Chincoteague

Travel Guide

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

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
The price is €73 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
€73
8 Sept - 9 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Chincoteague. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
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 WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Very nice"

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

Waterside Inn
Chincoteague Inn

Chincoteague Inn

2 out of 5
4417 Deep Hole Road, Chincoteague, VA
The price is €85 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
€85
21 Sept - 22 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Chincoteague. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
"Free coffee"

Reviewed on 23 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 vacation home in Chincoteague. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Chincoteague Channel and Assateague ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (167 reviews)
"I loved the whole experience of my stay here except for the beds. Very uncomfortable. I think new mattresses are needed, plus I don’t think my sheets were changed? There was sand and hair on them. Otherwise , the place was fresh and clean."

Reviewed on 22 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 WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (435 reviews)
"The staff was very nice, responsive and accommodating. The beach area was nice for the kiddos and the pool had chairs already there to sit and they provided pool activities/floats. Overall it was a great long weekend with family and would come back to stay."

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

Key West Cottages
Great Water Views in quiet pet-friendly location facing lighthouse. Large Yard

Great Water Views in quiet pet-friendly location facing lighthouse. Large Yard

Chincoteague Island
Stay at this vacation home in Chincoteague. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Maui Jack's Waterpark and Museum of Chincoteague ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (36 reviews)
"It was family & friends that needed a get away and we really Enjoy the area"

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Great Water Views in quiet pet-friendly location facing lighthouse. Large Yard
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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