A Complete Guide to Visiting Chincoteague, Virginia
/
The sunrises and sunsets in Chincoteaugue are incredible
This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
misty of chincoteague in downtown
If you’re looking for what to do in Chincoteague, Virginia, you’re in the right place. Whether you are traveling with kids or without, you’ll find everything you need to plan your trip here. From a NASA space center to horses on the beach to locally sourced ice cream and Hallmark movie town vibes, Chincoteague is an excellent choice for your next vacation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Click to Skip to:
What to do in Chincoteague, Virginia
Visit Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Climb the Assateague Light House
If you are looking for more things to do in Virginia with kids, check out my complete guide to visiting Harpers Ferry!
When to Visit Chincoteague, Virginia
The best time to visit Chincoteague is from late spring to early fall. By May the weather is turning warmer and the tourists are starting to make their way over to the island to soak up the first glimpses of summer.
We visited chincoteague in the fall
The warmer weather means the ponies are out and about, the boat tours have started back up, ice cream becomes the preferred treat, and the seafood shacks are opening their doors again. July usually sees the highest number of tourists who are coming in for the Chincoteague Pony Swim and Auction. Summer time definitely brings the most vibrant and bustling island atmosphere with long beach days, outdoor sports, and a thriving wildlife refuge.
The average annual weather for reference - graph courtesy of Custom Weather
However, fall brings its own charm to the island. We visited in late September and it was so perfect. The crowds had thinned, lodging rates were lower, but most businesses were still open. We got to soak in the crisp morning air, incredible sunrises, have campfires, and really enjoy the island. The shoulder season is the best time to visit Chincoteague in my opinion.
chincoteague in fall was cool, but we were able to wear short sleeves some of the time
Winter is the quietest season in Chincoteague. The island goes into a bit of hibernation with many business closing their doors for the season. Most island services drop to minimal hours. However, the coastal landscape becomes quiet and serene. If you’re the type who loves solitude, this is the perfect time to visit Chincoteague.
How to get to Chincoteague
Chincoteague Island is pretty convenient to Washington DC, Philadelphia, Norfolk, and Baltimore. Chincoteague is a perfect weekend getaway for these cities and offers so many relaxing, cozy vibes.
The drive from Washington DC to Chincoteague is 3 hours and 20 minutes.
Baltimore to Chincoteague is 3 hours, 15 minutes
Philadelphia to Chincoteague is 3 hours and 30 minutes
Norfolk to Chincoteague is 2 hours, 10 minutes
can you find the murals in chincoteague?
Where to Stay in Chincoteague
Chincoteague RV Bay Resort & Cottages
chincoteague bay rv resort and cottages have the best glamping tents we’ve ever stayed in
Chincoteague Bay RV Resort and Cottages is located on the southern tip of Chincoteague Island. It is so quiet and peaceful down here.
Chincoteague Bay RV Resort and Cottages hosted us in the glamping tents for 2 nights. We were put in the waterfront glamping tents, and I must say, they were impressive! Each glamping tent has 2 bedrooms. One room has a queen bed and one has twin bunk beds. The tent has its own private bathroom (toilet, sink, shower) and a kitchen equipped with a fridge, hot plates, coffee maker, and utensils.
the glamping tents face the water - theY are so spacious and comfy
These waterfront glamping tents and their on-site waterfront bungalows face the water directly meaning you get to watch the most beautiful sunsets every single night.
Use Code BIGBRAVENOMAD10 to get 10% off your stay!
Don’t forget your fishing pole! there are so many places to drop a line in chincoteague
We absolutely LOVED the boardwalk in front of the tents that connected us to the fishing pier. The property has a great playground, a pool, golf cart rentals, and a really nice General Store. We were able to get anything we needed right on site. I will definitely be staying here again.
Use Code BIGBRAVENOMAD10 to get 10% off your stay!
the glamping tents are right on the water and so peaceful
We were invited to stay 3 nights in an overwater Bungalow at Bluefin Bungalows and Marina in Chincoteague. This has to be one of the most unique places to stay in Virginia. Each bungalow is literally floating like a house boat!
Each morning and evening felt like waking up in a postcard with insanely gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. This boutique waterfront property combines Virginia’s coastal charm with luxury as each bungalow has its own private bathroom, large fully stocked kitchens, and private screened in porches.
blufin floating bungalows at sunset
The property has a pool, corn hole, fire pits, and has it’s own private marina. At BluFin Bungalows and Marina you can rent boats, jet skis, paddle boards, kayaks, etc. It’s perfect for everyone who loves getting out on the water.
You can rent jet skis, boats, and paddleboards right on site!
We absolutely loved staying at BluFin. We even got to see a rocket launch while sitting by a campfire on this property. It was a once in a lifetime experience and was made even better by seeing it from this amazing property.
Not only does bluefin offer floating bunglows, but they have these incredible waterfront bungalows .
