Cape Charles, Virginia

Cape Charles, Virginia

Visiting Cape Charles

Cape Charles was, for many years, the location for passenger and car ferry service across the Bay to Norfolk and Hampton.

The construction of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel made ferry transportation obsolete and the last ferry left Cape Charles in 1953. Although there is no longer passenger ferry service across the Bay, rail barges still depart from Cape Charles, transporting rail cars over the open waters.

Today, Cape Charles thrives as both a local residential community and a destination for vacationers.

Stately brick home

The town has a nice public beach right on the Bay and the historic downtown has a number of nice restaurants and shops to visit.  Many travelers arrive by boat, making use of the town’s convenient marina facilities. Golfers are drawn by the the two signature courses, designed by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, available at Bay Creek Resort, and nature-lovers enjoy visiting nearby state parks and wildlife refuges. 

Cape Charles has received national attention on the HGTV shows Beachfront Bargain Hunt  and House Hunters.  

Town Marina

The town’s marina was recently renovated and serves as a welcoming port for visiting boaters. There is a popular seafood restaurant at the town marina called The Shanty.

Bay Creek Resort

The Bay Creek Resort and Club, with beautiful Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus signature golf courses sits on the edge of town.

Both golf courses are open to the public. Tee times can be booked online.

Vacation rentals are available within the resort.

Nearby Parks

Nearby attractions include Kiptopeke State Park, where you’ll find off-shore reefs constructed from concrete ships, and the Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge near the southern tip of the peninsula.  Cape Charles is an excellent home-base for birders and kayakers.

Learn more about things to see and do in the Cape Charles area – Cape Charles Attractions.

More Things to See and Do

Visit our Cape Charles Attractions page to learn about more things see and do in and around Cape Charles. You’ll also find Cape Charles area events on our events page.

Hotel Cape Charles. In-town boutique hotel on Mason Avenue, in the heart of Cape Charles’ downtown. Close to shops and restaurants and an easy walk to the beach

Rittenhouse Motor Lodge. An old-school motor lodge located on a wooded lot on Route 13, just outside of Cape Charles.

Shore Stay Suites. Located on Route 13, south of Cape Charles. Suites have full kitchens with full-size appliances. Pet-friendly rooms are available. 

Sunset Beach Resort. Large property near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel with private beach and RV camping.

VRBO

More Information About Cape Charles