Cape to Cape Scenic Driving Tour

Cape to Cape Scenic Driving Tour: A Mid-Atlantic Coastal Adventure

Lighthouses (Plus the OC Life-Saving Station Museum)
Photo Credits: Cape May MAC, VisitSouthernDelaware, Virginia Tourism Corporation

The self-guided 200-mile route offers a wondrous journey through historic towns, scenic waterfronts, and vibrant coastal communities on the Cape to Cape Scenic Driving Tour–an ideal getaway to explore the best of the East Coast. The 200-mile route offers a perfect blend of history, nature, seafood, and recreation–from Cape May, New Jersey, to Cape Henlopen, Delaware, through Maryland’s coast to Cape Charles and Cape Henry, Virginia.

Cape to Cape Driving Tour - scroll below or jump to each state:

Route Map

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Itineraries

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CAPE TO CAPE SCENIC DRIVING TOUR: A MID-ATLANTIC COASTAL ADVENTURE

ATTRACTIONS, EXPERIENCES AND SCENERY (NORTH TO SOUTH)

New Jersey: A Historic Seaside Escape

Rt. 9

Begin in Historic Cape May, New Jersey, drive (or get out to stroll) through this charming Victorian seaside town known for its authentically restored historic homes, the iconic Cape May Lighthouse, and a vibrant beachfront atmosphere. The town’s stunning architecture, unique boutiques, and renowned restaurants make it a must-visit. Enjoy trolley tours, carriage rides, stay at a historic inn, and relax on pristine beaches before embarking on a ferry ride across the Delaware Bay.

Sites along the way...

Cape May-Lewes Ferry – Take the scenic ferry ride providing views of dolphins and seabirds, connecting Cape May to Lewes, Delaware
Cape May Bird Observatory – A haven for birdwatchers, offering year-round walking tours and classes and seasonal birding festivals.
Cape May County Park & Zoo – A free attraction home to 550 animals, offering family-friendly activities and nature trails.

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Delaware: Maritime History and Boardwalk Fun

View birds and dolphins as you travel on the 17-mile Cape May Lewes Ferry to Historic Lewes, Delaware, where maritime history comes alive through sites like the Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse and Fort Miles Historic Area. These landmarks offer glimpses into the region’s role in coastal defense and navigation. Nearby, Rehoboth Beach beckons with its classic boardwalk lined with shops, arcades, and delicious treats. Traveling south, meander through other beach towns like Bethany and Fenwick Island.

Including US-9 and DE-1. Sites along the way...

Historic Lewes - The First Town in the First State – Founded in 1631 as Delaware’s first European settlement, Lewes offers charming streets, walking tours, and a local history museum. Be sure to visit the Zwaanendael Museum!
Lewes Lighthouses – enjoy diverse habitats, abundant wildlife, bike paths, and both ocean and bay beaches
Fort Miles Museum & Historic Area – A World War II-era fort offering exhibits on coastal defense and military history.
Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk – A historic beach boardwalk with shops, arcades, and delicious boardwalk treats.
Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum – Showcasing 19th-century maritime rescue operations and early U.S. Coast Guard history.
Bethany Beach Boardwalk – This .38 mile boardwalk offers shops, treats, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean as well as great seasonal entertainment at the bandstand located on the boardwalk at the end of Garfield Parkway.
Bethany Beach Totem Pole – A landmark created by sculptor Peter Wolf Toth, the 24-foot statue honors the Nanticoke Nation.
Fenwick Island Lighthouse – A historic lighthouse that has guided ships since 1859, located near the Delaware-Maryland border.

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Maryland: Coastal Attractions and Natural Wonders

Crossing into Maryland, continue to Ocean City, which stands out with its lively boardwalk, amusement rides, hotels, restaurants, and endless ocean views. Just a short drive away, Assateague Island National Seashore offers untouched beaches and famous wild horses roaming the dunes. This barrier island is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring hiking trails, kayaking opportunities, and serene wildlife observation spots.

Continue south through charming towns with local history, and the Delmarva Peninsula’s renowned fresh seafood. Whether you're fishing, camping, paddling, or biking, bring your gear to fully immerse yourself in the outdoor adventures that await along trails once traversed by Native Americans. These welcoming communities offer a blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and coastal charm.

