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Virginia’s Eastern Shore is beautiful, wild, and natural. This destination is perfect for families who love to explore nature and get away from it all. With the longest stretch of natural beach along the Atlantic coast of the US, this place is unlike all other beach vacations. Use this guide to find the best places to explore on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
What to Do:
NASA Launch and Visitor’s Center
Wallop’s Landing NASA Visitor’s Center
More launches take place at NASA Wallop’s Flight Facility than any other NASA facility in the country. Plan your trip around a launch or take part in the visitor’s center special programs where kids get to make their own rockets or go star gazing. The Visitor’s Center also has science on a sphere where you can learn about space and other hand’s on activities.
Chincoteague Pony Swim
Watch a herd of wild pony’s swim across the bay and walk through town. After the swim, certain wild pony’s will be auctioned off to keep the herd size down. It’s important that the wild herd doesn’t get too big so that their habitat in Chincoteague can support them. Each year the pony swim takes place on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July.
Chincoteague Wild Pony’s
If you can’t make it for the pony swim, don’t dismay. You can usually easily view the wild ponies in their natural habitat on Assateague Island. Take a hike through the national park or drive to Tom’s Cove to catch a glimpse of the ponies.
Assateague Island Nature Centers
Salt Marsh
While your on your way to the beach at Tom’s Cove or a hike to see the wild ponies, don’t miss out on the great resources of the nature centers at Assateague Island. Toms Cove Visitors Center is perfect for little ones who want to get their hands on wildlife. A touch tank full of live creatures lets them investigate horseshoe crabs, clams and more. Another exhibit lets kids dig through sand to uncover and handle whale ribs, deer skulls, horse vertebra and more. The Assateague Island Visitor Center is full of interactive displays that teach about the human and wildlife history of Assateague Island.
Cape Charles Beach
Cape Charles Chesapeake Bay
A large sandy beach with lots of space and little to no waves, Cape Charles Beach is the perfect spot for families with small children. The swimming area is very shallow and easy to navigate for the youngest swimmers. This beach is a great break from the harsh waves of the Atlantic ocean.
Chincoteague Island National Wildlife Refuge Beach
Chincoteague Island National Wildlife Refuge Beach
This beach shows the natural beauty and power of the Atlantic ocean. Drive through woods and salt marshes before reaching the shore. The whole family will appreciate the natural wonders around them. Park just a dune away from the water and start your natural beach adventure. As the only Atlantic beach on Virginia’s Eastern shore that you can drive to, it can get a little busy but the water, waves, dunes and surrounding refuge is breathtakingly beautiful and an experience you won’t want to miss.
Where to Eat:
Check out these delicious places to eat that are sure to please every member of the family!
Mallards at the Warf
Best for: Lunch and Dinner
Smith Island Cake
At Mallards on the Warf, you can learn about local history before sitting down for an incredible meal of fresh, local fare. This casual dining spot is a great place to meet friends or take the family. The kid’s menu is full of favorites like fried shrimp or corn dogs. For mom and dad, try crab stuffed portobello mushrooms, crab bread, and the Smith Island cake.
Sandy Pony Donuts
Best for: Breakfast or Sweet Treat
Whether your on your way to the beach or getting ready to hike, make sure to stop at the Sandy Pony Donut truck before your adventure begins. Get fresh made glazed donuts in a variety of creative flavors like Ms. Sandy, Porky Pony, Mud Pie or Sea Foam. With 24 flavor combinations, there’s bound to be more than one you love. If you’re looking for a healthier option to fuel your morning, you’ve got to try an Acai bowl. Top the cold, sweet Acai with granola, coconut or fruit for a super start to your day. Kids will love the fresh hot donuts or the Acai bowl. Add a glass of ice cold milk and they’ll be in breakfast heaven.
Build Your Own Cookie
Best for: Sweet Treat
Build Your Own Cookie
Your family won’t want to stop just once at Build Your Own Cookie (BYOC). It’s a place that will make your mouth water every time you drive by. At BYOC you choose the flavor of warm, fresh baked cookie then top it with your favorite ice cream, a delicious topping, whipped cream, and a cherry. It is incredible! The flavor combinations are endless so you’ll have to come back again and again.
Brown Dog Ice Cream
Best for: Sweet Treat
Walk the streets of Cape Charles after a relaxing day at on the Chesapeake Bay. One stop you won’t want to miss is Brown Dog Ice Cream. Their handcrafted ice cream flavors will leave you swooning. Try a favorite like lemon streusel or Higgins Family caramelized fig with mascarpone and a cocoa ginger dust.
Mallards on the River
Best for: Lunch and Dinner
“All Crab” Crab Cakes
The views from Mallards on the River are breathtaking any time of day. Large windows overlook boats floating by on the Pokomoke River. Take in the views by dinning inside during the week or on the outdoor patio on the weekends. Dine on delicious loaded local flounder, Johnny Mo’s “ALL CRAB” Crab Cakes or grilled salmon then kick back with your favorite local beer and watch the sunset across the bay.
Onley Creamery
Best for: Sweet Treat
End the night with a sweet concoction from Onley Creamery. Made with local milk, the sweet, creamy taste of small-batch ice cream from Onley Creamery is sure to be a favorite for the whole family.
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