The Saxis Island Historic District encompasses the Town of Saxis and adjacent areas of a narrow peninsula in Accomack County that extends into Chesapeake Bay. This distinctive geographic setting opens onto a coastal landscape, while historic sites and nature experiences offer many different discoveries.
History and routes through the region
Accomac is a designated historic district and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. The Debtors’ Prison is located in the Accomac Historic District: built in 1783 as the jailer’s residence, the building now serves as a local history museum. Onancock offers its own architectural highlight, with restored colonial architecture in a designated state historic district.
Those interested in the history of the Revolutionary War can explore the Be Free! Rebel On! Trail as a self-guided driving route through Accomack County. The route is divided into seven activity centers. The Lighthouse Trail in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge offers a very different experience: the trail is approximately a quarter mile long and for walking only; it leads to Assateague Lighthouse. Together, these routes offer two distinct ways to discover history along the way: a driving route with several activity centers or a short walk to a specific destination.
Protected areas, birdwatching and coastal trails
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge protects habitats including beach, dunes, marshland and maritime forest. Located along the Atlantic Flyway, it offers year-round birdwatching. The refuge has paved and unpaved trails, including the Freshwater Marsh, Woodland, Bivalve, Black Duck, Swans Cove and Lighthouse Trails, as well as the Wildlife Loop. The trails are designated for hikers and cyclists. Trail conditions can change seasonally, so check current notices before your visit.
Trails and beach are also part of the nature experience at Assateague Island National Seashore: there are paved and unpaved trails, as well as 37 miles of beach open to hiking. Access to the beach and trails may be subject to seasonal restrictions. Ranger-led programs share information about the barrier island’s environment; check the schedule, as programs and times may change.
On the water, Assateague Adventures offers small-group kayak tours focused on wildlife, the island’s history and learning about the ecosystem. If this perspective interests you, consider the tour as a guided complement to the hiking trails. Check details about the offering again before booking.
Science, island culture and local experiences
NASA’s Wallops Visitor Center is a free public facility. Offerings include exhibits, videos, events, programs and facility tours for groups. A public launch viewing area is located seven miles from the launch site. Whether a launch can be viewed depends on the mission schedule and weather; also check the visitor center’s current offerings and opening hours before your trip. Guided STEM activities range from technical challenges for families and quiz events to astronomy evenings. Program times may change.
The Museum of Chincoteague Island preserves and displays historical and cultural objects from the islands of Chincoteague and Assateague. Its interactive exhibits cover topics including Misty of Chincoteague, the island’s seafood economy, decoy carving, shipwrecks and wild ponies. A first-order Fresnel lens is also on display. The exhibits bring together natural history and island culture, without limiting the visit to a single era.
The Chincoteague Cultural Alliance’s program includes music performances, live theater, storytelling and art classes. It also features a free summer movie series and a farmers’ and artisans’ market from May through October. As the program is seasonal, it is worth checking event dates and market dates before your trip. Another way to sample local cuisine is the seasonal Chincoteague Sampler Tour, which includes four traditional island specialties prepared by local restaurants and chefs. Confirm availability and price in advance.
A seasonal ferry runs from Onancock to Tangier Island. It operates daily between the first weekend in May and the first weekend in October; the trip takes approximately one hour. As the schedule is seasonal, check it before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Chincoteague Island, Onley, Onancock, Norfolk, Henrico, Chesapeake, Newport News, Giles County.
For the broader travel overview: Virginia.
