Here’s why Cape Charles is the perfect off-season beach town
We all love Cape Charles in the summer. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, this little beach town truly shines with summer concerts in the park, sunny days on the sand, spectacular sunsets, and lazy nights cooled by Bay breezes. But when the summer visitors have packed their bags, the town and all of its attractions remain. And that’s when some folks will tell you that Cape Charles shines the brightest: in the off-season.
Why should you visit Cape Charles in the off-season? Whether you’re considering a visit in the winter, spring, or fall, here’s why Cape Charles will never disappoint.
Crowds are thinner. Although Cape Charles rarely feels over-crowded — even in the height of summer — crowds are much thinner in the off-season. Shoot for the shoulder season (late spring and early fall) to enjoy all the benefits of the town’s beautiful public beach without worrying about finding the perfect spot on the sand.
Dining out is easier. No one loves being waitlisted at a restaurant or waiting in line for ice cream, but unfortunately it’s just a fact of life during the peak season in Cape Charles. But in the off-season? You’re a lot more likely to walk right in and claim a table at your chosen restaurant — and to receive quick, friendly service. Just be sure to check seasonal hours — some businesses do close for part of the year.
Two words: Oyster season. You can eat oysters any time of year, and some of the best are harvested off the Eastern Shore. But local watermen will tell you that the ideal time to enjoy local oysters is in months that contain the letter R — and yes, that rules out the summer. For the juiciest, most succulent local oysters, do your shucking from September through April.
Local shops often hold off-season sales. After the busy summer season, many local shops are eager to clear out inventory to make room for new stock. That means special off-season sales, especially at the end of the year and during the annual spring Sidewalk Sale.
The weather may be better. Now, this may not hold true for, say, February, but shoulder season weather is indeed often superior to summer weather on the Eastern Shore. The summer heat can be extreme, particularly in July and August, and the mosquitos can be a nuisance as well. April, May, September, and October promise sunny days minus the heat and humidity of high summer.
You can take advantage of off-season rates. There are a limited number of beds available in Cape Charles, which means prices can be high in the peak season. Whether you’re staying in a local hotel, inn, or vacation rental, you can often shave a significant amount off of your nightly rate by planning your trip in the off-season.