The Eastern Shore: Geography, States, and Attractions

The Eastern Shore is a distinct geographic region along the U.S. Atlantic coast, defined by the Chesapeake Bay to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. This peninsula spans portions of four states, each offering unique coastal character.

States and Geography

• Maryland: Largest portion; includes Ocean City, Salisbury, and historic Chesapeake Bay towns
• Virginia: Southern tip (Eastern Shore of Virginia) with Cape Charles, Chincoteague, and NASA Wallops Flight Facility
• Delaware: Entire state is technically on the Eastern Shore; features Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, and Dover
• New Jersey: Cape May County's southern reaches sometimes included

What Makes It Special

The region is celebrated for:

• Pristine beaches: Assateague Island (wild horses), Ocean City, Rehoboth, Cape May
• Maritime heritage: Working waterfronts, crab houses, lighthouse trails
• Wildlife refuges: Blackwater NWR, Chincoteague NWR, Prime Hook NWR
• Historic towns: St. Michaels, Chestertown, Easton, Lewes
• Outdoor recreation: Kayaking, birding, cycling, fishing charters

Tourism and Economy

Tourism dominates the seasonal economy, alongside agriculture (poultry, corn, soybeans) and commercial fishing (blue crabs, oysters, menhaden). The Chesapeake Bay Bridge (MD) and Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (VA) provide mainland access.