If your ideal coastal getaway involves relaxing on unspoiled beaches, wandering sandy trails or kayaking along calm waterways in search of migrating birds and wild ponies, we have the perfect destination for you. Chincoteague Island (pronounced SHIN-kuhteeg) is Virginia’s only resort island and truly the gem of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. It’s perfect for those looking for a quiet and relaxing escape into nature, a laidback family getaway, or an outdoorsy and adventurous seaside escape.
We’ve visited the area several times, but we recently spent a week exploring the region deeper and bopping around the surrounding coastal towns, and it was nothing short of magical. Now, we’re beyond excited to team up with Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism to show you where to eat, stay, and play in and around Chincoteague in hopes that our recommendations will help you to plan your own perfect trip and have as much fun here as we always do!
But before we really dive into our recommendations, we want to share some logistics…
Getting to and Around Chincoteague Island
Chincoteague is located 3ish hours from Washington, DC, Philadelphia, PA, and Baltimore, Maryland (give or take an hour based on traffic) and about 4.5 hours from New York City. It’s situated between Assateague Island and Wallops Island on the Northeastern tip of Virginia’s Eastern Shore and bordered by the Chesapeake Bay (America’s largest estuary) and the Atlantic Ocean.
The best way to get to Chincoteague is by car, and a car will also be needed if you want to do any day trips to explore more of the Eastern Shore. That said, the Island itself is incredibly bikeable. If you have bikes and a way to transport them, you should definitely bring them along with you! There are also an ample number of affordable spots on-island to rent them. We recommend Refuge Bikes.
Wild Ponies: What to Know Before You Go
The wild ponies of a Chincoteague are an obvious draw to the island, but they’re actually neither wild nor ponies. These horses are feral (descendants of domesticated horses) and the reason that they‘re called “ponies” is simply because of their small stature in comparison to other horse breeds. The Chincoteague breed has gained many adaptations to be able to survive on the island. For instance, their stomach lining is four times the thickness of a regular horse, and they’re equipped with larger kidneys to handle the high sodium intake that comes with life in the salt marsh.
These horses are rounded up three times a year, twice for vaccines, health assessments, etc. and once for the annual pony penning (pictured above) where some of the foals are auctioned off to raise money for the local fire department and keep the population in check and at a sustainable level.
The most important thing to remember when you encounter the horses is that for all intents and purposes, they are still wild animals, which means they must be respected as such. Never try to pet or feed them and give them at least 40ft (a bus length) of space. Taking these simple precautions helps to keep all parties safe, and it’s the law.
Okay, now let’s get into it…
10 Must-Have Experiences In & Around Chincoteague, Virginia
Stay at a Unique Property
Chincoteague Island offers a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences, group sizes, and budgets. These range from charming BnBs, to cozy rental homes, to modern hotels. We’re personally suckers for unique stays, and had amazing experiences at both the Refuge Inn and the Inn on Main. Both of these properties are locally-owned and managed and perfect for couples.
The Inn on Main This retro-inspired revived motel is conveniently located right in town. Each of its 16 rooms come with a retro mini refrigerator, microwave, Keurig, and TV and have either a king, queen, or two double beds. Outside, guests can enjoy a saltwater pool, solar jacuzzi tubs, firepit, and beautiful covered patio with a communal grill, and while this isn’t an adults-only property, the owners work to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
The Refuge Inn: Located near the entrance to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, The Refuge Inn offers comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, bicycle rentals, and the ability to feed and pet the Chincoteague ponies that call the property home! The Inn’s peaceful setting and friendly atmosphere make it a popular choice for both families and couples. We loved that our room had a balcony that over looked the pony pen and that our breakfast (that was made to order and delivered to our room each morning) was so delicious!
Miss Molly’s Inn: If you’re a fan of the book, Misty of Chincoteague, a stay at Miss Molly’s Inn on Main Street may be for you. This Victorian Bed and Breakfast is where Misty’s author, Marguerite Henry began writing the book in 1946.
Paddle Atop the Assateague Channel
There are a variety of outfitters that rent kayaks and stand up paddle boards as well as guided tours available to book. If you want to paddle using your own personal watercraft, a valid permit is needed to launch from any public launch site on the island. An annual permit costs $20 and a temporary (7 consecutive days) permit is $5. You can obtain a permit at either the municipal building, located at 6150 Community Dr (closed weekends, holidays, and evenings) or the Curtis Merritt harbor of refuge. The local police station also sells permits (cash only).
We brought our own SUPs and launched from Veterans Memorial Park. The water was pretty choppy and paddling back was a bit of a struggle, so be sure to check the conditions before you paddle out and know your own personal limits.
