Chincoteague Beach on Virginia’s Eastern Shore has the most beautiful beaches in the United States.
As a lifelong resident of the area, I’ve had the privilege of relaxing on these gorgeous beaches over the years. Each visit is just as magical as my first.
‘Misty of Chincoteague’ by author Marguerite Henry, put this area on the map for many. It’s a real-life tale about a girl and her pony has helped fuel the legions of spectators that descend to the area for the annual pony swim each July.
But this area has plenty more to offer!
Let’s discuss the many beaches near Chincoteague Beach and how to plan your next trip here!
5 Beaches to Visit Near Chincoteague Beach, Virginia
A quick glance at the Eastern Shore of VA map reveals there is no shortage of prime waterfront to enjoy and relax on.
It’s easy to see why this area is one of the most visited refuges in the United States.
Barrier Islands Near Chincoteague Island
The Virginia barrier islands stretch along Virginia’s Eastern Shore coastline. This string of islands begins at Assateague Island, near Maryland, and finishes at Fisherman’s Island, close to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
These islands remain uninhabited, protecting the natural habitats of various wildlife species. They offer an opportunity for wildlife viewing and bird watching.
Most of these islands are only accessible by boat. If you plan to visit any of them, I suggest checking ahead to see if they are open to the public.
Ocean City is a great place for a family-friendly getaway. It is located 50 miles to the north of the Island. From fun activities at the beach, walking the famous Ocean City Boardwalk, and fine dining, Ocean City has something for the whole family.
The beaches in Ocean City are amazing. The town puts in a lot of effort to ensure they are clean and well-maintained. The beach parallels the Boardwalk, so there are plenty of food and drink options available, as well as public bathrooms.
It’s a great destination for a day trip. This is a full-blown resort, complete with a casino, horse racing, skate park, amusements, and rides, and much more.
My go-to destinations in Ocean City include Thrasher’s French Fries on the Boardwalk, Dumser’s Dairyland for the best ice cream in OC, and of course, Fisher’s Popcorn!
During the summer vacation season, the population of this resort swells to over 300,000 people!
Tangier Island Near Chincoteague Island
Another fantastic location near Chincoteague is Tangier Island. The island, located in the Chesapeake Bay, offers a unique experience to explore the local culture and enjoy fine seafood.
The boat ride to the island offers the chance to see migratory birds in their natural surroundings, as well as take in the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay.
The ferry ride will cost you around in the $20 – $40 range, depending on the boat you take and the time of year.
Cape Charles Beach
Cape Charles Beach is a neat spot for a day trip. The drive is very easy, and about 60 miles to the south. You can grab lunch, check out the town, and walk on the fishing pier. The beach is not wide but stretches 4 to 5 blocks. Even when it’s not beach season, you’ll see people there. The one thing I really liked is you can even bring your dog to the beach early in the morning.
The beach is clean and not too busy. Since the water is on the bayside, it is not rough, which is great if you’re with young kids. Another plus is all the great restaurants that are within walking distance from this beach.
Dewey Beach, located in Delaware, is a cool spot known for fun nights, clean sandy beaches, and seasonal events. It’s sandwiched on a skinny strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and Rehoboth Bay. It is consistently rated as one of the top beaches on the East Coast.
The beach is considered a laid-back destination and is great for families. There are plenty of lodging options in the surrounding area. It’s also known for good places to eat, live music, and active nightlife. In the summer, you can watch movies and enjoy bonfires on the beach.
It’s about a 20-minute drive from Ocean City.
Chincoteague Beach
A visit to Chincoteague Island would not be complete without spending a day at Chincoteague Beach. It is one of Virginia’s best beaches. Sorry, Virginia Beach.
The beach provides a great place to relax, swim, or just take in the sight and sounds of nature. If you’re lucky, you may even spot those famous wild ponies walking down the beach!
During the peak of summer, the beaches do get crowded and parking is limited. My best advice is the head out early in the morning. The beach is also accessible by bike. This is a great way to avoid any parking worries.
There is a fee to enter the Island Refuge. The cost is $10 for a 7-day pass, or you can buy a Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Annual Pass for $30, and it’s valid for one year.
This beach is a classic beach with no stores, restaurants, or bars. Just plain sun and sand. What else do you need?
The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is ideal for nature lovers. The refuge offers a diverse array of animals, including white-tailed deer, bald eagles, and a variety of migratory birds.
