Crossing the Divide: Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Road Trip from Virginia Beach

Few road trips offer the kind of surreal, coastal beauty and infrastructure wonder found along the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT). Stretching 17.6 miles across the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, this engineering marvel links Virginia Beach to the Eastern Shore, a region that was largely isolated from the rest of Virginia until the bridge-tunnel opened in 1964.

A closer look at the engineering behind the CBBT — elevated spans rise above the waves, carrying travelers across one of the world’s most unique coastal crossings.

Before the CBBT existed, travelers had to rely on ferries or long inland routes to connect these two halves of Virginia. The bridge-tunnel changed all of that — providing a direct and dramatic connection over open water and through two impressive underwater tunnels: the Thimble Shoal Tunnel and the Chesapeake Channel Tunnel.

From behind the wheel: a scenic ride across the open water along the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, with the Atlantic breeze just outside the window.

As you drive across the span, you'll pass from bridge to tunnel and back again — with the road occasionally disappearing beneath the waves before re-emerging into sweeping bay views. The feeling is both futuristic and peaceful, especially during golden hour when the water reflects the fading light.

Inside the Thimble Shoal Tunnel, one of two underwater passages that run beneath the Chesapeake Bay — where sea and structure meet.

But the journey is more than a drive — it's a gateway to protected coastal ecosystems and scenic outdoor escapes. Just before you enter the bridge on the southern end, First Landing State Park offers miles of wooded trails, quiet beaches, and kayak-friendly inlets along the Chesapeake Bay. On the northern end, the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge welcomes travelers with pristine marshlands, boardwalk trails, and excellent birdwatching — especially during spring and fall migrations.

Adjacent to the refuge, Kiptopeke State Park is another local gem, featuring beaches, fishing piers, and bayfront campsites. The park is known for its stunning sunsets, shipwreck breakwaters, and opportunities for kayaking, stargazing, and hiking.

A peaceful stretch of shoreline along the Eastern Shore, where pine trees meet the soft sands of the Chesapeake Bay near Kiptopeke State Park.

Even the bridge itself offers nature access: the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Islands feature scenic pull-offs and fishing piers, where you can stop, stretch your legs, and take in panoramic views of passing cargo ships and seabirds in flight.

The $16 toll (for passenger vehicles) may seem steep, but it’s a small price for the chance to traverse one of the world’s most ambitious transportation projects — and to reconnect with Virginia’s untamed coastal beauty.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel stretches across the horizon — a 17.6-mile link connecting mainland Virginia to the Eastern Shore.

Located just minutes from the Virginia Beach metropolitan area, the bridge-tunnel makes for a perfect day trip or stopover between destinations. Whether you're exploring local parks, birdwatching in the refuge, or just chasing that endless-horizon feeling, the CBBT turns a simple drive into an unforgettable experience.