Explore the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Located on Assateague Island, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most visited refuges in the nation (receiving approximately 1.5 million visitors annually) for good reason; It is a nature-lover’s paradise! The site is home to 15 miles of trails that weave through maritime forest, dune, and salt marsh habitats, a pristine beach, and (of course) the world famous Chincoteague ponies. Prices start at $10 for a daily pass, $25 for a weekly pass, and entrance is free for visitors planning to hike or bike into the refuge. A valid National Park Pass is also accepted.
Whether you want to spend your time here lounging seaside, looking for beach ponies, hiking, biking, or bird watching along the trails, or climbing to the top of the Assateague Lighthouse, you’ll find ample ways to fill your days… but if you need some help narrowing those options down, here are our top picks:
Hit the Trails
The Wildlife Loop is a popular 3.5-mile paved trail that circles around the refuge’s marshes, providing excellent opportunities to see birds, deer, and other wildlife. This loop accessible can be experienced via foot, bike, or car.
For a more adventurous hike, try the Woodland Trail, which leads to an observation platform with views of the ponies. The Black Duck Marsh Trail is another favorite, offering beautiful views of the marshland and diverse bird species.
We love riding our bikes across the bridge into the refuge and then down to Chincoteague Beach. We take the Wildlife Loop to the Swan Cove Trail and lock up our bikes on the rack beside the bathrooms and then walk out to the (usually empty) stretch of beach. This part of the shoreline is only accessible by bike or foot, so you’ll have to put in a bit more work to get there, but it’s totally worth it if you’re looking for a peaceful experience!
Chincoteague Beach is also an excellent location for shelling! The Fish and Wildlife Service allows each person to collect and take one gallon of unoccupied shells from the refuge per day.
Have a Beach Day
If you’d rather enjoy the sun and sand without the side of hiking or biking, a more popular beach is located near Toms Cove Visitor Center. Toms Cove is family-friendly and ideal for swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and kite flying. There are restrooms and changing facilities available, along with picnic areas nearby. The beach is managed by the National Park Service who offers a variety of Ranger-Led programs as well.
If you have a 4×4 you can apply for an annual OSV (over sand vehicle) permit from recreation.gov and drive along the sandy shores of the barrier island. The permit fee ranges from $110 to $200, depending upon the type of access you’d like and is valid for one year from the month of purchase. The OSV zone remains open year-round and is limited to 48 vehicles on the Virginia side of Assateague and 145 vehicles on the Maryland side.
Go Birding
Virginia’s Eastern Shore is part of the Atlantic Avian Flyway and as such funnels migrating birds along the coastline. This position makes Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, as well as many other locations along the Eastern Shore, the perfect place for birds to rest, feed, nest, or winter and an ideal location for bird watching year round.
The Toms Cove area and the Snow Goose Pool are excellent spots for birdwatching, and if you want to keep track of the birds that you spot, here is a printable Chincoteague Bird Checklist from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Bring your binoculars and keep an eye out for species like the American oystercatcher, snowy egret, and the endangered piping plover.
Climb to the Top of the Assateague Lighthouse
A visit to the striking red-and-white striped Assateague Lighthouse is a must! Beginning on Memorial Day 2024, the lighthouse is open for climbing every Friday and Saturday from 10:00 AM until 3:30 PM, weather permitting. After Labor Day the lighthouse will be open on Saturdays through Thanksgiving weekend. During these times, you can climb the 175 steps to the top for panoramic views of the island and surrounding waters and learn about the structure’s history from the rangers and volunteers on site.
The lighthouse was built in 1867 and still in use today. It has a beacon call of two flashes every five seconds and can be seen miles away. To get there, you’ll park at the Lighthouse Trail parking lot and walk for a few minutes (.25 miles) along a flat, wooded trail until you reach a clearing where the structure resides. ProTip: Be sure to pack your bug spray, as the mosquitoes are relentless!
Take a Wildlife Cruise
The best way to see and really learn about these ponies is on a guided tour. We have taken two tours with Daisey’s Island Cruises and could not recommend them more! Our Captain, Ayden, who’s family has been on the island since the late 1600’s, knew all of the horses by name and taught us so much about the history of the herds and the island. He even had a book with pictures, names, and descriptions of all of the ponies, so we could follow along too!
The area is extremely biodiverse and home to so much other wildlife as well. Beyond the dozens of wild ponies, we also spotted bald eagles, and dolphins on our! ProTip: The best time to see the ponies is in the morning, so it’s best to book a tour for the AM — which will also allow you to beat the heat! Click here to see the highlights of our experience!
Explore the NASA Wallops Flight Facility
A trip to the visitor center at this NASA launch site, will allow you to explore hands-on exhibits, learn about space missions, rockets, and even witness a rocket launch, if you’re lucky. If you don’t want to leave it up to chance, you can check their flight schedule here. The Visitor Center is open Tuesday- Saturday 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. and admission is free of charge!
