Overview
Cape Charles is a town in Eastern Virginia, at the southern tip of the Delmarva peninsula. It used to be the terminus of the eastern shore railway and still has an operating rail-to-barge ferry terminal with freight service to Norfolk. It has the feel of a time gone by.
2 things to do · 6 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Cape Charles
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
At nearly 18 miles long, this bridge-tunnel complex is one of the engineering wonders of the world. Connecting Virginia's Eastern Shore with Virginia's mainland in Virginia Beach/Norfolk, this toll facility will save tra…
Kiptopeke State Park
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 89°F; winter lows dip to about 34°F. Wettest: Jul and Aug. (climate data from nearby Norfolk)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- ORF Norfolk International Airport, Norfolk — 28 mi away (major hub). Directions
- PHF Newport News Williamsburg International Airport, Newport News — 28 mi away. Directions
One way to get in to Cape Charles is to arrive by boat. There approach to the harbor is simple, just head north from the outer marks.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
- Lunch Kelly's Gingernut Pub
- Afternoon Kiptopeke State Park
- Dinner Aqua
- Evening Rock 'n' Robins
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
One way to get in to Cape Charles is to arrive by boat. There approach to the harbor is simple, just head north from the outer marks.
Most visitors arrive by car. Cape Charles is one mile west of US Highway 13, the main north-south road on the Delmarva Peninsula, along Virginia State Route 184.
Get around
This small town is perfect for a walk-around. You can get anywhere you want in about 10 minutes. Getting lost will not be a problem.
See
- Railroad operations are visible occasionally, if you get to see them load rail cars on a barge, it is quite a sight.
- A concrete plant is still in operation making preformed items. This plant created all the concrete structures of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel (nearby).
Do
Mainly you will want absorb the feel of the charming town from yesteryear and meet a few of the local people.
Do Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
At nearly 18 miles long, this bridge-tunnel complex is one of the engineering wonders of the world. Connecting Virginia's Eastern Shore with Virginia's mainland in Virginia Beach/Norfolk, this toll facility will save travelers 90 miles or more as they travel from points north of Wilmington, Delaware and head down the East Coast towards Virginia Beach or North Carolina's Outer Banks. Enjoy a stop at the Scenic Overlook, located on the southern tip of Virginia's Eastern Shore, offering breathtaking views of the Chesapeake Bay and the facility.
Buy
Shop gallery 209
Shop Stage Door Gallery
Shop Cape Charles Emporium
Shop Rayfield's
Shop Bay Breeze Day Spa
Shop Bad Girlz
Shop Shops at Bay Creek Marina
Eat
- Rayfield's Pharmacy, also on the main road, has a nice counter for lunch and breakfast. There is always someone interesting to talk with there.
Drink
Sleep
Nearby
Hampton
City / town · 17 listings · 24 mi away
Norfolk
City / town · 42 listings · 26 mi away
Deltaville
City / town · 23 listings · 26 mi away
Virginia Beach
City / town · 54 listings · 29 mi away
Newport News
City / town · 27 listings · 29 mi away
Gloucester Courthouse
City / town · 11 listings · 30 mi away
Portsmouth
City / town · 20 listings · 34 mi away
Chesapeake
City / town · 11 listings · 34 mi away
My experience
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