The only seaside beach accessible by land on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Assateague Island is a must see with its 10 miles of pristine beach, ocean swimming, bird watching, kayaking, hiking, biking and surf fishing not to mention its most famous residents - the wild Chincoteague Ponies who freely roam the island's sands and marshes. There's even a chance to hike the nearby light and get a bird's eye view from atop the 145 ft tall 1867 Assateague Lighthouse.

PO Box 38, 8586 Beach Road
Chincoteague Island , VA  23336

Website:  www.nps.gov/asis

Phone 1:  757-336-6577  

In a hectic world the Eastern Shore's chain of barrier islands are almost mystical in their isolation. No houses, fewer humans, it’s easy to lose yourself in this water-meets-sky world. Professional eco-tour guides provide unique adventures in the rarest of worlds while protecting this fragile environment: Broadwater Bay Ecotours, SouthEast Expeditions, Chincoteague Cruises and Nature Tours, Eastern Shore Adventures, Lyn B Charters, Marlin Magic, Shore Thing Charters, Top Dog Charters, Adrenaline High. See why we must protect these ecological gems: http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/virginia/files/beach_nesting_bird_brochure_panels.pdf

Seaside
Eastern Shore , VA  0

Phone 1:    

14,000 acres of beach, maritime forest, saltmarsh, and freshwater marsh are home to a spectacular variety of migratory birds and wildlife. 10 miles of breathtaking natural beach provide plenty of elbow room and private time. Wonderful for families is the Tom Cove area with beach parking, picnic areas, and bathhouse facilities including lifeguards during the summer season. Herbert Bateman Center is a great introduction to the refuge’s many wonders.

PO Box 62, 8231 Beach Road
Chincoteague Island , VA  23336

Email:  FW5RW_CNWR@FWS.gov       
Website:  www.FWS.gov/Northeast/Chinco

Phone 1:  757-336-6122  

Phone 2:  757-336-5273   (Fax)

Mother Nature’s playground is located at the southern tip of the peninsula on the seaside just minutes north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-tunnel. 1,393 acres of maritime forests, thickets, grasslands, fresh and saltwater ponds provide crucial habitat and stopover for wildlife. Visitors can witness the annual drama of the huge fall migration of songbirds, raptors and even monarch butterflies who funnel through here on their way south. Walking trails, photography blind, nature museum and a breathtaking view of the seaside barrier island chain from atop a WWII bunker, make this a year-round must see.

Wise Point Boat Ramp, as part of the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, is managed to provide wildlife-oriented recreation including fishing, hunting and wildlife observation. Access to the ramp is from Route 13 and Route 600 (Seaside Road) through the refuge onto Ramp Lane.

Fisherman Island Tours are free and offered Saturdays, October thru March. Discover  the unique variety of wildlife found on the island and its rich history. For more info: http://www.fws.gov/Northeast/EasternShore/Fisherman%20Island%20Tours.html

32205 Seaside Road
Kiptopeke , VA  23310

Email:  FW5RW_ESVNWR@FWS.gov       
Website:  www.FWS.gov/Northeast/EasternShore

Phone 1:  757-331-3425   (Visitor Center)

Phone 2:  757-331-2760   (Headquarters)

Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail

This site is still under development. Guard Shore offers a myriad of possibilities for wildlife viewing depending upon the time of year. The extensive open bay ecosystem provides a vast viewing area to scan for wading birds, waterfowl, terns and gulls. Mudflats and sand spits exposed at low tide may attract feeding shorebirds, especially during migration. The site's maritime loblolly pine stand may offer endless migrant passerine viewing possibilities.

At the end of Route 684
Bloxom , VA  23308

Email:  Glen.Askins@dgif.virginia.gov       
Website:  www.dgif.virginia.gov/vbwt/site.asp?trail=1&loop=CES&site=CES15

Phone 1:  804-367-1000  

Nature rules at a beautiful bay beach, where calm, shallow waters are perfect for small children, and the fun doesn't stop there. A boat launch, fishing pier, (or surf fish right off the beach) picnic and excellent camping facilities combine with walking/biking trails allowing exploration of scenic maritime forests and dunes. Pets are allowed on leash only. Top 100 Family Campgrounds by ReserveAmerica. 5 sun-filled cabins with rocking chairs on porches sleep 16 each.

3540 Kiptopeke Drive
Kiptopeke , VA  23310

Email:  Kiptopeke@dcr.virginia.gov       
Website:  www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/kip.shtml

Phone 1:  800-933-7275   (Reservations)

Phone 2:  757-331-2267  

PO Box 158, 11332 Brownsville Road
Nassawadox , VA  23413

Email:  SParker@TNC.org       

Phone 1:  757-442-3049  

Phone 2:  757-442-5418   (Fax)

Tucked away and rustic on the bayside of the lower Eastern Shore [Eastville area] this 298-acre preserve contains scenic Chesapeake Bay beach, dune, and maritime forests and provides migratory songbird habitat. Small parking area leads to marked hiking trail. Unforgettable spot.

End of Savage Neck Road (Rt 634)
Eastville , VA  23347

Website:  www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural_heritage/natural_area_preserves/savage.shtml

Phone 1:  757-787-5576  

Eastern Shore Loop

With wildlife watching on the Eastern Shore you can experience some of the best wildlife habitat on the Eastern Seaboard of the United States.

Click on Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries website below, and explore the different loops on the Eastern Shore Trail for driving or even biking opportunities. [See loop list on right side]

The Eastern Shore includes world-class wildlife watching at Chincoteague at our northern end, and world-class venues like the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, Kiptopeke State Park, and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel at our southern end. In between a plethora of sites are available to view a great variety of wildlife. The coastline is indented with countless estuaries and tidal mudflats that, during migrations, can be seething with shorebirds. Pockets of deciduous woodlands provide critical stopover points for migrating songbirds, and the peninsula catches tremendous numbers of raptors that follow the coast on their fall migration flight. 

Eastern Shore Loop
Eastern Shore , VA  0

Email:  dgifweb@dgif.virginia.gov       
Website:  www.dgif.virginia.gov/vbwt/loop.asp?trail=1&loop=CES

Phone 1:  804-367-1000