Things to Do in Cape Charles

Cape Charles has one of the largest concentrations of late-Victorian and turn-of-the-century buildings on  the  East Coast, with most of its structures built between 1885 and 1920.  The town has been designated as an Historic District on the Virginia Landmarks Register and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy strolling the town’s tree-lined streets and visiting shops and restaurants.

Cape Charles Museum

Visit the Cape Charles Museum and Welcome Center for more information on history of the town and the ferry and railroad service.   The museum is located on Randolph Avenue in a former power plant and features photographs and items from the town’s past.   

Town Harbor

The Town Harbor is a place to view boats and the Cape Charles waterfront.  There’s a popular waterfront restaurant at the harbor called The Shanty. 

Parks and Wildlife Areas

Also, allow time for a visit to nearby Kiptopeke State Park for birding and nature study.  In September and October, you can visit the park’s bird banding station.  The park is also a prime hawk observation point during the fall migratory season.

The Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge is a great place for wildlife observation.  There’s a visitor center to get you started on your explorations.  There’s a 2.6 mile hike and bike trail that’s great for photography and viewing wildlife.

Downtown Cape Charles

Cape Charles still serves as a terminal for railway barges that carry rail cars from the Eastern Shore Railroad across the mouth of the Bay to Norfolk.  After leaving Cape Charles, the ferry boat terminal operated for some time out of nearby Kiptopeke.  Ferry service from the Eastern Shore was terminated in 1964 with the opening of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.

The town of Cape Charles fronts on the open waters of the Chesapeake Bay and has a sandy beachfront park. The beach is a great place to view Chesapeake Bay sunsets.

For the visitor, Cape Charles features several restaurants, shops, and bed & breakfasts.  Arts Enter, in the Historic Palace Theatre offers live performances, art showings, and some special movie screenings.  The Cape Charles Coffee House is located in a restored 1910 bank building on Mason Street.

Golf Courses

Cape Charles has two beautiful golf courses at the Bay Creek golf and residential community.  Both  courses were designed by golf legends and provide for challenging and enjoyable golf along the Chesapeake Bay and Plantation Creek.  The Arnold Palmer Signature Course and the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course will be enjoyed by any avid golfer.  Bay Creek Golf Club website

Cape Charles Light

The Cape Charles Light is located at the Northern point of the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay, opposite the Cape Henry Light on the Southern side.  The light is not easily accessible, but can be seen as you cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.

Don’t be fooled by the “lighthouse” you’ll see as you approach town. That’s actually the town’s water tower, decorated to look like a lighthouse.

Places to Stay

Lodging options in and around Cape Charles include hotels, bed & breakfasts, and vacation home rentals.

Visit out Cape Charles Lodging page for more information.