Visiting Chincoteague Island Hotels soon? Chincoteague Island, Virginia’s only resort island, is perhaps the most beautiful island on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. World famous for its oyster beds and clam shoals, Chincoteague is the gateway to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge located on the Virginia side of Assateague Island. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is also home to the world famous Chincoteague Ponies and an award winning beach at Assateague Island National Seashore.
Fishing, boating, surfing, sunbathing, shell collecting, biking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, shopping, dining & so much more; Chincoteague has it all! Chincoteague Island is a birder’s paradise, a fisherman’s dream, with sunsets like you have never imagined, dolphin frolicking in the waves and idyllic days by the shore. Visit all the best Virginia Beaches here.
Chincoteague Island Weather – When to Visit
The best time to visit is during the spring (March – May). The area is part of the Atlantic flyway for migrating shorebirds, and everyone can enjoy the bird-watching. The roads, beaches and hiking trails through the woods and dunes are quiet and uncrowded. And best of all, you might snare a private viewing of the shaggy brown and white horses that make this place so famous.
Summer is the best time to travel for weather, but keep in mind while planning your trip that the island’s annual Pony Swim takes place in late July. It’s the one time of year when things can get really hectic on the island — though many people say the event is so cool that it’s worth dealing with the crowds. Some 40,000 spectators crowd in here each July to watch the famed Chincoteague Wild Pony Swim. That’s when the horses that inhabit part of this barrier island off the coast of Maryland and Virginia are rounded up for a 3-minute swim across the channel. Beach resorts in the area, including Ocean City, Md., attract thousands of visitors each summer. Rooms at the best hotels are expensive and can be hard to come by.
Best Area Chincoteague Island Beaches
Chincoteague Island Beach
One of the most gorgeous beaches found on the Atlantic Coast is the one at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The white sands of this windswept barrier island are a major reason for visitors to flock to this area. For beach lovers, there are many miles of seashore to enjoy, including a recreational beach, wild beach and the Toms Cove Hook.
.
.
Assateague State Park
Assateague State Park is two miles of ocean beaches offer swimming, beach combing, sunbathing, surfing and fishing. The bay side offers visitors the chance to explore secluded coves by canoe or kayak. The marsh areas have a variety of wildlife, including deer, waterfowl and feral horses.
.
Tangier Island
This tiny island in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay is known for the unique dialect residents speak, but it also has a beautiful stretch of beach this is one of the Eastern Shore’s best kept secrets. If you want to cut down on your travel time to the beach take a ride with one of the guides. You’ll learn a lot about the island along the way.
.
Ocean City
If you prefer the kind of beach that comes with a boardwalk, restaurants and amusement parks take a day trip to Ocean City, Maryland. This bustling beach town is just over an hour from Chincoteague Island. There are miles of wide, sandy beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing and playing games. Once you’ve had your fill of sun and surf, stroll the boardwalk and check out the shops, attractions and restaurants.
.
Barrier Islands
The 14 barrier islands off the coast of Virginia’s Eastern Shore are the longest stretch of undeveloped shoreline on the East Coast. If you’ve always dreamed of relaxing on a deserted island then this is the beach experience you’ve been looking for. You can get to the islands by paddling the Seaside Water Trail, hopping in your own boat and navigating your way out there or by booking a boat tour with a guide.
.
Best Chincoteague Island Area Tours & Activities
Kayak Tour around Chincoteague and Assateague Islands
This grand kayaking adventure will take you to the most remote areas of Assateague Island. Most days we encounter the wild Chincoteague ponies grazing along the marshlands, but always remember these are wild animals and some times you see them and some times you don’t. We know all the best locations to view the ponies so we do get to see them 75% of the time. We will also get the chance for some great photo opportunities of the Assateague Lighthouse, one of the oldest running lighthouses in the country. We might even get to see a few of the unique and rare birds migrating through Assateague Island. Book your Chincoteague & Assateague Islands Kayak Tour here.
OC Bay Hopper- Lunch Cruise in Ocean City with Drinks
If you’re looking for a truly unique lunch experience come hop onboard with us for our Lunch Cruise! On this 2 hour experience, we set up a table for you and your group onboard, pick up your lunch and drinks, then we cruise around the bay. Enjoy your meal and drinks from one of Ocean City’s staple restaurant…on a boat! Book your OC Bay Hopper Cruise here.
Ice Cream Cruise Ocean City
Don’t miss out on this iconic cruise that we have to offer! A classic family outing and a spectacular experience for all ages. They scoop an award winning, small batch, Maryland made ice cream onboard, known no other than Taharka Brothers Ice Cream. Come discover your favorite flavor on a boat! Is is Honey Graham? Is it Key Lime Pie? Is it Roasted Strawberry? Or maybe it’s another one of our unique flavors! Book your Ice Cream Cruise Ocean City here.