Including DE-1, MD528, US-50, MD-611, MD 376, US-113, MD-12, Rte 679. Sites along the way...

Ocean City Boardwalk – The historic Ocean City, MD Boardwalk is a three-mile promenade featuring classic amusements, delicious treats, and stunning ocean views. Established in 1902, it’s a beloved destination for families, offering unique shops, arcades, and a lively coastal atmosphere.
Assateague Island State Park – Marsh areas filled with wildlife, including deer, waterfowl and feral horses in 2 miles of beach along the Atlantic Ocean.
Town of Berlin – A charming small town with boutique shopping, dining, and unique cultural events.
Town of Snow Hill – Founded in 1686 and nestled near the Pocomoke Forest, the town has a quintessential “Small Town America” feel with scenic and recreational amenities.
Pocomoke River State Park – Featuring lush cypress swamps, hiking trails, and wildlife observation areas.

Virginia: Rich History and Stunning Shorelines

The scenic route into Virginia takes you along the state's shorelines. Discover the rich history, protected natural areas, and breathtaking views that make this coastal journey unforgettable. Enter the town of Chincoteague, known for its wild ponies and pristine landscapes within the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge offers panoramic coastline views, combining history with the region’s natural beauty and the Assateague Lighthouse.

Including US-13 and VA-175. Sites along the way...

Museum of Chincoteague Island – Explore the island’s history, shipwrecks, wild ponies, and the legendary Misty of Chincoteague
Captain Timothy Hill House – Visit the oldest house on the island, built around 1800 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge – Over 14,000 acres of beaches, dunes, marshes, and trails, perfect for fishing, wildlife photography, and hiking.

Head south through the Saxis Island Wildlife Area to the peaceful town of Saxis. This narrow island offers beachcombing, local seafood, and the chance to explore 6,000 acres of tidal marshland. Return east, then head south to explore the Barrier Islands and enjoy the untouched beauty of Virginia’s coastline. These islands once supported communities and are now home to vibrant wildlife.

Including US-13 and VA184. Sites along the way...

Saxis Island Museum – Located in a 100-year-old country store, this museum displays artifacts from the daily lives of local watermen
Eastern Shore Railway Museum – Explore vintage railcars and learn about the region’s railroad history.
The Nature Conservancy’s Brownsville Preserve – A 3.5-mile hike through wooded uplands, ponds, and salt marsh creeks. Cyclists and leashed dogs are welcome.
Barrier Islands Center – Learn about the people who lived on Virginia’s barrier islands, the longest stretch of undeveloped shoreline on the East Coast.

Further south, enter Cape Charles, a town offering a charming blend of history and natural beauty. It is perfect for those interested in the region’s rail and water transport heritage. The Cape Charles Museum and Welcome Center offers exhibits on the town’s history and its role in rail and water transport.

Kiptopeke State Park – Enjoy access to Chesapeake Bay with fishing piers, accommodations, and trails.

Continue south through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel, a 17.6-mile (28.3 km) bridge–tunnel that crosses the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay between Delmarva and Hampton Roads in the U.S. commonwealth of Virginia.

The Cape to Cape Scenic Driving Tour concludes in Virginia Beach, where coastal beauty meets historical landmarks, like the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse. Enjoy hiking, cycling, and exploring some of Virginia’s most scenic spots.

First Landing State Park – Hike over 20 miles of trails, relax on 1.5 miles of beach, and explore habitats like bald cypress swamps and maritime forests.
False Cape State Park – Explore one of the last undeveloped areas on the Atlantic coast, with kayaking, hiking, biking, and pristine beaches.
Old Cape Henry Lighthouse - Built in 1792, this is the oldest lighthouse on the Chesapeake Bay and the third oldest still standing in the United States. It is the historical symbol of Virginia Beach and offers stunning coastal views.

Whether you’re exploring, hiking, fishing, birding, or simply relaxing, this coastal route offers a diverse mix of experiences along Virginia’s spectacular shoreline.

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Discover Cape to Cape Driving Tour!

The Cape to Cape Scenic Driving Tour is more than just a road trip. Experience waves, wildlife, coastal seafood, history, outdoor adventures, lighthouses, natural beauty, wild horses, and relaxation by the sea on the Mid-Atlantic East Coast. Explore, enjoy, and uncover the beauty…from Cape to Cape.