You can walk along the nature trails and see the Chincoteague ponies in their natural habitat. The folks here at the National Park Service deserve a lot of credit for their ongoing preservation efforts.
Assateague Island National Seashore
Close by is the Assateague Island National Seashore, a barrier island with sandy beaches and a saltwater forest. You can enjoy a day of fun-filled with water sports, surf fishing, or simply relaxing on Assateague Beach. It is 37 miles in length and extends from Virginia into Maryland.
Assateague Island National Seashore vs Chincoteague Island National Wildlife Refuge
Assateague Island National Seashore is located in Maryland, while Chincoteague Island National Wildlife Refuge is located in Virginia.
The Island is 37 miles long and is known for its beaches and ponies. Chincoteague Island is 7 miles long and is known for its wildlife refuge, dunes, forests, marshes, and Assateague horses as well.
The two beaches are separated by a snow fence.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is located on the Virginia half of Assateague Island. It was established in 1943 to protect and manage migratory birds, especially waterfowl.
The State of Maryland manages two miles of the Maryland area as Assateague State Park.
Wild Ponies at Chincoteague Island
One of the best things about Chincoteague is its wild ponies. These wild horses are descendants of survivors from a shipwreck centuries ago. They roam freely in the salt marshes.
Managed by the Saltwater Cowboys, seeing these ponies is a unique experience.
If you are looking for fun things to do in Chincoteague, a boat tour or a kayak tour is a great option to view these magnificent creatures up close.
The Assateague Lighthouse
Next on my list was the Assateague Lighthouse, an original lighthouse located within the boundaries of the Assateague Island National Seashore. Ascending the lighthouse, I was greeted with breathtaking views of the surrounding barrier island, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Chincoteague Bay.
How to Get to Chincoteague Island
The best way to reach Chincoteague Island is by car.
If you’re heading north from Virginia Beach, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is your easiest option.
The price to cross the Bay Bridge Tunnel is $14 each way during the off-season and $18 in peak season.
If you make a return visit within 24 hours of crossing, you do get a significant price break ( Off Peak $6.00, and Peak Season $2.00).
When is peak season?
Peak Season Pricing is Friday thru Sunday from May 15 thru September 15.
The best time to visit Chincoteague is during the summer months. If you visit in late July, you can witness the Chincoteague Pony Swim, an iconic event where ponies swim across the Assateague Channel. This time of year is one of the peak periods, but the fun activities and gorgeous beaches make the journey worthwhile.
Other Places of Interest
Wallops Island
Close by, Wallops Island is home to the NASA Wallops Flight Facility. This island is a must-visit for space enthusiasts. Several times a year, visitors flood the area to catch a glimpse of a breathtaking rocket launch.
There is also a visitor center just a few miles from Chincoteague where you can learn about the history of NASA, the role of Wallops Island Flight Facility played in manned flights, as well as buy souvenirs.
When you’re in the area, be sure to grab lunch at Wolff’s Sandwich Shoppe in nearby Atlantic, VA. They offer a delicious hometown-style breakfast and lunch menu.
The Museum of Chincoteague Island
The Museum of Chincoteague Island is another place worth a visit. Here you can learn more about the history of the island, the wild ponies, and the legacy of Marguerite Henry, author of the book “Misty of Chincoteague”.
The Carnival Grounds and Historic Main Street Shops
For some local fun, the Carnival Grounds near Chincoteague Beach offer games and rides during the summer months. And don’t miss a visit to the Historic Main Street in downtown Chincoteague, for some shopping and great local cuisine.
List of Virginia Barrier Islands
Here is the list of the 14 barrier islands off the coast of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. They comprise the largest stretch of coastal wilderness left on the eastern coast of the United States.
Assateague Island
Metompkin Island
Cedar Island
Parramore Island
Hog Island
Cobb Island
Wreck Island
Shipshoal Island
Myrtle Island
Smith Island (in Virginia)
Wallops Island
Chincoteague Island
Assawoman Island
Fisherman’s Island
A Perfect Place to Create Memories
In conclusion, Chincoteague Island is a perfect place for creating memories. Explore each of the local beaches as each site offers a unique experience. Whether it’s your first time or a return visit, the enchanting island never fails to impress. I’m looking forward to sharing more about my favorite place in upcoming articles. Stay tuned!
