Area Attractions & Activities

A Tour of the Shore
"Stem to stern, bayside to seaside the Eastern Shore of Virginia is a treasure trove of historic towns and hidden waterfront hamlets."
» Read about the small towns along the Eastern Shore of Virginia at the ESVA Tourism website

Local Attractions

Arts Enter at the Palace Theater
See what's playing at Mason Avenue's restored Art Deco theater! Crimson carpet, brass details, and an intimate audtorium make performances here unforgettable.

The Barrier Islands Center
Chronicling and preserving the Eastern Shore's barrier island heritage through their museum, presentations, outreach, and many other captivating historical artifacts and stories.

Breezes Day Spa & Salon
Breezes provides a variety of services aimed at keeping your skin and body in top shape so you look and feel your best. Located at 321 Mason Ave, Cape Charles. On a Bay Creek Golf Package, you can add on Spa Services from Breezes or intertwine them with golf rounds!

The Cape Charles Museum
Dedicated to preserving and presenting to the public the history of Cape Charles and surrounding areas.

Ker Place - Onanock, Virginia 23417
An early 19th-century estate home museum housing original artifacts and antiques with english garden situated on an attractive piece of land located in historic Onancock, Virginia - Cape Charles' sister town.

Stage Door Gallery
This gallery is adjacent to the Arts Enter Palace Theater and presents local artists regularly.

Outdoor Activities and Eco-Tours

Try Kayaking!
Kayaking is popular because you can explore the shallow grassy areas where most boats can't go, the water's calm, and the scenery can't be beat. It's a low-impact activity that rewards with great photos and some up-close encounters with the natural landscape.

Bay Creek's Private Beach
The beaches at Bay Creek are gentle and pristine, with less than 1 foot high waves and a very slight grade. It's very relaxing to wade through our coved beaches and find sea glass (really!), tiny Bay critters, and feel the soft rippled bottom on your bare feet! And after you see one sunset from our beach, you'll understand.

Boating from the Marina
Not surprisingly, water sports, fishing, and boating are common on the Shore. The neighboring marina sees all types, makes, and sizes of watercraft. Bay Creek is not far from the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay so fishermen enjoy our convenient location for both Bay and Atlantic fishing. Fishing charters operate from our marina year round, and special charters also come around in the summer.

Exploring the Barrier Islands
The many small shifting barrier islands and shoals on the Atlantic coast of the Eastern Shore are as untouched and wild as if no community ever lived there. Tour operators will proudly narrate the history of the once-inhabited islands and their brave citizens who rescued many from the ships run aground on the treacherous shifting sea floor. The Barrier Island Center Museum does a wonderful job of relaying this community's history and that of the Shore itself. A "must-see" for any newcomer!

Fishing Charters & Cruises
The neighboring marina is ideally located for Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean fishing. Charters leaving from Bay Creek Marina the marina are operated by Top Dog Charters, known for their successful catches. There are also sunset cruises, nature tours, and sightseeing cruises to enjoy.

Birdie's Mini Golf (See a description at Virginia.org)
Located right on Mason Avenue, this is a fun activity for families, and is very affordable.

Broadwater Bay Eco Tours
Ride by boat and enjoy lunch on an uninhabited beach, or a sunset wine and cheese cruise, with local waterman Captain Rick Kellam. Take your pick of tours of the barrier islands, aquaculture tours, bird watching, fishing, seaside clamming and more.

Southeast Expeditions Kayaking
Have you ever Kayaked? No? Well we encourage you to try it for the first time with Southeast Expeditions expert, and official Keeper of the Shore, Dave Burden. See him in action at the VA Tourism website.

Eastern Shore Hang Gliding
Just what it sounds like. See the amazing landscape from a bird's eye view, no experience necessary!

Eastern Shore Adventures
Experience the wild beauty of Virginia's salt marshes and barrier islands by boat with Captain Buddy Vaghan on his shallow water skiff! Tour uninhabited beaches, do a little fishing, or design you own custom tour.

Kiptopeke State Park
Located a few minutes south of Cape Charles, Kiptopeke is a great place to spend a day with the family. Walking trails, a beach, fishing pier, and even a bird-banding station are all on offer. Check out the cement ships at the pier!

Sail the Chesapeake Bay
Enjoy a day under sail - leaving from Cape Charles.

See Also: Fishing & Cruises

Nearby Wineries & Farms

Bloxom Winery - Bloxom, Virginia 23308
The oldest winery on the Shore.

Chatham Vineyards Winery - Machipongo, Virginia 23405
Family-owned and operated, this winery's products are sold at Bay Creek's restaurants and stores.

Holly Grove Vineyards - Franktown, Virginia 23354
Award-winning wines sure to please.

Mattawoman Creek Farms - Eastville, Virginia 23347
Family owned and operated, certified organic farm dedicated to growing a wide variety of fresh organic produce.

Quail Cove Farms - Machipongo, Virginia 23405
Their range of products includes (but is not limited to) free-range meats and eggs, hormone-free cheeses and butters, and organic produce.

Dining in Cape Charles & Nearby

AQUA & Coach House Tavern are located in Bay Creek.

Cape Charles Coffee House
Beautiful original architecture, 2 floors of seating, and outstanding food and service make this spot a must-visit while in Cape Charles.

The Exmore Diner
Old fashioned food at old fashioned prices! They've been in business for over 50 years and offer seafood, steaks, and sandwiches in a casual laid back environment.

The Great Machipongo Clam Shack
With a majority of it's business done shipping the best of the Eastern Shore's seafood around the U.S., they also serve the freshest local seafood with many seasonal specials and unique recipes and marinades. Half market, half eatery, all local and a truly different experience right on Rte. 13.

Kelly's Gingernut Pub (Page for Kelly's Gingernut Pub at yelp.com)
Famous Mason Avenue pub with seafood and delicious sandwiches and entrees. Great night spot for locals, offering live music through the week. Ask to sit in the vault!

Machipongo Trading Company
This little stop will soon be your favorite! Offering local roasted coffee, original teas, amazing panini sandwiches, breakfast, smoothies, wraps and more. Shop their handmade jewelry and art and pick up a few Eastern Shore treasures while you're there.

Rayfield's Pharmacy
Serving locals since the dawning of Cape Charles! A still-functioning soda fountain serving breakfast and lunch inside the pharmacy.