massage, you’re sure to find a way to treat yourself to something special.
    Map & Directions
    Restore Yoga Practice yoga in a local studio, on the beach, or even on a stand-up paddleboard, led by expert instructors.
    Search services on our map
    Restore Beauty Return from your beach trip with a brand-new look courtesy of one of Cape Charles’ trusted salons and skin care providers.
    Search services on our map
    Restore Peace & Relaxation A quiet walk on the beach can restore a sense of peace and equilibrium to a busy life. Enjoy the solitude and beauty you can find here in Cape Charles.
    Group of women doing yoga at a beach
    Yoga
    Enjoy a bit of pampering in Cape Charles
    Beauty
    Beautiful sunset at the beach
    Peace & Relaxation
    Decorated porch swing, chairs and table on a veranda
    Savor Porches & Sunsets Sometimes the best thing to do in Cape Charles is nothing at all. Carve out time to read a book on the beach, sip a cocktail on your front porch, or stroll along the pier. Just don’t miss sunset — it’s one event that deserves a spot on your schedule.
    Discover Virginia’s Cape
    Savor Sunsets over the Chesapeake Bay One of the favorite pastimes in Cape Charles is pausing at the end of the day to watch the sunset.
    Savor Porch life The porch is the place to be to hear the birdsong, greet your neighbors, enjoy a book or maybe a nap.
    Beautiful sunset at the beach
    Sunsets over the Chesapeake Bay
    Front porch
    Porch life

    Plan Your Perfect Day in Cape Charles

    hiking areas
    Excursions Social distancing is still recommended in the name of public health and safety. Luckily, it’s not too hard to do that on Virginia’s expansive Eastern Shore — and still have a lot of fun in the process.
    Happenings & Events In Cape Charles, it’s easy to find a cause to celebrate — and not just in the summer months. Mark your calendar for these fun-filled upcoming events.

    Calendar of Events

    From summer concerts in the park to Festive Fridays through the holiday season, consider planning your Cape Charles visit to coincide with some of the town’s most beloved events.

    All Events & Happenings

    Love, Cape Charles

    You might fall in love with Cape Charles at first sight, but be prepared: This is not just a summer fling. You will find yourself drawn back to this place time and time again, and it’ll haunt your dreams until you return. Luckily, there’s always something new for you to discover in our little corner of the Eastern Shore.

    Family Itineraries Kids
    9 kid-friendly activities in Cape Charles

    Visit the LOVE sign. Head to the town’s beachfront at the intersection of Bay Avenue and Mason Avenue to...

     Read More
    Eagle sighting
    birdwatching Cape Charles bird watching Eastern Shore
    Beginner’s guide to birding in Cape Charles

    Somewhere between the beach bums and the seafood seekers on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, you’ll find another group of visitors...

     Read More
    This is the default image
    Best Things to do in Cape Charles

     Read More
    Dolphins in the bay
    boating Chesapeake Bay Cape Charles boating marinas in cape charles
    Boaters’ Guide to Visiting Cape Charles

    Whether you’re arriving to Cape Charles via boat or bringing your boat along on your Eastern Shore vacation, you’ll...

     Read More
    Activities & Attractions
    Where to Stay
    Donate