The beach town of Cape Charles is an intriguing combination of bygone days while living the contemporary "good life.” Just across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is one of the most beautiful Virginia beaches you’ll ever visit. It’s a place you may never think about visiting... but once you’ve experienced the spirit of this beach town, you’ll be hooked.
A quick bit of history: Cape Charles was established in 1884 near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Its history as a port town revolved around booming railroad and ferry traffic to destinations all along the east coast. The town’s historical district is on the National Register of Historic Places.
That’s why when you arrive, you’ll see original cottages from the days of harbors and train yards during the turn of the century. Cape Charles hotels and stores display beautifully restored Victorian architecture.
It’s the community’s efforts to preserve this heritage that makes a vacation here so unique. And the old mingles wonderfully with the new.
Home to tranquil surf fronting the Chesapeake Bay, the town offers a free public beach. The shallow waters of the bay are clear and calm, without waves from the ocean, making this is an ideal family beach.
The sandy beachfront isn't very wide, but the striking scenery and peacefulness is what makes the beaches here so special. Wooden walkways provide access to the beach, and the public restrooms are a nice feature.
Life on Cape Charles is about relaxation with a bit of luxury. Vacations consist of easy days golfing on signature golf courses, playing on the beaches, trying one-of-a-kind restaurants, and browsing through antique shops. You’ll see golf carts putting along the streets. People sitting on their front porches wave as you go by.
Cape Charles Hotels & Resorts
Several prestigious hotels offer rest and satisfaction.
The beautifully restored Cape Charles Hotel Historic Inn is 2 short blocks (about 5 minutes) away from the beach and harbor. This family-run hotel caters to couples, boaters, golfers, special occasions and vacationers. The 17 upstairs guest rooms are Victorian in style, full of art and period antiques. There is a terrace, bar and music rooms, and meeting rooms. One thing to know, they have a policy that children must be ten years old or older.
Another option is the Best Western Sunset Beach Resort, just off the town proper, which holds a private beach, picnic areas, playgrounds, gazebos, and outdoor pool. You'll enjoy dining and relaxing at the Pelican Pub right on the Chesapeake Bay.
Just at the outskirts of town is the Kiptopeke Inn. It is a newly-refurbished hotel which offers a restaurant and outdoor pool. Meanwhile, along Latimers Bluff Road directly at the beachfront is The Baywood Bed and Breakfast, a secluded and serene hotel with majestic views of the sunset - a great value.
For a contemporary experience visit The Kellogg House Bed & Breakfast located in the heart of town on Monroe Avenue. The Nottingham Ridge Bed & Breakfast is located high on a landscaped ridge overlooking the Chesapeake Bay and has its own private beach for visitors.
The premier of the Cape Charles hotels and resorts is the Bay Creek Resort & Golf Club. This is a luxury golf, marina, resort and retirement community - more about it in a bit.
Map of Cape Charles, VA
Things to Do at the Cape
Despite its quaint atmosphere, Cape Charles is actively refining its attractions for visitors. Check out some of the unique activities that you can only find here!
Visit the Bay Creek Resort & Golf Club – an upscale resort-village designed to bring the finest golf in the country to Cape Charles. There are two internationally-acclaimed 18-hole golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. The natural contours of the land were used to design the golf courses, resulting in breathtaking views. There’s also a golf academy, and a superb clubhouse where all sorts of events are held.
Cape Charles is home to the Bay Creek Marina, featuring 100 slips that can handle boats up to 150 feet long. Both residents and visitors have full use of this first-class marina, with access to the Intracoastal Waterway, deep sea fishing charters, and sailing on the Chesapeake Bay.
Explore the seas on a cruise upon a 65-ft schooner! The Schooner Serenity offers a cruise charter around the Chesapeake Bay, with 2-hour afternoon and sunset cruises – they’ll even let you help set sail and steer the ship. Set out from the historic Cape Charles harbor, watch dolphins follow along, and enjoy the views and rush of sailing on a large gaff topsail schooner.
In the summertime, the "Applaud the Sun" Harbor Parties happen on the first Saturday evening of each month – hear bands playing and dance a little at an old fashioned cookout/beach party.
A place to enjoy nature and wildlife, Kiptopeke State Park is located right on the Chesapeake Bay. It is a 536-acre property that invites bird-watching, camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, and boating. The park also has a great fishing pier, swimming pool, cabin rentals and a boat launch.
Cape Charles is truly a step back in time, where worries come to a halt. For a Virginia beach vacation of a quiet, relaxing nature - it's a great escape!
