Cape Charles is a small town on the Chesapeake Bay, Eastern Shore, Virginia. Why would anyone be interested in such a small town with less than 1,000 people? Well, it turns out that there is more than one reason. In this blog post, I will tell you what makes Cape Charles Beach unique and why every tourist must visit the beach at least once.
The town attracts thousands of tourists each year. The picturesque sunrises and sunsets leave visitors in awe. Those still not impressed are left amazed by the town’s historical architecture. However, the town’s highlight is the beach, a major tourist attraction.
Image Credits: Chesapeake Bay Program
Cape Charles Beach Virginia: A Guide for Tourists
The town has deep historical roots. It was founded in the late 19th century after a railway track was established in the region. Some of the original buildings still stand today and are a sight for those who love history much like I do.
Cape Charles covers an area of 2,800 acres. In 1991, the Cape Charles Historic District was officially included in the National Register of Historic Places. However, the architecture is not the only interesting thing about the town. The town lies on the coast and is home to wetlands and beaches teeming with wildlife.
Those of you who plan on visiting the town need to consider a few things. These include accommodation, restaurants, and the hotspots present in the town. So, let’s look at these things and make the trip to Cape Charles Beach memorable.
How and Where to Find Suitable Accommodation around Cape Charles Beach
There are a lot of places available for tourists to stay in. Tourists can stay in rental spaces like Airbnb, hotels, or even cabins in designated campsites. A tourist can choose the type of accommodation he desires. Each form of accommodation offers a different experience to the tourists. Let’s look at each type of accommodation’s different benefits and potential drawbacks.
Rental Spaces
Most rental spaces can be accessed through mediums like Airbnb and Bookings.com. Typically, most tourists prefer to stay in rental spaces for longer trips. Usually, rental spaces are cheaper during longer trips.
However, tourists need to remember one thing: Some rental spaces are not present in the Historic Center. Hence, visitors who want the Historic Center to be easily accessible should choose a place accordingly. I love the historic center and recommend that other tourists stay in or close to it.
Hotels
Most tourists prefer to stay in hotels for shorter stays. Different hotels around Cape Charles contain different features, offering visitors a unique experience. For instance, the architecture of Northampton Hotel is more historic, giving the vibe of a 19th-century hotel. Therefore, I am a huge fan of the 19th-century American vibe of the Northampton Hotel and would highly recommend it.
Cabins in Campsites
The Kiptopeke National Park and Cherrystone Campground offer campsites and cabins for tourists. Tourists interested in camping would love these places. Moreover, both of these areas are waterfront properties. The proximity to the beach makes these campsites an ideal place to stay.
Restaurants in Cape Charles
When in Cape Charles, do not miss out on the local restaurants. Each restaurant is unique and offers a different experience to tourists. Some are located near the historic center, whereas others are near the beach.
These restaurants offer a wide variety of seafood. Don’t worry if you are not into seafood. You will also find places that offer meals other than seafood, e.g., chicken and vegetarian meals. Simply put, Cape Charles’s cuisine won’t disappoint you.
One of my top preferences will be “The Jackspot.” It is located near the beach and offers a wide range of options. The restaurant is ideal for this location, offering a beautiful sunset view. “The Shanty” and “Cape Charles Brewing Company” are popular tourist choices.
Places to visit in Cape Charles
Image Credits: Chesapeake Bay Program
There are many spots available for tourists to see in Cape Charles. Some of these spots include:
1. Cape Charles Historic Center
As I mentioned earlier, the Historic Center is a must-see. The Historic Center is covered with historic buildings that seem to be taken from a history book. A simple walk in the center feels like a walk in the Victorian period. Some notable buildings include the Cape Charles Memorial Library and the Palace Theatre.
2. Cape Charles Historic Museum
The Cape Charles Historical Museum was opened to the public in 1996. The Museum offers an insight into the history of the beach town. The museum contains pictures, documents, and tools from the 1880s.
3. Cape Charles Lighthouse
The Cape Charles Lighthouse was built in 1864 and is the second-largest lighthouse in Virginia. Currently, the lighthouse is not open to the public. However, you can still visit and see it from the outside. Regardless, the lighthouse looks beautiful, especially in the afternoon and evening.
4. Kiptopeke State Park
Looking for recreational spots? Look no further than the Kiptopeke State Park. The park was established in 1963. Tourists can indulge in a wide variety of activities in the park. These activities range from swimming to camping and walking on the beach.
Some Popular Activities
Do not worry if you are looking for fun activities around the beach. Tourists can indulge in various outdoor activities when visiting Cape Charles. Some popular activities include:
1. Jet Skiing
The Chesapeake Bay is an ideal place for water sports like jet skiing. You don’t need to bring jet skis as rental services are readily available. If you are lucky, you might even see dolphins. Jet skiing on the Chesapeake Bay is a fun activity and might even be the highlight of your trip.
2. Birdwatching
Are you into watching migratory birds? If yes, visit the Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve. The preserve serves as the natural habitat for migratory birds. Tourists and Researchers have spotted more than 240 species of birds at this spot.
3. Try Local Cuisines
Why not visit some local restaurants and try some local cuisines? As I have mentioned previously, the cuisines in Cape Charles are delicious. The food is not the only highlight at local restaurants. Most restaurants have live entertainment, making your time lively and memorable.
4. Play Some Golf
Want to play some golf? Head to the Bay Creek Resort and Club. The resort has a large golf course designed to make golf fun and exciting. If you get bored, you can try other activities present at the resort as well. Your time and money won’t be wasted at the Bay Creek Resort and Club.
Cape Charles Beach might not be as well-known as some other coastal spots in Virginia, like Sandbridge Beach and Assateague Island, but it is worth visiting.
If you want to learn about Assateague Island, please check out our blog on Assateague Island.