Cape Charles

Cape Charles sits at the southern tip of Virginia's Eastern Shore peninsula, bordered by Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean waters. The town provides access to a public beach, fishing pier, and boat launches along the bay.

The town began in 1886 as a railroad hub, named after the Charles River. The railway was central to its early growth and connected the peninsula to larger trading centers.

The downtown area displays Victorian-era buildings from the late 1800s that shape how the town looks today. Walking through, you notice original storefronts and details that show how people lived and worked during that period.

Visit during warmer months when water sports and beach activities are most active. The town is easy to explore on foot, with most attractions within walking distance of each other.

The town holds one of the largest collections of buildings from the 1880s on the East Coast. Many of these structures retain their original features, offering a rare view of construction methods and materials from that era.

Location: Northampton County

Inception: 1884

Elevation above the sea: 1 m

Website: http://capecharles.org

GPS coordinates: 37.26750,-76.01389

Latest update: December 17, 2025 08:53