48 Hours on Chincoteague Island in October

There’s something special about October on Chincoteague Island. The summer rush has drifted out to sea, the air feels clean and quiet, and the marshes glow during golden hour. Two days is just enough time to settle into the rhythm of the island — to wander, taste, and breathe it all in. Here’s how we’d spend 48 hours if we were in your shoes.

Slip your bags into your room, step out onto your balcony or patio, and take that first deep breath of pine and salt air. You’re here. Let the island start to work its magic.

Pick up a rental from our neighbors at The Bike Depot and pedal through the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.
The Wildlife Loop winds through marsh and forest, and in October it’s peaceful and full of life — egrets, herons, and maybe a pony or two in the distance.

Head out for your first taste of the island. We love Bill’s Prime Seafood & Steaks downtown for an intimate dinner, or The Village Restaurant for water views and the best fried oysters straight from the bay.
Chincoteague Chamber Restaurant Guide →

After dinner, wander back to the Inn for a moonlit stroll or a soak in the hot tub. The pine trees whisper, the frogs hum, and the stars seem just a little brighter here.

Start your day early with free local coffee from Amarin Coffee in the lobby. Take it to-go, park at the beach, and enjoy the sounds of the Atlantic Ocean as the sun rises soft and slow over the waves — a show worth catching at least once a year.

Head into the refuge for a morning of trails and wildlife.
Climb the Assateague Lighthouse, walk the Woodland Trail to the Pony Overlook, or wander the Black Duck Trail for a quiet marsh view. Migrating shorebirds fill the skies this time of year, and the air is cool and still.
Refuge Info →

If your trip falls on a Saturday, don’t miss the Chincoteague Farmers & Artisans Market, open through October 26.
Browse local produce, handmade crafts, and baked goods. It’s the perfect place to pick up a snack or a one-of-a-kind souvenir and chat with island makers.

For lunch, stop by Drop In Sandwich Shop for a fresh sandwich or delicious rice bowl, then wander into the Museum of Chincoteague Island. You’ll find exhibits about the wild ponies, shipwrecks, and island traditions — all lovingly preserved by locals, in a museum staffed almost entirely by volunteers.

Afternoons were made for exploring the channels and salt marshes.
Book a scenic tour with Cowboy Cruise Company or Daisey’s Island Cruises, or paddle your own kayak from Island Outfitters.
You’ll see Chincoteague from a whole new angle — quiet coves, distant ponies, and maybe a bald eagle overhead.

After a full day, wind down with dinner at The Ropewalk, Steamers, or Don’s Seafood — all local favorites with their own vibe.  Whether you're looking for live music, sunset over the water, or the best local seafood, we'd be happy to make a recommendation! Just stop by the front desk.

Before checkout, take a final ride through the refuge. The early light on the marsh is unforgettable, and the quiet roads are all yours.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Blackfin Island Grill, then take one last stroll through the property before you head home. Don't forget to visit the ponies, take a picture in front of the Refuge Inn sign (we'll take it so you can all be in the picture!) and stop by the gift shop for something cozy or locally made to commemorate your trip.

October may just be Chincoteague’s best-kept secret — cool mornings, warm afternoons, fewer crowds, and that unmistakable island calm. Whether you come for the birds, the oysters, or simply the quiet, two days here will leave you feeling lighter.

When you’re ready to plan your visit, we’d love to welcome you beneath the pines at The Refuge Inn — your starting point for every island adventure.