Other Places to Stay in Chincoteague:
While the Waterfront Glamping and Floating Bungalows are the best places to stay in Chincoteague, there are so many more places to choose from on the island. Use the map below to find hotels, homestays, and RV parks that fit your family’s size and budget.
What to do in Chincoteague, Virginia
1) Visit a National Park Site
Uniquely Chincoteague is in Virginia, but is also home to part of Assateague National Seashore. However, this part is run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service AND the National Park Service. This means the parks are operated separately, but also together.
To see more photos and videos from our trips to Chincoteague & Assateague, check out my Instagram Highlight.
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
You absolutely MUST visit Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The wild ponies of Chincoteague are what draw many visitors to the island. While these are wild ponies, they are kept fenced in the Wildlife Refuge where they can be protected. You must go into the park to see them!
**Many people rent bikes from The Bike Depot and ride them into the National Wildlife Refuge instead of driving. If the weather is nice, I highly suggest doing this!
chincoteague’s Wild ponies are the main attraction on the island
Every visitor to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge should make a stop at Tom’s Cove visitor center to get a park map and find an up-to-date weather update or share info about the park’s road conditions and possible closures. The visitor center also has many hands on exhibits for kids! We completed the Junior Ranger books!
Tom’s cove visitor center has a touch tank, a fossil/bone identification area, an aquarium, and a bird watching area!
There is a second visitor center run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Center. It’s the Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center. They have their own separate Junior Ranger program and a really, really nice museum.
Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center has some really great exhibits
After the visitor center, be sure to stop by the beach! Spending a day on the beach is by far the top thing to do in Chincoteague! We spent a few hours looking for seashells, enjoying the sound of the waves, and playing in the sand. They have plenty of parking, on-site restrooms, and changing rooms. During peak months there are lifeguards on duty.
The beach in chincoteague national wildlife refuge
You can hike in Chincoteague! There are a few hiking trails inside the wildlife refuge as well. I highly recommend heading on the very easy and short (0.3 mile) Lighthouse Trail to climb the Assateague Lighthouse.
earn your sticker and climb to the top of the lighthouse
After you climb to the top, you’ll get a sticker!
Visit Assateague National Seashore
Obligatory national park sign photo!
How long does it take to get from Chincoteague to Assateague National Seashore?- about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Taking a day trip up to Assateague is a must do when visiting Chincoteague. The sister parks are similar, but also very different. Assateague National Seashore is located in Maryland.
The Assateague Island Visitor Center is open every single day from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. The visitor center is really nice and has some educational displays, a water overlook, and a nice National Park gift shop! Get your National Park Passport stamped here!
It was a little overcast and cool since we visited in fall, but it was so relaxing to sit on the beach in assateague
The most popular thing to do in Assateague, besides look for the wild ponies, is to go to the beach. We spent a couple of hours hanging out and enjoying the ocean. The kids played in the sand and we looked for seashells. There are life guards on duty, huge parking lots, restrooms and changing rooms at the beaches here.
take a hike in assagteague
There are 3 family friendly hikes in Assateague. All of them are educational with signage explaining the ecology and fauna of the National Seashore.
Life of the Dunes trail - 3/4 mile loop
Life of the Forest trail - 1/2 mile loop - We did this trail and it is stroller friendly (and accessible). It was quick and really pretty. It is possible to see ponies, bald eagles, and other animals from this trail!
Life of the Marsh trail - 1/2 mile loop
Life of the forest trail in assateague national seashore
the ponies are not fenced in assateague, so be prepared to see them everywhere - even on the road!
2) Visit Wallops Space Center
A must-do in Chincoteague is visiting the Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center. Here you can explore interactive exhibits about sounding rockets, Earth science, scientific balloons, and the history of NASA missions at Wallops. When you get to the front desk, be sure to ask for one of the eye-spy sheets to fill out as you walk around the facility!
Admission to the visitor center is free. The hours (generally) are Thursday thru Sunday 10AM to 3PM. Be sure to check the Wallops site for launch days because parking fills quickly!
wallops space center is a must visit when in chincoteague
Be sure to Check out my Guides for the Utah National Parks
3) Take a Boat Ride to see Wildlife:
One of the most popular things to do in Chincoteague is taking a boat tour to see the Chincoteague Ponies!
There are several different companies that offer boat tours around Chincoteague Island. All have slightly different accomodations, but most offer a private boat for parties of 6 or less - or a group tour. The private boats get a little more up close and personal, but both are worth doing. We went with Daisey’s Island Cruises, but I do think most of them are about the same.
we saw the lighthouse from the boat!
One pro-tip when choosing a boat: If you want to see wildlife like dolphins and ponies, try to book the earliest tour in the day. If you can afford it - try to book private.
What to Bring: Binoculars, a jacket, snacks, and water.
We saw several bald eagles, but no dolphins!
