Virginia Peninsula
United States · Americas
About Virginia Peninsula
Eastern Virginia is an often-visited area of Virginia, bordered on the west by the Fall Line, and on the east by the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. It is best known for its beaches and colonial history.
Virginia Peninsula travel guide
Understand
Eastern Virginia was the first part of the state to be settled, beginning with Jamestown in 1607. The region is home to Virginia's historic triangle, which includes Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, and Yorktown, site of the decisive battle of the American Revolution. Eastern Virginia contains several of Virginia's largest cities and most-visited tourist attractions. Besides the historic parks listed above, Virginia Beach, Busch Gardens, and the museums in Hampton and Newport News draw large crowds.
Getting there
Norfolk International Airport (ORF IATA) Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF IATA) Amtrak services Williamsburg, Newport News and Norfolk Interstate 95 from the north or south Interstate 64 from the west
Getting around
Interstate 95 borders the region, running north and south. Interstate 64 runs through the area east and west. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel connects the Eastern Shore to the rest of the state.
See
Jamestown Settlement, a living history museum recreating the first permanent English settlement in the New World. Yorktown Battlefield, site of the surrender of General Cornwallis, marking the end of the American Revolution. Tobacco Plantations, along the James River on John Tyler Highway (VA 5). Virginia Air and Space Center, Hampton Mariner's Museum, Newport News Virginia Marine Science Museum, Virginia Beach
Do
Virginia Beach Busch Gardens, Williamsburg. The beer company's original theme park. Chincoteague Oyster Festival Held in October, a ticket gets you all-you-can eat oysters and other seafood done in a variety of ways.
Eat
Chesapeake Bay Crabs While not as iconic as their Maryland cousins, they're from the same body of water. Buy a bushel and make a meal of it with some fresh local corn and tomatoes. Peanuts and Pork, Surrey and Smithfield. Just a ferry ride away from Williamsburg, you can find a town that celebrates its local favorites with dishes like Peanut Soup. Peanuts also feed the local pigs, qualifying them for 'Smithfield Ham' status.
Go next
Washington, D.C. Maryland North Carolina
Overview adapted from Wikipedia, travel guide fromWikivoyage (CC BY-SA)。Photography via Wikimedia Commons.