Eat Local Seafood + Indulge in Sweet Treats
It’s no surprise that Chincoteague boasts some of the best seafood on the Eastern Shore, but what may be surprising is that this island has lots to offer for visitors with a sweet tooth. We’ve outlined all of our dining (and snacking) recommendations below.
Ropewalk Restaurant – Ropewalk has what we like to affectionately call “yard games” for kids and adults alike. This waterfront restaurant also boasts docks for those who want to visit by boat, palm trees, and tables in the sand. The food and lively, family-friendly atmosphere both pass the vibe check for a casual meal out, and it’s an all around solid spot for lunch or dinner.
ChincoTiki Caribbean Bar & Grill – ChincoTiki is another laidback waterfront spot and as lovers of sand floors and outdoor dining, it’s definitely a favorite of ours. They have great cocktails, and offer a family-friendly atmosphere with corn hole, ring-on-a-string, Jenga and live music. ChincoTiki is located bayside, so it’s a great spot for sunset!
Teaguer’s Pub – If you love a good dive bar, Teaguer’s is the place for you. Their menu includes classic pub fare like burgers, wings, and sandwiches, alongside fresh seafood dishes. Their drinks are cold and their peel-and-eat-shrimp is so fresh and so delicious!
AJ’s On the Creek – For more of an upscale experience, we recommend, AJ’s on the Creek. Aleah swears that she had the best bowl of cream of crab soup she’s ever had here, but we have rave reviews for every one of their made-from-scratch seafood dishes that we’ve tried. AJ’s offer’s outdoor dining on Eel Creek and boasts the title of being the longest-running restaurant on the Island.
Bill’s Prime Seafood & Steaks – Bill’s is another popular spot known for its fresh seafood, steaks, and classic American dishes. It’s located right in historic downtown Chincoteague, and we highly recommend both their crab cakes and oysters!
Amarin Coffee – This Vietnamese coffee shop offers some of the best coffee and pastries on the island. They started growing and roasting their single-origin coffee on a small family farm in the Central Highlands of Vietnam (a region that we learned is world-renowned for its coffee and is the world’s 2nd largest producer of coffee) in 2012, and opened their Chincoteague shop in 2019. Beyond coffee drinks, they also have a variety of fruit teas and slushes on their menu. Their croissants are another must-try. They’re HUGE and absolutely delectable!
Island Creamery – This local creamery serves up homemade ice cream and was named America’s #1 ice cream shop by USA Today. You’ll likely arrive to find a line down the sidewalk, but it always moves quick and the ice cream lives up to all the hype! When you go, get your scoops in one of their waffle cones (and thank us later).
Sandy Pony Donuts – This local spot is a Chincoteague institution! The hot and hand-made-to-order donuts that Sandy Pony serves up are both filling and fun to eat and order. Check out their website before you go, so you know exactly what you want because they have 25 different donut flavors to choose from as well as some yummy acai bowls!
Take a Day Trip to Explore More of the Eastern Shore
The Eastern Shore is packed with hidden gems that line the entire coast. On our recent trip, we drove south to Cape Charles and then made our way back north to Chincoteague, and we checked off some pretty epic adventures along the way.
Cape Charles Beach: This public beach is situated on the Chesapeake Bay and there are no entrance or parking fees. The shallow water is calm with no waves and perfect for families with small children.
Kiptopeke State Park: This park has over five miles of trails for hiking and biking, campsites, and plenty of opportunities to hang out both by and on the water. It’s also home to the Concrete Fleet aka Kiptopeke Breakwater, a ghost fleet of nine concrete ships that were sank about a half mile off the shore to bring protection to the ferry terminal during severe weather. While the terminal has since closed, the breakwater still protects the pier and Kiptopeke Beach while also providing habitat for marine life including fish, shellfish, and birds.
If you want to get a closer look at the ships, single and tandem kayaks are available to rent by the hour at Kiptopeke State Park. We found an hour to be the perfect amount of time to explore. The water was pretty choppy and we had to fight the current and wind, which was a bit challenging after a while.
Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve: The preserve is home to some of the highest sand dunes in Virginia and the largest population of the rare & threatened northeastern beach tiger beetle and protects several miles of coastline that’s only accessible at low tide. To access the shore, you’ll take a walk along the flat and sandy trail, just be sure to check the tide ahead of time, practice Leave No Trace, and refrain from digging/disturbing the sand in order to protect their fragile habitat.
Paddle to a Winery along Church Creek: Before heading back to Chincoteague, we got out on the water one last time with South East Expeditions. This local company offers a guided ecotour, aptly named “Paddle Your Glass Off” which led us to Chatham Vineyards. We enjoyed a tasting and some great conversation with our guide and the others on our tour before paddling back to shore.
Whether you’re an avid birder, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge offers a diverse array of activities and experiences. Its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife make it a true gem on the Eastern Shore, providing unforgettable memories for all who visit.
