Eastern Shore & Northern Neck
Cape Charles, Virginia
Town
Bay beaches and Victorian streets on the Eastern Shore
Cape Charles is an incorporated town in Northampton County on Virginia's Eastern Shore, known for a sandy bay beach, Victorian downtown and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel terminus.
History & Local Character
Laid out in 1884 as a railroad terminus for the New York, Philadelphia and Norfolk Railroad, Cape Charles boomed as a ferry port until the bridge-tunnel opened in 1964.
Housing & Real Estate
Restored Victorian homes, new beach cottages and rural acreage make up a market driven by second-home buyers.
Restaurants & Shopping
Mason Avenue holds a small but strong set of locally owned restaurants, cafes and a distillery in restored storefronts.
Schools & Education
Northampton County Public Schools serves the town.
Parks & Recreation
Cape Charles Beach, Kiptopeke State Park and the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge give the town coast, trails and birding.
Transportation & Accessibility
US 13 runs through the Eastern Shore, with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel connecting to Virginia Beach.
Local Businesses
Beach cafesBoutiquesMarinasGolf cart rentals
No businesses are listed in Cape Charles yet. Add your business to be the first.
Nearby Attractions
- Cape Charles Beach
- Kiptopeke State Park
- Cape Charles Museum
- Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Public bay beach
- Historic downtown
- Affordable compared to oceanfront
Considerations
- Remote location
- Limited services
- Seasonal economy
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cape Charles have a beach?
Yes. The town has a public sandy beach on the Chesapeake Bay, one of the few in Virginia with calm bay water.