Cheriton VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Cheriton, Virginia.
1. Cape Charles Beach
SCENIC CHESAPEAKE BAY SHORE
Cape Charles Beach offers visitors a picturesque shoreline along the Chesapeake Bay with calm waters ideal for families. The beach features free public access and is known for its stunning sunsets over the water. Visitors can enjoy swimming, beachcombing, and relaxation in a less crowded setting than many Virginia beaches.
2. Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
ENGINEERING MARVEL OVER WATER
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is an impressive 17.6-mile bridge-tunnel complex connecting Virginia's Eastern Shore with the mainland. This engineering marvel includes two one-mile-long tunnels that allow ships to pass overhead while vehicles travel below the bay. Visitors can stop at the scenic overlook and restaurant to take in panoramic views of the Chesapeake Bay.
3. Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge
MIGRATORY BIRD HAVEN
Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge serves as a crucial habitat for migratory birds traveling along the Atlantic Flyway. The refuge features walking trails, observation platforms, and a visitor center with educational exhibits about local wildlife. Birdwatchers can observe hundreds of species throughout the year, making it a premier destination for nature enthusiasts.
4. Cape Charles Museum
RAILROAD AND MARITIME HISTORY
The Cape Charles Museum showcases the town's rich railroad culture and maritime heritage through multiple engaging exhibits. Visitors can tour historic buildings and rail cars, including Bloxom Station and the Pilot House, which were once vital to the region's transportation network. The museum also features a noteworthy African American Business exhibit highlighting the thriving Black-owned establishments during Cape Charles' heyday.
5. Kiptopeke State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Kiptopeke State Park offers 562 acres of outdoor recreation opportunities along the Chesapeake Bay. The park is known for its unique concrete ships that form a breakwater and create an artificial reef teeming with marine life. Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, and swimming while exploring the diverse coastal ecosystems.
6. Bay Creek Golf Club
PREMIER COASTAL GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Bay Creek Golf Club features two signature courses designed by golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. The courses offer stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay and incorporate natural wetlands and dunes into their challenging layouts. Golfers can enjoy the clubhouse amenities and pro shop after their round on these nationally-recognized courses.
7. Historic Palace Theatre
ART DECO CULTURAL LANDMARK
The Historic Palace Theatre is an art deco gem on Mason Avenue designed by German architect Alfred Lublin and built in 1942. This beautifully preserved venue now hosts films, live performances, and community events in its vintage setting. Visitors can admire the classic architecture while enjoying modern entertainment in this cultural landmark.
8. Eyre Hall
COLONIAL HISTORIC ESTATE
Eyre Hall is one of Virginia's best-preserved colonial estates with a history dating back to 1760. The property features a historic manor house surrounded by some of the nation's oldest continuously maintained gardens. Visitors can tour the grounds and experience the authentic architecture and landscape that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
9. Chatham Vineyards
COASTAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Chatham Vineyards offers a unique Eastern Shore wine experience on a historic working farm dating back to the 1700s. The vineyard specializes in steel-fermented Chardonnay and other European-style wines influenced by the maritime climate. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and seasonal events while taking in views of Church Creek and learning about coastal viticulture.
10. Cape Charles Memorial Library
HISTORIC LITERARY CENTER
Cape Charles Memorial Library holds the distinction of being the oldest library on Virginia's Eastern Shore. Located at the corner of Mason Avenue and Pine Street, this historic building serves as both a community resource and a piece of local history. Visitors can browse the collection, use research materials, or simply admire the architecture of this longstanding institution.
11. Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve
PRISTINE COASTAL WILDERNESS
Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve protects rare maritime dunes and beaches along the Chesapeake Bay. The preserve features some of the highest dunes on the Eastern Shore, reaching up to 50 feet in height and offering spectacular views. Hikers can explore the trail system through diverse habitats including maritime forests, salt marshes, and pristine beaches while observing unique coastal wildlife.
12. Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve
UNSPOILED COASTAL WETLANDS
Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve encompasses 105 acres of pristine coastal habitat including beaches, dunes, and salt marshes. This protected area serves as critical nesting grounds for threatened bird species like the piping plover and least tern. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, beachcombing, and photography in this undeveloped natural setting that showcases Virginia's coastal ecology.
13. Mason Avenue Shops
CHARMING MAIN STREET SHOPPING
Mason Avenue serves as Cape Charles' vibrant retail corridor featuring boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops. Visitors can browse for Eastern Shore souvenirs, local artwork, clothing, accessories, and beach gear in a charming small-town setting. The shopping district reflects the town's coastal character while offering unique items that can't be found in typical retail environments.
14. Holly Grove Vineyards
BOUTIQUE EASTERN SHORE WINERY
Holly Grove Vineyards produces small-batch wines in a picturesque Eastern Shore setting. The family-owned vineyard focuses on sustainable growing practices and handcrafted winemaking techniques. Visitors can sample their award-winning varietals while enjoying the peaceful rural atmosphere of this boutique winery.
15. Barrier Island Museum
COASTAL COMMUNITY HERITAGE
The Barrier Island Museum preserves the unique cultural heritage of Virginia's barrier islands and the communities that once thrived there. Exhibits showcase artifacts, photographs, and oral histories from these now-abandoned island settlements that were once home to thriving fishing and farming communities. Visitors can learn about the challenging island lifestyle, dramatic evacuations, and the natural forces that shaped life on Virginia's Atlantic coast.