Visiting Onancock, VA

Visiting Onancock, VA

Onancock Hotels & Bed & Breakfasts
Things to Do in Onancock
Onancock Special Events

Visiting Onancock

The inviting little town of  Onancock, Virginia  was founded as Port Scarborough in 1680.  With a population of about 1,500, Onancock is one of the largest towns on Virginia’s remote Eastern Shore.

Onancock’s history lies in its past as a port town.  The town’s harbor was once a regular stop for steamboats that carried passengers and goods to and from the large ports of Baltimore Maryland and Norfolk Virginia.

The town of Onancock is wrapped to the north and south by branches of Onancock Creek. The creek wanders past many old and beautiful waterfront homes for about 4 miles to the Chesapeake Bay.

The town has a small downtown area with a nice variety of shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Two popular lodging options that are located in the heart of the town are The Inn at Onancock and The Charlotte Hotel.

One of the nicest attractions of this town is the abundance of large Victorian-era homes on tree-lined streets. Onancock is a walkable town and, although there’s very little traffic, it’s best to park your car somewhere near the center of town and explore on foot.

VRBO

On weekends, you’re likely to find live music in one or more of the town’s restaurants. There’s also theater at the North Street Playhouse, and movies at the vintage Roseland movie theater. On the second Friday of each month, galleries and shops stay open late and feature special exhibits, activities, and entertainment.

The town’s central location makes it a good home base for exploring the rest of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Chincoteague, home of the Assateague National Seashore and the famous Chincoteague ponies, is less than an hour’s drive northeast. The bayside town of Cape Charles is about an hour drive to the south. Nearby small, but interesting towns include Accomac, Parksley, and Wachapreague.

Onancock Lodging

  • The Charlotte Hotel. A boutique hotel in the middle of downtown Onancock, on North Street. Has an art gallery, restaurant, and full-service bar attached. 

More Information About Onancock, Virginia