Visitors walk past the “Welcome to Virginia” and “Welcome to Tangier Island!” signs on their way to Main Street on Tangier Island.

© John M. Chase / Getty

Tangier Island

Virginia

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This island in the middle of the Chesapeake is a veritable trip into the past. Its inhabitants, watermen whose families have lived here for centuries, continue to live off oystering and crabbing. Quiet pedestrian lanes edged with New England–style villages crisscross the marshy realm. Stop by Hilda Crockett’s Chesapeake House for a community-style meal of clam fritters, crab cakes, corn pudding, pickled beets, and other island fare.

Tangier Ferries (tel 757-891-2505) connects the island with Onnancock from May to October (adult/child six to 12 years $25/10 return) and Tangier Cruise (tangiercruise.com) connects the island with Reedville from mid-May to mid-October (adult/child four to 12 years $30/15 return).

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Rappahannock Oyster Company

    Rappahannock Oyster Company

    29.08 MILES

    This influencer in the oyster world was established in 1899. It harvests more than 180,000 oysters each week, many of which are shipped to restaurants…

  • Point Lookout State Park

    Point Lookout State Park

    24.73 MILES

    The western shore of Maryland – that is, the western peninsula created by Chesapeake Bay – terminates here, in a preserved space of lagoons, pine woods…

  • Historic Christ Church

    Historic Christ Church

    25.68 MILES

    Built in 1735, this historic country church approximately two miles north of Irvington was the gift of wealthy landowner and colonial politician, Robert…

  • J Millard Tawes Historical Museum

    J Millard Tawes Historical Museum

    12.73 MILES

    This small museum gives insight into the history of the region's inhabitants, beginning 10,000 years ago. Exhibits explore the life of local watermen –…

  • Reedville Fishermen's Museum

    Reedville Fishermen's Museum

    15.57 MILES

    Here’s the place to get the historical lowdown on the region’s fishers. The small museum is filled with photos and artifacts. See the historic work boats…

View more attractions

Nearby Virginia attractions

1. J Millard Tawes Historical Museum

12.73 MILES

This small museum gives insight into the history of the region's inhabitants, beginning 10,000 years ago. Exhibits explore the life of local watermen –…

2. Reedville Fishermen's Museum

15.57 MILES

Here’s the place to get the historical lowdown on the region’s fishers. The small museum is filled with photos and artifacts. See the historic work boats…

3. Point Lookout State Park

24.73 MILES

The western shore of Maryland – that is, the western peninsula created by Chesapeake Bay – terminates here, in a preserved space of lagoons, pine woods…

4. Historic Christ Church

25.68 MILES

Built in 1735, this historic country church approximately two miles north of Irvington was the gift of wealthy landowner and colonial politician, Robert…

5. Rappahannock Oyster Company

29.08 MILES

This influencer in the oyster world was established in 1899. It harvests more than 180,000 oysters each week, many of which are shipped to restaurants…