The Best Chincoteague Island Hotels

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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.  

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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

Best Chincoteague Island Area Hotels