Virginia Eastern Shore and Chincoteague

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel crosses the mouth of the bay for about 17.6 miles. Once on the Eastern Shore you can visit the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, Kiptopeke State Park and Cape Charles, then drive north past Onancock, with its waterfront, to Chincoteague. Assateague Island holds the beach and the wild ponies. It suits birders and low-key beach days.

The stops

1. Start

   Virginia Beach, VA

2. Town

   Virginia Beach

   Start, before the bridge-tunnel.

3. Viewpoint

   Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

   Toll road with two tunnels and four man-made islands; the island fishing pier and restaurant have been closed since 2017 (approx coordinates).

4. Park

   Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge

   Birding at the Shore's southern tip.

5. Park

   Kiptopeke State Park

   Beach, hawk watching and old ferry pier.

6. Town · Overnight

   Cape Charles

   Small beach town with a historic downtown.

7. Town

   Onancock

   Harbour town with ferries to Tangier Island.

8. Viewpoint

   Wallops Island

   Rocket launch site; visitor center and viewing.

9. Town

   Chincoteague

   Island town where the Assateague ponies swim in July.

10. Beach

    Assateague Island National Seashore

    Beach and wild horses.

11. Finish

    Chincoteague, VA

Where to stay

• Night 1

  Cape Charles

  Kiptopeke State Park campground · Cape Charles inns

• Night 2

  Chincoteague

  Chincoteague inns · Assateague State Park camping

When to go

Apr–Jun and Sep–Oct; summer is hot with mosquitoes

On the road

The bridge-tunnel charges a toll. High winds can restrict traffic. Check Chincoteague NWR for pony viewing rules.