Ocean Sailing on a Sail Catamaran from Ocean City
Join Captain Steve Butz and prepare yourself for a very different Ocean City attraction! You will depart heading out for an unforgettable sail on the Atlantic Ocean. Watch OC fade into the horizon as the crystal clear Atlantic Ocean waters surround the boat. The fun really begins when the diesel engines cut off and the boat moves along effortlessly under only the power of the wind. Yes, this trip is about sailing! Pods of dolphins, often playfully, swim right off the bow of the boat, making a once in a lifetime natural experience! If the wind allows, they will also include a short leg sailing along the OC coastline. Book your Ocean Sailing on a Sail Catamaran from Ocean City here.
Ocean City Sunset Cruise
This is a wonderful cruise to really capture how amazing mother nature is. When you’re onboard with us, you don’t have to worry about getting in front of the crowds to try and get your sunset picture, we bring your front and center. This will always be our most popular cruise, so don’t wait to book! Book your Ocean City Sunset Cruise here.
Best Chincoteague Island Area Restaurants
Bill’s PRIME Seafood & Steaks $11 – 30
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner since 1960. The freshest local seafood and hand cut steaks As well as pasta dishes. All accompanied by our international wine list. Beer and cocktails are served. Be sure to save room for our legendary desserts. Menu Telephone: 757-336-5831 Web: Bill’s PRIME Seafood & Steaks
The Village $11 – 30
Meat lovers will delight in their fine aged steaks and veal. Their menu includes kid favorites as well. Their international wine list has been carefully selected to complement your dining choices. Menu Telephone: 757-336-5120 Web: The Village
Famous Pizza and Sub Shop Under $10
Fresh home-made pizza, Greek salads, gyros,, Burgers, pasta dishes, Fried seafood baskets, and more! Menu Telephone: 757-336-3301 Web: Famous Pizza and Sub Shop
AJ’s on the Creek $11 – 30
Enjoy outdoor dining on the creek with fresh-air breezes and scenic views. Experience and savor the taste of the finest and freshest ingredients that Chincoteague has to offer. Menu Telephone: 757-336-7264 Web: AJ’s on the Creek
Etta’s Channel Side Restaurant $11 – 30
The view of the refuge from the dining room is just one of the benefits. Friendly, knowledgeable servers, ambience that adds to the enjoyment of the meal all make this a great place for dining out while on the island. You can dress up or go casual. Telephone: 757.336.5644 Web: Etta’s Channel Side Restaurant
Best Chincoteague Island Bars
Chatties Lounge 1988
4113 Main St #2411, Chincoteague Telephone: 757-336-5715 Web: Chatties Lounge 1988
ChincoTiki Caribbean Bar and Grill 2017
4121 Main St, Chincoteague Telephone: 757-336-1111 Web: ChincoTiki Caribean Bar & Grill 2017
AJ’s on the Creek
6585 Maddox Blvd, Chincoteague Telephone: 757-336-7264 Web: AJ’s on the Creek
Teaguer’s Pub
5030 Chicken City Rd, Chincoteague Telephone: 757-336-7237 Web: Teaguer’s Pub
Bill’s Prime Seafood & Steaks 1993
4040 Main St, Chincoteague Telephone: 757-336-5831 Web: Bill’s PRIME Seafood & Steaks
WOW!! What an amazing website with everything you need regarding your beach travel destinations.
It must be hard for you at the moment, how is this business affected with the Covid restrictions?
I to love the beach and travel. As an avid Scuba Diver all my holidays prior to Covid were beach destinations, fortunately living in Australia I can still do this but cant wait to see some of the overseas destinations open up again one day.
I say WOW! What a beautiful place you live and plenty for scuba diving for sure. Yes, COVID affected pretty much anything travel related. But things are getting better! Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
Simply amazing after watching the video, I was blown away with the view of Chincoteague You really layout out a total
vacation planning experience that was easy and pleasant to navigate on your site. Enjoyed reading about all attraction mention on your site. Overall after viewing the many attraction which on is your top chioce recommendation?
Thank you so much.
Hi Anthony, I’m a water person so I like anything on the water. I love sunset cruises and I love day cruises. Paddle boarding and kayaking are also great! Glad you enjoyed my site, and thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave me comments.
I love visiting beautiful locations that have a lot of activities to do. I know everyone always wants the beach but i find them boring. I want to go and do and see things. Bali, fiji, all those beach resorts look great and photograph so well but once you’re there, that fades after an hour or so and there’s nothing to do. this place sounds perfect. I don’t think i’d get bored at all.
I don’t think you would get bored 🙂 I am glad you enjoyed your visit to beach travel destinations.
Hello, Leahrae!
