Chincoteague and Assateague are perhaps the most beautiful islands on Virginia's Eastern Shore. Plan to spend your vacation in the generous accommodations at the Refuge Inn and have easy access to all that the islands have to offer.

On Chincoteague Island you'll find fascinating shops featuring unusual gifts and the work of Island artists and decoy carvers. Waterfront and specialty restaurants offer seafood and a variety of treats to please your palate. Rent a boat and fish for flounder or sea trout, or enjoy an evening cruise around the islands on one of the many tour boats.

Assateague Island, VA, protected by the Assateague Island National Seashore and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, is the ideal place for swimming, birding, hiking, and biking.

Assateague Island National Seashore

Assateague Island National Seashore is only a few minutes by car from the Refuge Inn. Thirty-seven miles of the wildest and most beautiful beaches on the East Coast are yours to explore and enjoy.

During the summer, lifeguards oversee a section of the beach near the bathhouses and visitor center. Changing stalls, toilet facilities, rinse-off showers, and drinking water are available at the bathhouses.

Outside the lifeguard protected area, you can enjoy surf fishing and even surfing (boards of all sizes are available for rent on Chincoteague).

Anytime of year, there is nothing like a relaxing walk or jog along the beach.

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island is within walking distance of the Refuge Inn.

The Refuge is well-known as a bird-watcher's paradise where over 300 species of birds have been spotted. The Refuge is also home to the Chincoteague ponies made famous by Marguerite Henry's Misty of Chincoteague. Each year in late July the ponies are rounded up by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company for the annual pony swim to Chincoteague and the auction at the Chincoteague Firemen's Carnival. (For a schedule of events, see the July Events section of the Chamber of Commerce web site.)

Located on a hill some 22 feet above the mean high water is the Assateague Lighthouse - 142 feet high, with a diameter of 27 feet, 6 3/4 inches at the base. The light is rated at 800,000 candle power, and can be seen for 19 nautical miles. Operated by the United States Coast Guard, the lighthouse was constructed in 1833 and was eventually rebuilt in its present form in 1867.

You'll enjoy every season of the year on the Refuge whether you hike or bike the Wildlife Loop or any of the other scenic trails. (Admission is free for those who walk or bike.)

Chincoteague Island

On Chincoteague Island, you'll experience a relaxed life style free from the rush of the cities. Along Main Street, Maddox Boulevard, and on many of the back streets are shops, art galleries, restaurants, ice cream parlors, and even mini golf.

For those interested in the history of the islands, the Museum of Chincoteague (within easy walking distance of the Inn) will be of special interest. 

For those who would enjoy a fishing trip, wild pony sightings, or a sunset cruise, the Island's tour boats offer an experience you'll long remember.

During the Fall and Winter, outdoor sportsmen travel from far and wide to enjoy great hunting opportunities for deer and migratory waterfowl.  Book one of our local guides to plan every detail of the many outdoor excursions offered on Chincoteague and Assateague Islands.

Finally, of course, there are the special events on the Island - such as the Chincoteague pony swim and auction, the Firemen's Carnival, the Fourth of July fireworks, the seafood festivals, and the art and decoy shows that have made Chincoteague famous throughout the world. (See the Events section at the Chamber of Commerce web site for more information).

A variety of special events can be enjoyed year - round. Festivals celebrating birding, seafood (all you can eat), our famous wild ponies , arts, & carvings are but a few of the bonuses to be enjoyed if you visit our islands when special things are happening. Check the links below for current schedules and listings.

• Preserve Beach Access
• www.chincoteague.com
• www.chincoteaguechamber.com/events
• www.esvachamber.org
• www.wff.nasa.gov
• www.fws.gov/northeast/chinco/calendar.htm
• www.nps.gov/asis