You will love Cape Charles Virginia Hotels located in the tiny beach town on the Chesapeake Bay. B&Bs, a boutique hotel, and cottage/resort rentals make staying here a pleasure. There are shops in the downtown area, a full service European day spa, and nearby guided horseback trail rides on a waterfront estate. Dining includes waterfront restaurants, a Viennese-inspired coffee house, Irish pub, old-fashioned soda fountain, and more. The Cape Charles Museum provides a fascinating look at how Cape Charles was formed. The Art Deco Historic Palace Theater spotlights local, regional, and national talent. Soak up the sun at the town’s mile-long beach or set sail on the Chesapeake Bay. Visit all the Best Virginia Beaches here.
Cape Charles Virginia Weather – When to Visit
he best time to visit Cape Charles is from late May to early September, when you’ll experience oceanfront culture in full swing. This is the peak season, so the city and beach can get crowded during these months, plus room rates at beachfront hotels are generally higher between Memorial Day and Labor Day. For lower prices and relatively comfortable temps, arrive in spring (from March to mid-May) or fall (between mid-September and November). You can also save some money if you visit in December, January or February, but you’ll need to bundle up.
Best Cape Charles Area Beaches
Sunset Beach
Watch the most stunning sunset you’ll ever see with a cocktail in your hand at Sunset Beach. The calm, shallow waters are great for small children and families. The Jackspot is just steps from the sand, so a snack is never far away, and during the summer months, there’s lots of live music.
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Kiptopeke State Park
Kiptopeke State Park has a little bit of everything, including hiking trails, a fishing pier and a beach. The northern portion of the beach is a half mile long and is just for swimming and sunbathing. The southern beach is open to swimming, pets, fishing, crabbing and boating. The park is famous for the concrete ships that sit just offshore from the beach.
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Cape Charles Beach
This beach is just steps from the shops of downtown Cape Charles. It’s an easy walk from almost anywhere in town, or if you’re coming by car, there is plenty of free parking just off the beach. The waters off this wide stretch of sandy shore are warm and shallow, particularly at low tide. It’s a great place for small kids to play.
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Savage Neck Dunes
A 3/4 of a mile path leads through a maritime Forrest and over sand dunes to a stunning beach that is one of the Eastern Shore’s best kept secrets. This beach stretches for miles so even if the parking lot is full, you won’t find a crowded beach waiting for you. But there are no facilities at this beach, you you’ll need to take supplies with you.
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Virginia Barrier Islands
A string of 14 undeveloped barrier islands hug the shoreline of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, making up the longest stretch of undeveloped coast on the eastern seaboard. These islands are beautifully pristine and wild. Many of the islands are open for activities like bird-watching, hiking and surf fishing.
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Best Cape Charles Tours & Activities
Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours
Watch the sun set over Chesapeake Bay on a 2-hour, small-group dolphin tour by kayak from Virginia Beach. Paddle along the coast as you spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, and see the Cape Henry Lighthouses and Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel from the water. Book your Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tour here.
Kayak Tour around Chincoteague and Assateague Islands
This grand kayaking adventure will take you to the most remote areas of Assateague Island. Most days we encounter the wild Chincoteague ponies grazing along the marshlands, but always remember these are wild animals and some times you see them and some times you don’t. Book your Kayak Tour Around the Chincoteague & Assategue Islands here.
Wetland Zip Tour
Soar through the trees on this 90 minute zip tour through a gorgeous wetland forest. Climb up 70′ towers and fly though the air while seeing nature at its best. Book your Wetland Zip Tour here.
Sunset Stand Up Paddle Board Tour of Linkhorn Bay
Steer a stand-up paddle board across Linkhorn Bay on a 1.5-hour sunset tour in Virginia Beach. Watch for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, blue herons, and kingfishers, and enjoy an easy going place to practice stand-up paddle boarding with help from experienced guides. Book your Sunset Stand Up Paddleboard Tour of Linkhorn Bay here.
Virginia Beach Surf Lessons
Experience the thrill of surfing in the Atlantic Ocean during surfing lessons on Virginia Beach. Choose from either private or group lessons to suit your schedule and budget; all levels are welcome and accommodated accordingly. All equipment and instruction included. Book your Virginia Beach Surf Lessons here.