Chincoteague Island seems a great place to visit and Barrier Islands look even better!
It has been a real joy knowing of all these wonderful destinations through your website. Your posts are so thorough, you provide every and each piece of information one needs when travelling abroad.
Thanks a lot for sharing and keep up the good work!
Thank you Antonio for continuing to support beach travel destinations, and for taking the time to leave me comments.
You had me at oyster beds!
This place looks so amazing with lots to do and not to mention the beautiful beach and coast line.
This is my first time hearing about Chincoteague and it seems like an impressive beach destination that is suitable for young and old and the accommodation seems affordable too.
Thank you for all the details
You are welcome Janine, I have been oyster fishing before, and it is so much fun! Plus, I do love them 🙂 Glad you enjoyed your visit to beach travel destinations. Thanks for stopping by!
I love your website as it is so easy to navigate and you really do a great job of covering all the venues and things to do on the island. Makes me want to jump on a plane! It is awesome to hear about the horses too! Umm, could you expand on the Horse swim a bit? I am intrigued!
Ok, I didn’t want to fill a whole page on the swim lol, but you can get all of the information on the horse swim here. I am ready to jump on a plane and head to Ibiza as well! I love horse back riding on the beach, this would be quite unique to see for sure! Thanks for visiting my Chincoteague Island Hotels guide.
Hi Leahrae! I was so intrigued and impressed with your website as I come from New Zealand and am a beachgoer living close to Westcoast beaches in North Island. Your site is now my go-to for planning travel because you are such an expert on the topic of beach destinations. To your post at hand – it’s fascinating that there’s actually an island called Chincoteague Island! It makes me excited about oysters just reading this, haha 😉 For myself, not visiting for the ponies would be hard, but bird watching sounds like something intriguing to do here while kayaking around Key Lime Pie ice cream…I’m looking forward to exploring more 🙂
Many Thanks
From J W RIDDELL
I agree! I would prefer to bird watch and go kayaking or paddle boarding over fighting the crowds any day. I am so glad you enjoyed! Thanks for the visit to beach travel destinations.
Hello,
This post was very helpful!! I have never been to Virginia before for vacation but your article really made me want to!! I feel like without even going there I already have a great idea of what I could do, where I would eat, what hotels to stay at and so on. Very in-depth and intriguing article about one of the most famous islands on the east coast. I have one question though. Are the horses visible to see year round? I would love to go in the Spring time like you recommended but I want to make sure the horses will be there!
Yes, you can see the horses year round. It is an amazing site! This is just a magical beach destination for sure. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave me comments.
Hi! I went through your article on Chincoteague Island hotels and believe me the place is absolutely amazing. the photos provided in this article, already make you feel the beauty of this place. It has plenty to offer too, that is why I think it is one of the best travel places. I must know this place, I definitely have to see the nature at Chincoteague Islands. Thanks for sharing.
You are very welcome! Thanks for visiting Beach Travel Destinations!
I lot of events that can bring gladness of heart at Chincoteague. From picking of shells, sun bathing, hiking and other relaxation events. Worth mention are unique sight seeing of fisherman fishing, and frolicking by dolphins. In a nutshell, it is a bottled environment with nature. Top of it, May is a good time of visit
Yes, it’s a great vacation for anyone with everything you would want to have a wonderful relaxing time! Glad you enjoyed!
As we might be traveling again soon, my husband asked me to look for some information about a good place to visit, and after reading your article I guess Chincoteague Island might be a good place to visit, but as you said the best time to visit it is in Spring, do you have any tip about visiting it during the Summer or would you recommend to visit another beach, to have a relaxed time there.
You can visit in the summer, it will just be a bit more crowded and you’ll see higher prices for hotels. It when it is at its warmest, and personally I prefer the summer over spring any say. Hope that helps 🙂
Hi Leahrae!
I have never been to Chincoteague Island but it looks really beautiful with the beaches and the hotels. Your article is like a tour guide with all the different tours and activities and the price. It looks good as a little romantic holiday or as a quick getaway. If I ever wanted to go to a different location, I will definitely consider Chincoteague Island as a potential mini holiday.
Thank you for sharing this article with us and I wish you all the best!
Amzy
Thanks Amzy, I am glad you enjoyed your visit to beach travel destinations. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave me comments.
Hi, This sounds like one of those places that have to be on my bucket list. I must admit I will not be trying to join the 40,000 tourists trying to get a glimpse of the ponies having a swim. I love the sound of the kayak tours. that has to be one of the best ways to experience these kinds of coastal resort places. I’d love the ice cream cruise as well but I think my doctor would not approve unless there were any zero cholesterol options. Best regards, Andy
Yes, I agree. I am not going to try and jostle a place to see them with 40,00 others as well. I just go for the beach and the water sports. It’s a beautiful place.