The only seaside beach accessible by land on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Assateague Island is a must see with its 10 miles of pristine beach, ocean swimming, bird watching, kayaking, hiking, biking and surf fishing not to mention its most famous residents - the wild Chincoteague Ponies who freely roam the island's sands and marshes. There's even a chance to hike the nearby light and get a bird's eye view from atop the 145 ft tall 1867 Assateague Lighthouse.

PO Box 38, 8586 Beach Road
Chincoteague Island , VA  23336

Phone 1:  757-336-6577  

In a hectic world the Eastern Shore's chain of barrier islands are almost mystical in their isolation. No houses, fewer humans, it’s easy to lose yourself in this water-meets-sky world. Professional eco-tour guides provide unique adventures in the rarest of worlds while protecting this fragile environment: Broadwater Bay Ecotours, SouthEast Expeditions, Chincoteague Cruises and Nature Tours, Eastern Shore Adventures, Lyn B Charters, Marlin Magic, Shore Thing Charters, Top Dog Charters, Adrenaline High. See why we must protect these ecological gems: http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/virginia/files/beach_nesting_bird_brochure_panels.pdf

Seaside
Eastern Shore , VA  0

Phone 1:    

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel offers travelers and birding enthusiasts the opportunity to observe birds and waterfowl from its four manmade islands. The Bridge-Tunnel's habitat of concrete, steel, asphalt and rocks located in open water, makes an inviting rest stop for birds during their spring and fall migrations.

The southernmost of the manmade islands is open to the general public; however the other three islands are accessible for birdwatching by permit.  For more information, visit www.cbbt.com/birding.html  or call 757-331-2960.

PO Box 111, 32386 Lankford Highway
Cape Charles , VA  23310

Email:  PAddison@CBBT.com       
Website:  www.CBBT.com

Phone 1:  757-331-2960  

14,000 acres of beach, maritime forest, saltmarsh, and freshwater marsh are home to a spectacular variety of migratory birds and wildlife. 10 miles of breathtaking natural beach provide plenty of elbow room and private time. Wonderful for families is the Tom Cove area with beach parking, picnic areas, and bathhouse facilities including lifeguards during the summer season. Herbert Bateman Center is a great introduction to the refuge’s many wonders.

PO Box 62, 8231 Beach Road
Chincoteague Island , VA  23336

Email:  FW5RW_CNWR@FWS.gov       
Website:  www.FWS.gov/Northeast/Chinco

Phone 1:  757-336-6122  

Phone 2:  757-336-5273   (Fax)

Mother Nature’s playground is located at the southern tip of the peninsula on the seaside just minutes north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-tunnel. 1,393 acres of maritime forests, thickets, grasslands, fresh and saltwater ponds provide crucial habitat and stopover for wildlife. Visitors can witness the annual drama of the huge fall migration of songbirds, raptors and even monarch butterflies who funnel through here on their way south. Walking trails, photography blind, nature museum and a breathtaking view of the seaside barrier island chain from atop a WWII bunker, make this a year-round must see.

Wise Point Boat Ramp, as part of the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, is managed to provide wildlife-oriented recreation including fishing, hunting and wildlife observation. Access to the ramp is from Route 13 and Route 600 (Seaside Road) through the refuge onto Ramp Lane.

Fisherman Island Tours are free and offered Saturdays, October thru March. Discover  the unique variety of wildlife found on the island and its rich history. For more info: http://www.fws.gov/Northeast/EasternShore/Fisherman%20Island%20Tours.html

32205 Seaside Road
Kiptopeke , VA  23310

Email:  Susan_Rice@fws.gov       
Website:  www.FWS.gov/Northeast/EasternShore

Phone 1:  757-331-3425   (Visitor Center)

Phone 2:  757-331-2760   (Headquarters)

Sponsor of Major Festivals

Sponsor of

Tall Ships At Cape Charles

Eastern Shore of VA Birding
and Wildlife Festival

PO Box 102
Cape Charles , VA  23310

Email:  Info@ESVAFestivals.com       

Phone 1:  757-581-1081  

Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail

This site is still under development. Guard Shore offers a myriad of possibilities for wildlife viewing depending upon the time of year. The extensive open bay ecosystem provides a vast viewing area to scan for wading birds, waterfowl, terns and gulls. Mudflats and sand spits exposed at low tide may attract feeding shorebirds, especially during migration. The site's maritime loblolly pine stand may offer endless migrant passerine viewing possibilities.

At the end of Route 684
Bloxom , VA  23308

Email:  Glen.Askins@dgif.virginia.gov       
Website:  www.dgif.virginia.gov/vbwt/site.asp?trail=1&loop=CES&site=CES15

Phone 1:  804-367-1000  

Nature rules at this beautiful bay beach, where calm, shallow waters are perfect for small children, and the fun doesn't stop there. A boat launch, fishing pier, (or surf fish right off the beach) picnic and excellent camping facilities combine with walking/biking trails for birding and exploration of scenic maritime forests and dunes. Pets are allowed on leash only. Top 100 Family Campgrounds by ReserveAmerica. 5 sun-filled cabins with rocking chairs on porches sleep 16 each.

3541 Kiptopeke Drive
Kiptopeke , VA  23310

Email:  Kiptopeke@dcr.virginia.gov       
Website:  www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/kip.shtml

Phone 1:  757-331-2267  

Nursery and Garden Center

Gardens surround this 100 year old Victorian farm house. Stroll through the rose garden, shade, box and perennial gardens. Meander through the woodland trails, pass the turtle pond, over the bridges and through the forest on this nationally recognized birding trail.

Monday - Saturday, 8am - 5pm

6118 Seaside Road
Nassawadox , VA  23413

Email:  Support@CustisFarms.com       

Phone 1:  757-442-9071  

Tucked away and rustic on the bayside of the lower Eastern Shore [Eastville area] this 298-acre preserve contains scenic Chesapeake Bay beach, dune, and maritime forests and provides migratory songbird habitat. Small parking area leads to marked hiking trail. Unforgettable spot.

End of Savage Neck Road (Rt 634)
Eastville , VA  23347

Phone 1:  757-787-5576  

Take a Waterman’s Tour with a Tangier captain and discover the island’s legendary soft-shell crab “farms”. Tangier Island Tours are available with a Coast Guard Licensed Captain who has years of experience working the waters of Tangier Island.

When calling the Chesapeake House regarding tours, ask for Glenna or Susan.  They will be glad to make reservations for your Tangier Island Experience, whether it Crabbing, Eco-tours, Birding, or ask about their Sunset Tours after dinner.

Hilda Crockett's Chesapeake House

Restaurant and Bed & Breakfast

PO Box 232 - 16243 Main Street

Tangier Island, VA  23440

757-891-2331

PO Box 232, 16243 Main Ridge Road
Tangier Island , VA  23440

Email:  ChesapeakeHouseInfo@yahoo.com       

Phone 1:  757-891-2331  

Eastern Shore Loop

With wildlife watching on the Eastern Shore you can experience some of the best wildlife habitat on the Eastern Seaboard of the United States.

Eastern Shore Loop
Eastern Shore , VA  0

Email:  dgifweb@dgif.virginia.gov       
Website:  www.dgif.virginia.gov/vbwt/loop.asp?trail=1&loop=CES

Phone 1:  804-367-1000