Best Cape Charles Virginia Restaurants
Hook At Harvey $11 – 30
A Cape Charles Bistro featuring fine casual dining and unrivaled sunsets. Hook At Harvey is open only for dinner Tuesday-Saturday and operates year-round. For fine dining in Cape Charles, this is your place. Menu Telephone: 757-331-2275 Web: Hook at Harvey
The Oyster Farm Seafood Eatery $11 – 30
This restaurant serves the freshest and finest cuisine available. Their chefs seek and utilize quality local ingredients, adjust them seasonally, and prepare them tastefully to serve the best that Eastern Shore Virginia has to offer. Menu Telephone: 757-331-8660 Web: The Oyster Farm Seafood Eatery
The Shanty $11 – 30
This waterfront winner serves up an amazing lunch and dinner near the center of town, making it one of the best places to eat in Cape Charles. The Shanty welcomes well-behaved dogs on their outdoor deck. Menu Telephone: 757-695-3853 Web: The Shanty
Kelly’s Gingernut Pub $11 – 30
Dine inside the original bank vault complete with heavy steel door. Count on Kelly’s to have a wide choice of beers both domestic and foreign to please any palate. Enjoy a glass of wine in the patio area or head upstairs to the loft area for a great view. Menu Telephone: 757-331-3222 Web: Kelly’s Gingernut Pub
The Jackspot at Sunset Resort
This RV-friendly, pet-friendly, kid-friendly, family-pleasing spread is absolutely packed in the summer. The Jackspot Restaurant is right on the beach, serving up casual eats, cocktails, beer, and wine to an adoring crowd. Menu Web: The Jackspot at Sunset Resort
Being that I am in Virginia Beach you would think that I would have known more about vacationing in Cape Charles. Finding new resorts and areas to vacation at along beaches is always helpful for many vacationing families. I was planning to go down to Myrtle Beach, SC but you have me interested in Cape Charles now. Wish you the best in providing travel arrangements or suggestions.
Wow, I can’t believe you live in Virginia Beach and have not been to Cape Charles! You really must visit!
Cape Charles and Chesapeake Bay looks like another beautiful beach destination, with miles of sandy beaches to explore. I have never been on a zip line tour, so the Wetland Zip Tour sounds like a definite for me. I am sure it will be exhilarating, as well as beautiful. And then perfect way to end the day is on a sun set cruise. Bring on the day that we can travel again.
We are open to traveling here in the US. Hopefully things will open up for some other countries as well. It is nice to be able to take a vacation and not wear a mask for sure. Thanks for stopping by.
Being that I am in Virginia Beach you would think that I would have known more about vacationing in Cape Charles. Finding new resorts and areas to vacation at along beaches is always helpful for many vacationing families. I was planning to go down to Myrtle Beach, SC but you have me interested in Cape Charles now. Wish you the best in providing travel arrangements or suggestions.
Great Tim! Thanks for stopping by!
Wow, the photos from Cape Charles look so inviting! I must admit that I have never been to any of the Virginia beaches and didn’t know what to expect before finding this article.
Knowing that I don’t like to swim in cold water, I’d prefer to visit during the peak of summer in order to stay the most comfortable. It’s helpful to know that this is the peak season so that I can make plans early to ensure availablity at the coolest lodging!
Yes, plan early. I don’t like swimming in cold water either! It just started to get to a temperature I like here in Clearwater. So I will be spending more time in the water. Thanks for stopping by Aly. I am glad you enjoyed your visit to my Cape Charles Virginia Hotel guide.
Hi, I’ve just gone through all the information you’ve shared with us here about Cape Charles Virginia Hotels. Based on the information you’ve provided here, these places appear to be among the most exciting places to pay a visit to in the world. The most interesting thing about your posts is that you always include everything we need to know about places you recommend, what to expect and the best time to visit. I think through this valuable information you’re sharing with the world, you’re taking tourism industry to the next level. Thanks for sharing this post and I’ll also be sharing it too to spread the word about the best places you recommend.
Thanks so much! I appreciate you taking the time to leave me comments. I am glad you have enjoyed your visits to my beach travel destinations blog. Thanks for stopping by!
I am planning to go with my family. And one of the first things that I looked up was if it was safe. And I am excited that concerning safety it is Excellent. There is virtually no crime in the area. I am a photographer. And I am interested in taking pics of its railway system. Cape Charles served as a terminal for railway freight barges that carried rail cars from the former Eastern Shore Railroad which later became Bay Coast Railroad across the mouth of the Bay to Norfolk. The Bay Coast Railroad ceased operations in 2018. So I’ll sure pack all my lenses for this one.
Wow, you will love it in Cape Charles. You gave me information I did not know about. My son is fascinated with trains, so sometimes we take our trip by railway instead of by air. It is quite fun. I am glad you enjoyed visiting my Cape Charles Virginia Hotels guide.
