Virginia Travel Guide - Virginia Travel Guide 2026
Coastal Virginia: Eastern Shore
2025-11-22 08:13:51
5 WAYS TO SPEND YOUR DAYS
Book a boat tour and catch a glimpse of the wild ponies that call the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge home.
From the historic port town of Onancock, take the passenger ferry to Tangier Island for unspoiled beaches and fresh-caught seafood.
Learn the history of a community of families who once called the now uninhabited barrier islands home at the Barrier Islands Center.
Rent a paddleboard or kayak and paddle out to the ghostly Concrete Fleet at Kiptopeke State Park.
Savor tacos with a twist — like The Maddox with fried oysters, house tartar, and daikon radish — at Pico Taqueria in Chincoteague.
Tours by Water and by Wind on the Eastern Shore
Whether you’re navigating winding waterways, spotting wild ponies, or sailing into the sunset, these Eastern Shore adventures invite you to slow down and savor the experience.
For travelers seeking a deeper connection with nature and history, guided tours along Virginia’s Eastern Shore offer immersive ways to experience this region. From serene paddling adventures to scenic sailing excursions, these outings deliver memory-making moments.
Paddle through salt marshes and hidden waterways with Burnham Guides, experts in kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding adventures. Based out of Cape Charles and Onancock, their guided trips showcase the quiet beauty of the area’s barrier islands, creeks, and estuaries. Perfect for all skill levels, Burnham Guides tailor each journey to match the group’s pace, making it a relaxing way to explore the area’s ecosystems.
Hop aboard Daisey’s Island Cruises in Chincoteague. These family-run nature tours offer up-close encounters with the region’s famed wild ponies, bald eagles, dolphins, and more. Narrated by knowledgeable local guides, the cruises include stories of the islands’ history. Sunset tours are especially magical, painting the sky with coastal hues as wildlife wake up for the evening.
For those drawn to the open sea, set sail aboard the Schooner Windsong out of Cape Charles. This traditional sailboat offers a wind-powered cruise across the Chesapeake Bay. Whether you’re helping to hoist the sails or simply sitting back and enjoying the views, sailing the Windsong is a favorite of visitors and locals for connecting with Virginia’s maritime heritage.
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