Visiting Safely
Recreational opportunities abound on Virginia’s Seaside for the adventurous visitor, but exploring this remote region must be done respectfully, responsibly and safely.
Most barrier islands are open to the public for low-impact, recreational day use, such as hiking, bird watching, surf fishing and photography.
Camping, campfires, vehicles and pets are prohibited on most islands and seasonal restrictions and closures are in place in many areas to protect sensitive resources.
Explore the Virginia Eastern Shore Seaside using our interactive map or site directory and learn more about individual islands and specific visitor use policies.
The seaside is a dynamic landscape with constantly shifting tides, sands and weather. Safety is a top concern when visiting this remote area with limited accessibility and services. Stay alert, come prepared and be aware of island use policies.
Also explore our FAQ section for commonly asked questions about this unique region.
Learn more about Virginia’s Certified Ecotour Guides:
This project was funded by The Nature Conservancy with support from The Volgenau Foundation and by the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program led by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality through Grant #NA17NOS4190152 of the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended. All Explore Our Seaside partners also contributed significant time and effort to the project.