4) Visit the Chincoteague Library
The Chincoteague Island Library is a must visit. Believe me. This historic library is located directly downtown at 4077 Main Street.
Chincoteague island library is a must visit when in town
This little library may be small, but it is extremely cozy and the staff is wonderful. If you’re visiting in summer, beat the heat or get out of the rain and bring the kids in for a play date in the kids area.
The Chincoteague Island Library Hours are:
Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Thursday 1–6 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Closed Sunday
The Library has gorgeous architecture, thoughtfully curated book collections, free wi-fi, public computers, and regular programs welcoming all. Don’t miss “Tales for Tots” or craft hours!
The ducks outside the chincoteague island library
We visited Chincoteague on a solo mom sister’s trip! Two moms, FIVE kids! If you’re wanting to visit Chincoteague as a Solo Parent Traveler, check out my tips for traveling as solo parent.
5) Catch a Movie at the Historic Theater
One of the best things to do in Chincoteague is a family movie night at The Island Theater!
The Island Theater is a gorgeous restored Art Deco theater that still shows films, plays, concerts, and community events. It’s run by the Chincoteague Island Arts Organization. The theater is located right downtown at 4074 Main Street.
The island theater is a historic theater in downtown chincoteague
While the theater does show new releases, it also shows nostalgic movies. It’s got all the small town charm inside a historic theater!
Island Theater Moving Showing Hours:
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7PM
First Sunday of the Month at 3PM
Ticket Prices:
Matinees: Adult $7, Children/Seniors $5
Evening Shows: Adults $10, Children/Seniors $7
There is a lot to see in downtown chincoteague
We did a lot of fishing in chincoteague
6) Go Fishing, Crabbing, or Clamming!
FISHING
Fishing is a very popular thing to do in Chincoteague. We spent a lot of our down time fishing from the floating bungalow, the pier at Chincoteague RV Resort, and even just off the bay side. I bought a pole, tackle, and bait from Capt Steve’s Bait & Tackle in Chincoteague. HIGHLY recommend stopping by because we were the only ones catching any fish! They are the local experts.
A little sunrise fishing of the pier
OOPS! Wrong kind of crab! :)
Since the fishermen were all kids, we didn’t get a Virginia Fishing license. However, you do need one if you are an adult.
CRABBING
If you want to go crabbing, you can! Some places to crab are Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Veteran’s Memorial Park.
WILDLIFE REFUGE: You can crab in designated areas of Swan Cove, as well as along Beach Road. ***Each person is only allowed one bushel per day.
VETERAN’S MEMORIAL PARK: This park is perfect for crabbing and you are not required to have a license. The Town of Chincoteague purchases a fishing license that covers all visitors each year!
This crabbing kit will be all you need to get started.
the kids caught so many fish! We all learned how to get them off the hook and release them!
CLAMMING
Clamming is a very popular activity in Chincoteague. All you need are a bucket or basket and a clam rake! You can either head over to Tom’s Cove to clam or you can book a private tour (Teaguer’s Tour) with Cowboy Cruises and they will teach you how to clam!
7) Find the Most Instagramable Spots in Chincoteague
In downtown Chincoteague, there are several spots that you can’t miss getting a photo with.
1) Ropewalk Mural
the mural at ropewalk is a must see
2) Located at 4110 Main Street is a massive mural done by Artist Michael Rosato, of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. This is an icon of the town.
the absolutely massive mural done by michael rosoto in chincoteague
3) LOVE Chairs. These oversized chairs are located behind the Library near the water. They are such a fun photo op in downtown Chincoteague!
This is a really fun spot for photos!
4) The wings at Sandy Pony Donuts are super fun to get photos with!
8) Chincoteague Pony Swim & Auction
The Chincoteague Pony Swim also known as Pony Penning, or Pony Penning Days, is an annual event held in Chincoteague, Virginia on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July.
This is the most famous event in Chincoteague! You do not want to miss the Pony Swim. Since this is so popular, plan at least a year in advance for your trip because accommodations sell out!
Read more about the Pony swim HERE.
If you're planning a family trip to Chincoteague, rest assured there's no shortage of kid-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained. From spotting the famous Chincoteague ponies to climbing the lighthouse or enjoying a scenic picnic with breathtaking views, Chincoteague has it all.
chincoteague has the most incredible sunsets
From its peaceful beaches and wild ponies to its cozy inns, waterfront dining, and small-town magic, Chincoteague, Virginia is one of those rare places that feels both timeless and full of life. However you choose to explore it, Chincoteague will capture your heart and have you planning your next trip before you even leave the island. Being only 3.5 hours away, it’s the perfect weekend trip from Washington DC!
PIN ME:
AMAZON AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE:
There are links on this site that can be defined as “affiliate links”. This means that I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you) if you subscribe or purchase something through the links provided.
Big Brave Nomad is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, audible.com, and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program.
