Chincoteague Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Chincoteague which includes waves and a sandy beach
Chincoteague showing general coastal views
Chincoteague
Chincoteague showing bird life, a sandy beach and signage
Chincoteague featuring general coastal views and a beach

Browse unique shops, see wild ponies and bike along beautiful trails in this charming island town.

Chincoteague, also known as Chincoteague Island, is a long barrier island with quaint inns, excellent restaurants and wonderful natural scenery. Located on the Virginia Eastern Shore, the town is best known for its Chincoteague ponies, which are led across the channel from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island in an annual swim. Eat fresh oysters, discover interesting museums and embark on scenic hikes in the nearby wildlife refuge.

You may recognise Chincoteague as the setting of Marguerite Henry's children's book Misty of Chincoteague, which was later made into a movie. Published in 1947, the book was inspired by a real pony named Misty. Look for the bronze statue of Misty on Main Street. Plan your visit in late July to watch the famous yearly pony swim.

Take a guided boat cruise or go kayaking in Chincoteague Bay and look for dolphins swimming in the water. When you’re ready for a break, dine at one of the town’s many fine seafood restaurants. Try meals that include oysters, blue crabs or clams, all area specialties.

Head to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge to explore more than 14,000 acres (5,700 hectares) of pristine beaches, marshes and forests. Stretching across the southern third of Assateague Island, directly off Chincoteague Island, the refuge provides a habitat for hundreds of different species. Walk along the 3-mile (5-kilometre) self-guided wildlife loop, looking for wild ponies, snowy egrets, blue herons and the Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel.

Climb to the top of Assateague Island Lighthouse for wonderful views over Chincoteague. Built in 1833, this 142-foot-tall (43-metre) lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and still functions as a navigational light. See the lighthouse’s original lens at the Museum of Chincoteague, which is dedicated to the island’s history. View models of historic fishing vessels and old tools once used in the oyster trade.

Chincoteague is located south of the Maryland-Virginia line, across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge from Washington, D.C. Enjoy your escape to this laid-back resort island.

Where to stay in Chincoteague

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Piney Island

While visiting Piney Island, you might make a stop by sights like Maui Jack's Waterpark and Museum of Chincoteague.

Piney Island
Atlantic Shores Inn and Suites

Atlantic Shores Inn and Suites

2 out of 5
6273 Maddox Blvd, Chincoteague, VA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿2,479 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
฿2,479
฿2,784 total
8 Sept - 9 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Chincoteague. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Breakfast starts late"

Reviewed on 22 Aug 2025

Atlantic Shores Inn and Suites
Waterside Inn

Waterside Inn

2 out of 5
3761 Main St, Chincoteague, VA
Stay at this hotel in Chincoteague. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Stayed here many times and love it! Great breakfast in the morning and proximity to all attractions a huge plus."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Waterside Inn
Chincoteague Inn

Chincoteague Inn

2 out of 5
4417 Deep Hole Road, Chincoteague, VA
The price is ฿2,884 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
฿2,884
฿3,239 total
21 Sept - 22 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Chincoteague. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
Cute place!
"Very Nice hôtel, very clean quiet. Nice Little donut shop a couple of blocks away. Wish we had more time to stay there. Unfortunately we were just passing thru!"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Chincoteague Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Blufin Bungalows & Marina

Blufin Bungalows & Marina

3 out of 5
2477 Main St, Chincoteague, VA
Stay at this 3-star holiday home in Chincoteague. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Chincoteague Channel and Assateague ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (165 reviews)
"Wonderful experience - unique and fun! Staff was great and friendly and the area was clean."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Blufin Bungalows & Marina
Key West Cottages

Key West Cottages

3 out of 5
4251 Main Street, Chincoteague, VA
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Chincoteague. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (432 reviews)
"We've been visiting Chincoteague every summer for the past 10 years and this is the first time we've stayed at Key West Cottages and we were not disappointed. We appreciated the cleanliness of the cottage, having our own kitchen, and the private "beach" overlooking the bay. Despite being at full ..."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

Key West Cottages
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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