Accomac VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Accomac, Virginia.
1. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
NATURE AND WILD PONIES
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is a pristine natural sanctuary renowned for its wild ponies and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore miles of trails through marshlands, forests, and beaches while spotting various bird species and the famous Chincoteague ponies. The refuge offers spectacular photo opportunities, particularly at sunrise and sunset when the landscape comes alive with natural beauty.
2. NASA's Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center
SPACE EXPLORATION HUB
NASA's Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center offers an immersive experience into the world of space exploration and rocket launches. The center features interactive exhibits, scaled rocket models, and educational displays about NASA's missions and the history of space flight. Visitors may even have the opportunity to witness actual rocket launches from the nearby launch pad during scheduled mission events.
3. Museum of Chincoteague Island
LOCAL HISTORY AND CULTURE
The Museum of Chincoteague Island preserves and showcases the rich cultural heritage and natural history of the island. Exhibits feature artifacts from the area's maritime past, the famous Misty of Chincoteague story, and displays about local wildlife and ecosystems. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into island life through the centuries, making it an educational stop for visitors of all ages.
4. Assateague Lighthouse
HISTORIC MARITIME BEACON
Assateague Lighthouse stands as a towering 142-foot red and white striped beacon that has guided mariners since 1867. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of Assateague Island, Chincoteague Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. The lighthouse is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes that make it both a historic landmark and a photographer's paradise.
5. Assateague Beach
PRISTINE COASTAL BEAUTY
Assateague Beach offers miles of unspoiled shoreline where visitors can enjoy swimming, beachcombing, and wildlife watching. The beach is famous for wild horses that occasionally wander near the shore, creating magical encounters between humans and these majestic animals. With its natural setting and lack of commercial development, this beach provides a serene escape from the hustle of more touristy coastal destinations.
6. Ker Place
HISTORIC FEDERAL MANSION
Ker Place is an elegantly preserved Federal-period mansion that serves as a museum showcasing the area's rich history. Built in 1799 for prosperous merchant John Ker, the house features period furnishings, decorative arts, and exhibits about Eastern Shore heritage. Visitors can tour the mansion and its grounds to experience the lifestyle of Virginia's early American gentry.
7. Captain Dan's Around The Island Tours
SCENIC WATER EXCURSIONS
Captain Dan's Around The Island Tours offers visitors an opportunity to experience Chincoteague and Assateague Islands from the water. These guided boat tours provide close-up views of wild ponies, marine wildlife, and the picturesque coastal landscapes that make this area special. Knowledgeable captains share fascinating information about local ecology, history, and the famous Chincoteague pony population during these memorable excursions.
8. Up the Bay Pony Tours
WILD HORSE ADVENTURES
Up the Bay Pony Tours specializes in boat excursions focused on viewing the iconic wild ponies of Assateague Island. These guided tours navigate the coastal waters to find the best vantage points for observing and photographing the ponies in their natural habitat. Beyond pony watching, tours often include sightings of dolphins, various bird species, and other wildlife that thrives in this coastal ecosystem.
9. Surfside Golf
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION
Surfside Golf offers a fun miniature golf experience for visitors of all ages in a coastal-themed setting. The course features creative obstacles, water features, and island-inspired designs that capture the spirit of the Eastern Shore. This family attraction provides a perfect leisure activity for vacationers looking to enjoy some friendly competition between beach visits.
10. Turner Sculpture
BRONZE WILDLIFE ART
Turner Sculpture is a renowned gallery and studio showcasing exquisite bronze wildlife sculptures created by the Turner family artists. Visitors can view an impressive collection of detailed works depicting birds, marine life, and other animals native to the Eastern Shore and beyond. The gallery offers a unique cultural experience where guests can often watch the sculptors at work and learn about the bronze casting process.
11. Book Bin
BOOKS AND COFFEE HAVEN
The Book Bin combines a charming independent bookstore with a cozy coffeehouse atmosphere. Visitors can browse a thoughtfully curated selection of books, including many titles about local history, nature, and Eastern Shore culture. The cafe area offers a perfect spot to relax with a beverage while leafing through a new purchase or simply soaking up the quaint small-town ambiance.
12. Historic Downtown Accomac
QUINTESSENTIAL SOUTHERN CHARM
Historic Downtown Accomac invites visitors to stroll through shady streets lined with well-preserved buildings dating back to the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. The town serves as the county seat and features classic Southern architecture, garden-filled homes, and a traditional courthouse square. Walking through this quintessential small town offers a glimpse into Virginia's rich colonial and post-colonial history.
13. Island Creamery
HOMEMADE ICE CREAM DELIGHT
Island Creamery has earned a reputation as one of the region's most beloved ice cream destinations, serving homemade premium ice cream in creative flavors. Their recipes feature fresh local ingredients, including fruits from nearby farms and their signature marsh mud chocolate base. Visitors often form lines out the door for a taste of these delicious frozen treats that perfectly complement a day of coastal exploration.
14. Onancock Market
LOCAL PRODUCE AND CRAFTS
Onancock Market is a vibrant farmer's market where visitors can experience the agricultural bounty and artisanal crafts of Virginia's Eastern Shore. Local vendors offer fresh produce, seafood, baked goods, handmade items, and regional specialties in a festive community atmosphere. The market provides a perfect opportunity to interact with local producers while gathering ingredients for a beach picnic or souvenirs to remember the visit.
15. Tangier Island
UNIQUE ISLAND COMMUNITY
Tangier Island offers visitors a rare glimpse into a unique isolated community in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay, accessible only by boat or small plane. The island is known for its distinctive dialect, a variation of Restoration-era English that has been preserved due to centuries of relative isolation. Exploring the narrow streets by foot or golf cart, sampling fresh seafood, and learning about the watermen's way of life make for an unforgettable cultural experience.