Weekend Getaway Series: Cape Charles
- Virginia Beach Local
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Just across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel lies one of our favorite weekend escapes: Cape Charles, Virginia. With its historic brick storefronts, golf-cart-friendly streets, and front-row seat to spectacular Bay sunsets, this Eastern Shore haven captures effortless small-town charm.
Here is our ultimate weekend itinerary for exploring Cape Charles like a local.
Day 1: Checking In & Sunset Views
Your getaway begins by checking into the Hotel Cape Charles, a sleek modern boutique hotel tucked right on Mason Avenue. After settling into your room, head downstairs to rent a golf cart for the weekend, which is easily the best way to cruise around town. Take a slow drive down Mason Avenue to soak in the picture-perfect main street vibes. Stop into the Cape Charles Candy Company for old-school candy bins and nostalgic treats, then head over to Peach Street Books, an independent bookstore tucked into a cozy converted home that is perfect for picking up a vacation read.
As evening approaches, drive your golf cart down to the marina for dinner at The Shanty. Grab a table on the dock, order fresh local oysters and blue crab dip, and watch the fishing boats pull in. Be sure to linger through twilight, as the deck offers a front-row view of the sun dipping low over the Chesapeake Bay.
Day 2: Bay Adventures, Tidewater Discoveries & Local Eats
Start your morning at Coastal Baking Co. for fresh coffee and warm, scratch-made donuts, or sit down at The Almeta for a coastal breakfast spread. Before heading toward the sand, swing by Mason Avenue Bakery to grab fresh-baked pastries and a few homemade do
g treats for your four-legged family members. Afterwards, head out to spend a few hours at the public Bay side beach, where the calm, shallow waters make for an ideal relaxing setup.
Timing your beach visit around low tide is where the real magic happens. As the water recedes, shallow tide pools appear along the sandbar, making it easy for kids to spot hermit crabs, snails, and tiny minnows. While you are along the shoreline, be sure to snap a few photos at the iconic beachside LOVE sign and the fun mini replica mockup of Virginia Beach’s King Neptune statue. When you get hungry for lunch, head over to Edible Picasso for handcrafted paninis and poke bowls, or grab a quick gourmet sandwich from Cravings to take on the go.
After brushing off the sand, spend the afternoon playing a friendly round of putt-putt at Cape Charles Mini Golf. Follow up your game with a stop at Cape Charles Brewing Company, a spacious, family-and-dog-friendly craft brewery featuring a huge outdoor lawn, yard games, and a stellar rotation of local beers. Finish your getaway with a classic Cape Charles tradition by getting a cone at Brown Dog Ice Cream, known for its unique, small-batch flavors. Enjoy your sweet treat while taking one last walk along the water to catch a golden hour sunset over the Bay.