Local Area Guide

Activities, Eateries and Attractions

Of course the main attractions of Cape Charles are the Mayberry nature of the town itself and the uncrowded town beach. But there is a lot more to do than sitting and rocking or lying on the beach. Home to many quaint shops and a number of restaurants as well as a craft brewery, distillery and cidery, Cape Charles is also a great jumping off point to explore the history and natural beauty of the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

Cape Charles Town Beach

Cape Charles Town Beach

Blessed with a beautiful white sand beach on the Chesapeake Bay, Cape Charles is great place for relaxed fun in the sun. Uncrowded and with minimal waves, it’s a stress free setting for both kids and parents. There is even a free fishing pier that does not require a fishing license. Easy access to parking, restrooms and food vendors makes it easy to spend the day at the beach.

Poseidon Watersports Jet Ski Rental

Whether you are looking for a relaxing time on the water or an adrenaline rush, Poseidon Watersports has something for everyone. We are dedicated to providing a safe, fun, and memorable experience for all of our customers.

Groups, families, and individuals will enjoy the pristine Chesapeake Bay waters and breathtaking scenic views. Our rental equipment consists of jet skis, boats, kayaks, paddle boards, and bikes.
We have a variety of rental options available.

Phone Number: 757.902.0400

Link to Website
Poseidon Watersports Jet Ski Rental
Ambrogia Caffe & Enoteca

Ambrogia Caffe & Enoteca

Experience the flavors of Italy in Cape Charles. Authentic flavors made from scratch, with menus designed daily to feature our fresh ingredients. It’s our joy to bring you an authentic Italian dining experience in the heart of downtown Cape Charles. It would be our pleasure to host you for brunch, lunch or dinner.

Phone Number: 757.607.3026

Link to Website

The Barrier Island Center

It is a gathering place that welcomes newcomers and travelers with the same warm embrace as the locals whose families planted their roots on the Eastern Shore centuries ago; a space where artists and entrepreneurs celebrate the bounty and beauty of this coastal region alongside watermen and farmers. It is a museum that preserves yesterday’s culture of the islanders through artful, immersive galleries that encourage you to linger and imagine or relax and be drawn into beautiful films depicting the struggles and triumphs of this rural lifestyle.

Address: 7295 Young St Machipongo, VA, 23405

Link to Website
The Barrier Island Center
The Barrier Island Center

Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge

Located at the tip of the Delmarva Peninsula, this area is one of the most important avian migration funnels in North America. Each fall, like colorful clockwork, the refuge is the scene of a spectacular drama as millions of songbirds and monarch butterflies and thousands of raptors converge on their voyage south. Favorable weather patterns push migrating species through the area in waves. Clouds of tree swallows swirl overhead and flame orange and black-winged monarch butterflies float aloft. Protected habitats such as these provide critical stopover areas where birds and butterflies can rest and feed before resuming their arduous journey.

Phone Number: 757.331.2760

Link to Website

The Shanty

American/seafood restaurant on the harbor in Cape Charles with indoor and outdoor seating offering great views of the harbor, bay and spectacular sunsets. One of the must do places when vacationing in Cape Charles

Phone Number: 757.695.3853

Link to Website
The Shanty
Cape Charles Brewing Company

Cape Charles Brewing Company

Cape Charles Brewing Company is a family owned and operated business. Two brothers, Mark and Chris Marshall, joined forces with their mother, Deborah Marshall in starting the business. Its genesis started with home-brewing awesome beer served up with great tasting seafood and burgers. With the brother’s penchant for fishing and boating around the Barrier Islands, it was natural that the seashore town of Cape Charles would one day house the production brewery and brew-pub. On a daily basis, you can find family members working at the front or behind the scenes in the production area. It is truly a family affair! It is complimented by an awesome team who are committed in making this destination, a memorable experience for all who visit. With our impressive line-up of brews, food, and events, you will see why we have become the “go-to” location on Virginia’s pristine Eastern Shore.

Phone Number: 757.695.3909

Link to Website

C. C. Ryder and Eastern Shore Custom Carts

Cape Charles is a golf cart friendly town and everyone finds bopping around town on a golf cart not only loads of fun but practical and convenient. There are two cart rental places in town and both have great carts with 4, 6 or 8 seaters available. The carts go quickly so reserve yours early.

C. C. Ryder

Phone Number: 757.678.3239

Link to Website

Eastern Shore Custom Carts
Phone Number: 757.999.2278

Link to Website
The Shanty
Cape Charles Museum and Welcome Center

Cape Charles Museum and Welcome Center

The Museum and Welcome Center is open 7 days a week from mid-April through November and serves about 3,000 visitors each year. Exhibits center on the heydays of the town from the 1880s through the mid-20th century, when steamers, ferries and the railroad operated continuously, but also include the crater from 35 million years ago, which was centered near Cape Charles, the historic early Arlington house, subject of serious archaeological interest, and more current topics. A new exhibit is presented each season.


Phone Number: 757.331.1008

Link to Website

Cape Charles Memorial Library

Cape Charles Memorial Library is located in an old bank building in historic Cape Charles. As a public library, we offer many services such as free Wi-Fi, desktop computers, printing, and faxing. We have dedicated educational computers for children and a section just for kids. Our Local History section lives in one of the old vaults, leftover from the buildings day as a bank. Free programs for kids, families, and adults are hosted throughout the year - check us out on Facebook!

Phone Number: 757.331.1300

Link to Website
Cape Charles Memorial Library
Kiptopeke State Park

Kiptopeke State Park

On Virginia's beautiful Eastern Shore, explored by Capt. John Smith in 1608, Kiptopeke offers recreational access to the Chesapeake Bay. It's also a great place to explore unique migratory bird habitat along the Atlantic flyway. The park has two and three-bedroom cabins, six-bedroom lodges, RV and tent camping, yurts and a bunkhouse. Guests also enjoy the park's boat ramp, lighted fishing pier, picnic areas, 5.1 miles of hiking and biking trails, playground, beach bathhouse and swimming beach. Seasonal interpretive and educational programs focus on natural history, birding and bay ecology.

Phone Number: 757.331.2267

Link to Website

Kelly’s Gingernut Pub

Owners Colleen (Gingernut) Kelley & Gene Kelly invite you to relax and unwind with friends, throw a few darts and enjoy the atmosphere in this interpretation of a classic Irish Pub. Reminders of the building's beginnings as a bank in 1907 are everywhere.

Phone Number: 757.331.3222

Link to Website
Kelly’s Gingernut Pub
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