Discover Your Love of Chincoteague Island

As you wind your way across the five-mile causeway connecting Chincoteague Island to the mainland, the vibrant colors of the marsh and the unique sounds of over 300 species of birds and waterfowl greet you, guiding you to this secluded little paradise island. Living up to its moniker, the “Beautiful Land Across the Water,” this peaceful village moves at a quieter pace, giving travelers respite with its southern hospitality. As the marshland gives way to the Atlantic Ocean, you will find yourself in nature’s playground.

Known for the world-renowned wild pony roundup, swim, and auction—a 100-year tradition—Chincoteague offers something for everyone. From pristine natural beaches, miles of nature trails, kayaking and boating, to shopping, dining, and adventure, there are so many things to love.

Drive, bike, or walk over the bridge from Chincoteague Island to Assateague Island, VA, home to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island National Seashore.

Explore the outdoors on the beautiful beaches, perfect for surfing, swimming, fishing, beachcombing, and relaxing. Search for the world-famous Chincoteague Ponies while hiking or biking the miles of nature trails, or kayaking or boating the waterways, and witness the migratory birds as they travel the Atlantic Flyway during the spring and fall. Don’t forget to visit the majestic Assateague Lighthouse, with its bold red and white stripes and stunning views.

Immerse yourself in the rich culinary history of the island. The waters surrounding Chincoteague boast an abundance of fresh seafood, including oyster and clam shoals, the bivalves of the aqua farms in Tom’s Cove, blue crabs, and a wide variety of fish—you will taste the freshness in each bite. Pair your seafood with veggies grown on the Eastern Shore for an unforgettable farm-to-table coastal meal. Top it off with homemade ice cream or soft serve from one of our local premier ice cream shops!

While there is so much of the outdoors to explore, this little island offers many other activities and experiences.

Explore the wide variety of unique galleries, boutiques, specialty shops, and bookstores. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the area by taking a guided or self-guided walking tour or visiting the museums. Take a walk on the adventurous side with water parks, adventure parks, amusement parks, or mini-golf.

There are even rocket launches for all the space lovers! On nearby Wallops Island, home of NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility, Electron rockets fulfill deep space missions, and sounding rockets conduct scientific research. Chincoteague Island offers several launch viewing locations for the numerous missions scheduled throughout the year.

Plan your trip around annual events, including fireworks displays, carnivals, and parades. The spring Seafood Festival and the award-winning fall Oyster Festival showcase our local cuisine, while the Easter Decoy & Art Festival features local decoy carvers and a variety of artists and artisans.

Start your day by enjoying the breathtaking sunrises and end it with incredible sunsets. Experience the history, legend, and natural beauty of our serene fishing village located on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. This small island will take you away to another time—a time where the pace is slower, the fun is simpler, and the memories are priceless!