Northampton County is quickly becoming a popular tourist destination. The Eastern Shore has been the fastest growing tourism region in Virginia for several years. Tourism remains one of the County’s primary industries due to its location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. In 2018, Cape Charles was voted the "3rd Happiest Seaside Town" in America by Coastal Living Magazine. The calm waters of the Chesapeake Bay are a perfect way for everyone to relax. Where else can you see the most splendid sunrises on the ocean and sunsets over the bay? 
Families delight in our quaint small-town charm. Visit our towns for shopping,special events and entertainment, to learn local history, play in the parks and other services.
Get out on the water and explore the Water Trails from easily accessible kayak launches. Or take a bike ride on the back roads or down the Southern Tip Hike and Bike Trail. Bike in need of a fix? No worries, we've got you covered with several conveniently located public use bike repair stations. Enjoy time in nature with a hike on the many nature trails found in the County.
Birders flock to the Eastern Shore 
during the spring and fall migration to witness some of the best bird watching along the Eastern Seaboard.
Nature has a way of inspiring.
The Eastern Shore is a vibrant community of creative folks who share what makes them come alive. We are so plentiful in talent, on any given Friday night (yes, even in the wintertime) one can choose between a half dozen live music venues as you wander among the shops and restaurants. Wear your dancing shoes!
Every Saturday night from Memorial Day through Labor Day, Harbor for the Arts brings in regional acts for free live concerts in Cape Charles Central Park.
Music isn’t the only talent here, either. The Eastern Shore is a thriving community of artists and artisans in every kind of medium. The Eastern Shore of Virginia Artisans Guild Tour, held Thanksgiving weekend, is a wonderful opportunity to visit with artists and artisans in their studios.
Throughout the year, take a self-guided tour and pop into any of the many galleries and shops along the Eastern Shore Artisans Trail.
Each year in May both art and music are combined with all the hospitality Northampton County has to offer at Art and Music on the Farm held at the Barrier Island Center.
Another unique festival held every year in Northampton County is Experimental Film Virginia, where filmmakers, dancers, movers and shakers from around the globe converge in Cape Charles for two weeks to make short films. 
Locals are encouraged to participate and everyone is invited to the Film Premiere. Look for Art Soaked weekends around these events: Art in Barn and the Reel and Raw Film Premiere.
The same energy and vision behind Experimental Film Virginia works year-round to bring in some of the hottest acts in Virginia to perform on the Historic Palace Theatre stage in Cape Charles. If you’re really lucky, you may be able to get a ticket to a stupendous, dramatic, community production.
If theater is your thing, Free Shakespeare in the Park can be experienced in Exmore along with the Artisans Festival weekend in September.
What’s a great vacation without delicious food and drink? Don’t miss out on the many oyster roasts the Eastern Shore has to offer most every weekend during the fall and winter months, and they’re all benefits for good causes. 
Not to mention, we have booming agriculture, aquaculture and viticulture industries. Check in with local farmers and watermen at the Farmer’s Markets.
Beaches, shops, restaurants, music, art, films, food, family, fun- discover why we say, “You’ll Love Our Nature!”
For a detailed list of attractions, please go to the Attractions page or Free Things to See and Do in Northampton County.