Another good place to visit. Good enough my holiday falls between May and September, which is the best time to visit. One thing that gets me fascinated to visiting Cape Charles Virginia Hotel is the ability to see nature in play. Like you explained, I will like to see the height and climb as high as 70′ with the wetland zip tour like you described
You’ll enjoy then 🙂 Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations!
The best advantage about going on a vacation is just relaxing and to enjoy it. To leave all of your problems behind and enjoy the time you are spending where you are at. The need to do this is to just unwind and it is very important to ones health. A vacation does not have to be expensive. Just a short drive to go the closest beach with a lounger beach chair or a nice drive to enjoy the fresh beach side air and views. The main idea is to relax for a nice break in life. Nice article about Cape Charles beach area. It looks clean and some parts private for a nice quite walk and exercise. Super nice video and drone views!
I agree with you completely Sam! Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave me comments 🙂
Hey there! First and foremost I now want to take a vacation like, tomorrow. Smiles!
This article was so well written and informative that anyone looking to take a vacation would benefit from this. Not only did you point out where people could actually save some money on hotels, you also noted peak season and seasons with comfortable temperatures.
Add in the drone video with the views and the actual different kinds of beaches to hit, this article is dynamite. Well done!
Thanks so much Brian for your kind comments! Sounds like your bags are packed and ready to go 🙂 I am glad you enjoy your visit to beach travel destinations.
What a wonderful site reviewing some of the sites to see at Cape Charles/. It looks like a wonderful place to visit. I went to school at the University of Virginia and so am more familiar with the Blue Ridge Mountains than with the coastline.
It looks like a marvelous place to visit and I will definitely consider going there with this wonderful guide you have here.
Dave.
Thanks Dave, and glad you enjoyed your visit to beach travel destinations!
Hello there! What an informative post! Virginia was never really one of those states that popped in my mind to want to travel to. I feel like the only time I really heard about it was through taking history courses for school, but other than that, not much. Reading through your post, I realize I have been missing out. There are so many activities and restaurants to eat at here at the Cape Charles. When I find the time, I feel like I just need to rent a car and do a long road trip off the East Coast of America.
Yes Mike, time for a road trip! Thanks for your visit to beach travel destinations.
I’ve never been to Virginia before but had no idea there were so many great beach options. Somehow I always imagined Virginia differently. This opened up a whole new vista for me. I absolutely want to visit. The images you provided were stunning! Thanks for inspiring me to travel….=) Sammy
You’re welcome Sammy. Virginia has a lot to offer on it’s beautiful coast. You will love it in Virginia. Thanks for taking the time to leave me comments.
Thank you so much for this guide on the Cape Charles Virginia hotels. My family and I are preparing for a road trip and we have been looking for some Virginia beaches. Nowadays when everything is uncertain with hotels and the service (postcovid struggles) it’s good to know which hotels are up and running and back to business again. Thanks!
You are very welcome Sunny. Here in the states,business is pretty much back to usual. There are a few business hold outs that require a mask. You will enjoy Virginia. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.com
Wow, Cape Charles sounds and looks like a great find for beach lovers. I am familiar with Chesapeake Bay and know the southern hospitality of Virginia. They know how to make you feel comfortable and down-home. My wife and I have been looking for a place to go later this summer, and your review has made Cape Charles our first destination choice for a summer of fun and relaxation.
What I really enjoyed about your review, is you covered all aspects of visiting the Cape Charles area, from where to stay and eat, to the best beaches and activities in the area. What really got me excited was the Wetland Zip Tour, I have enjoyed zip line rides in the mountains, but never at the beach; and I’m pretty excited to make a reservation and give it a try. And thanks for the heads-up on various places to eat and imbibe. I am definitely going to check out the Irish pub and oyster bar. Along with the pictures and descriptions, you have done the Cape Charles community a solid! I am sure they will see a good steady pace of beach going tourist this summer, thanks to your review. Great Job Leahrae!
Thank you so much Terry for visiting beach travel destinations and for taking the time to leave me comments. I am glad you enjoyed reading about Cape Charles. Please let me know if you need any additional information.
I am planning a vacation for end of this year and this looks like a perfect place for me and my family. I would love to visit all the places because they all look beautiful and my daughter will be very happy because I see there is lots of activities going on. I don’t think I will get bored during our vacation.
You would not get bored, and your daughter would enjoy. I hope you can take your family there soon. Thanks for stopping by beach travel destinations.