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Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
Chesapeake Bay
view website32386 Lankford Highway (between Virginia's Eastern Shore and Virginia Beach, Virginia)
Cape Charles, VA 23310
757-385-7777
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-K
School-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Scenic Landmark
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Description
There's only one way to truly grasp the magnitude of the Chesapeake Bay, and that's to cross it. Thankfully, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, billed as both a tourist attraction and an engineering marvel, makes it easy to traverse the mouth of the Bay. Whether you're heading south from Virginia's Eastern Shore toward Virginia Beach and Norfolk or leaving those points behind as you head north, the 20-mile (toll plaza to toll plaza) bridge and tunnel are a wonder to behold, and provide a unique perspective on the Chesapeake Bay.
Kid Tips
Pre-Teens & Teens: This is one Sunday drive that older kids will appreciate. Looking out the car windows at the wide-open Bay is truly awe-inspiring.
Planning Notes
- Just the facts. For the engineering-minded members of the family, the entire project contains 12 miles of low-level trestle; two 1-mile tunnels; two bridges; 2 miles of causeway; four manmade islands; and 5.5 miles of approach roads.
- Stop at Sea Gull Island. The southernmost of the manmade islands (accessible from both directions) has a small restaurant, restrooms, gift shop, and fishing pier. It's a great place to stop and take in the view of the Bay. Restrooms are also available on the north end of the bridge-tunnel at the scenic overlook.
- Bypass the restaurant. As one patron said, "It's a place where you eat for the view, not for the food." If stomachs are growling, though, the restaurant serves reasonably priced diner food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the summer (until 6 p.m. mid-September to mid-May).
- Go fishing. A 625-foot, wheelchair-accessible pier on Sea Gull Island enables fishing enthusiasts to deep-sea fish while within eyesight of Virginia Beach. Cleaning stations and a certified weigh station are available. No fishing license is required.
- Make it a round-trip. The passenger toll is $12 each way; if you return within 24 hours, the return trip is only $5 (receipt required).
- Keep your cash. E-Z Pass is accepted in all lanes.
Just the Facts
Hours: Always open.
Fees: $10-$20
Recommended Time: Less than 1 hour
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