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 unique sounds of over 300 species of birds and waterfowl greet you, guiding you to this secluded little paradise island. Truly living up to its moniker, the “Beautiful Land Across the Water,” this peaceful village moves at a quieter pace, giving the traveler 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, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, 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, Virginia, home to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island National Seashore. Explore the outdoors on the beautiful beaches that are 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.

While you are there, enjoy the rich culinary history of the island. The waters surrounding Chincoteague boast an abundance of fresh seafood, with 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. Depending on the season, the catch of the day can be rockfish, flounder, drum, shark, or tuna. Whether you are preparing your own food at your vacation rental or enjoying one of the many amazing restaurants on the island, pair your seafood with veggies grown on the Eastern Shore, and you will have an unforgettable farm-to-table coastal meal. Top it off with homemade ice cream or soft serve from one of their 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.

They even have 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.

They also have plenty of annual events to enjoy, including fireworks displays, the carnival, and parades. The spring Seafood Festival and the award-winning fall Oyster Festival showcases their local cuisine, and the Easter Decoy & Art Festival features local decoy carvers as well as 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 this 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!

It’s time to discover what you LOVE about Chincoteague!

Plan your 2025 vacation getaway at VisitCIVA.com.