Cape Charles vacation rentals

Cape Charles sits at the southernmost tip of the Delmarva Peninsula on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, a long peninsula with Chesapeake Bay to the west, Kings Creek to the north, and Old Plantation Creek to the southeast. This town of 1,000 full-time residents is known primarily as a beach destination, especially since the Cape Charles Town Beach remains the only public beach on Virginia’s Eastern Shore that doesn’t charge fees (not even parking fees!). Beyond its sandy shores, Cape Charles’ main draws include a fishing pier, an outdoor LOVE sign popular with photographers, and a historic district boasting one of the highest concentrations of turn-of-the-century homes. Originally developed as the headquarters of the Eastern Shore Railroad, Cape Charles’ strategic location also makes it a prime area for geographic diversity and bird spotting.

Summer is the busiest time of year at this popular outdoor destination, peaking in June through August. It’s also the hottest time of year, often with humid days. There are plenty of things to do during this time, such as the free summer concerts and food festivals, including the Cape Charles Crabby Blues Festival and the Reel and Raw oyster festival. Spring and the early fall months may also be a good time to stay in one of the area’s rentals since the humidity makes the air feel a bit warmer. December through February are too chilly for outdoor fun, especially with the rain and snow that tends to fall four to six times a year. But the season does bring its own fun, such as Festive Fridays and the Lighted Golf Cart Parade leading up to Christmas, and a Dropping of the Crab Pot to ring in the New Year.

Historic District

Turn back time in the historic district filled with buildings from the late Victorian, Colonial Revival, and Neoclassical styles built from 1885 to 1940, mostly in a 27-block grid with a central park featuring a pergola, gazebo, and fountain. The high concentration of preserved buildings put the area onto the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve

Follow the boardwalk path leading to a Chesapeake Bay viewpoint through various forested terrains in the 29-acre preserve, including the rare Maritime Dune Woodland. Birders will especially appreciate the more than 240 species that have been spotted here.

Cape Charles Museum

Run by the Cape Charles Historical Society, the museum includes an indoor section with historical relics of the area, including Chesapeake Bay steamship and ferry models, as well as an outdoor section with actual railroad cars and a recreation of the Bloxom railway station.