Caring for Each Other | Coming Prepared | Places to Stay | Restaurants
Outdoor Recreation | Beaches | Driving Tour
Caring for Each other
We know you are anxious to get out of the house and so are we! What’s nice, is that as long as you come prepared, you can reconnect with the outdoors and peaceful countryside of Mathews County without coming into much contact with others during your extended stay. Just like the rest of the country, our local businesses have come a long way to adapt to the changes and adopt protocols to keep customers and their staff safe during these times. We ask that you come prepared and familiar with current Virginia law regarding wearing masks inside businesses, and hygiene practices to keep our community safe in return.
Please feel at home while you are enjoying the beaches and waterways of the community! The Mathews Visitor Center will be open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10am to 4pm practicing new safe COVID-19 protocols to guide you during your stay.
Coming Prepared
Please follow the latest protocol from the Virginia Governor regarding wearing masks and social distancing. Most of Virginia is now in “Phase Three” of Reopening, please see the chart below regarding specific questions about businesses and recreation. YES, Mathews beaches are OPEN, free, and ready for you to visit!!
Places to Stay
There are plenty of places for you to stay for an extended trip with family. Small beach cottages, large family homes, room rentals, airbnb’s, and several Inn’s available in Mathews County.
Also, camping is available at our local campgrounds!
Restaurants
Most of our open restaurants are receiving indoor and outdoor seating at this time. All restaurants in Mathews are now handling to-go orders and we’ve updated our Restaurants page to reflect their new operations.
Call for hours or check their Facebook pages as they change seasonally. Visit Restaurant Page
Enjoy the Outdoors & Scenery
There is plenty to do during your stay in Mathews! The beaches are OPEN to the public, and there are plenty of places to launch your boat, bike, kayak or use your non-motorized craft. You do not have to wear a face mask when enjoying outdoor recreation and likely you will have plenty of space to enjoy on the water without worrying about crowds.
Take a long bike tour using some of the trail maps via Tour de Chesapeake, or take a driving tour to some of the beautiful spots in Mathews such as Gwynn’s Island, William’s Wharf, or New Point Comfort Observation Deck. Mathews is also home to two lighthouses!
So many lodging rentals in Mathews give you access to the Bay or river waterfront where you can enjoy the dock, marshes and natural scenery.
Please visit our calendar for museum hours or other events. Please know that many events have been canceled through July.
Beaches
All of our beaches in Mathews are open and free. Parking is free, and you can get there by car. Visit our beaches page to view some of the details to find the beach that is right for your group or family. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash and please do bring doggy bags. Feel free to picnic, take a walk, sun bathe, swim (water shoes highly recommended) and play.
Masks and Shopping
Masks are required when patronizing our local businesses at this time. There is plenty of shopping on Mathews Main Street and throughout the county for you to enjoy some vintage and thrift store shopping. The best time to hit all of the retail shops are Fridays and Saturdays as new COVID hours have changed normal operations. For specific hours, visit the shop’s Facebook pages.
Driving Tour
There is much to see in Mathews County, and lots go ground to cover. We’ve put together a 3 day driving tour itinerary for you to see some of the best spots around the county, with pit stops for picnics, great food, and local shopping. Featured in this itinerary are places such as the Observation Deck at New Point Comfort Natural Area Preserve, and the Pavilion at William’s Wharf.
Find the WanderLove Driving tour here!
