Visiting Family Friendly Chincoteague Island

Chincoteague Island, Virginia is a fun small town for a family getaway. It's got beaches, wild ponies and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

Are you looking for a laid back, small town destination with beaches, wild ponies, and an ice cream shop that is often ranked with some of the best in the country? Then head to Chincoteague Island, Virginia, the town where in 1947 Marguerite Henry wrote the popular book Misty of Chincoteague. This town on Virginia’s Eastern Shore offers enough to keep families entertained, with easy access to the Virginia portion of Assateague Island. Our first family visit was several years ago during spring break, and I recently returned for a mid-week summer getaway. It’s about a 3 1/2 drive from the DC area, so perfect for a long weekend or mid-week escape. Here’s a few things to do when you visit Chincoteague and what to know as you plan your getaway.

*Originally published in May, 2017, and updated January, 2024.

*This post contains affiliate links; if you purchase something familyTravelsUSA may receive a small commission. As always, opinions are my own.

Seeing the Wild Ponies and other Activities Around Chincoteague
One of the reasons people visit Chincoteague and Assateague Islands is to see the wild ponies. Keep in mind that the key word here is WILD. The Virginia herd of ponies (the Chincoteague Ponies) on Assateague Island number around 150, and there are several options for viewing them. You could visit during the last week of July to watch the festivities that are part of the Pony Swim, in its 99th year for 2024. However, expect tens of thousands of visitors for this popular event. During other times, your best bet for seeing the ponies is by taking a Chincoteague boat tour or guided kayak excursion. The early morning tour I took on Daisey’s Island Cruises did not disappoint. The captain was quite knowledgeable about the area and we were fortunate to see two groups of ponies hanging out, one pretty close to the waters edge. Daisey’s offers both small (6 people) and larger boat cruises several times throughout the day. Taking a kayak tour is another way to get a view of the famous ponies. Remember to always keep your distance from these wild animals. Learn more about the fascinating history of these wild ponies.

Bike riding is another popular family activity on the island. The first time we visited, we rented bicycles and spent a few hours riding through the peaceful Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is located on the Virginia side of Assateague Island, and is also where you’ll find the road to the beach area. The beach area on Assateague Island National Seashore includes both a recreational beach and a beach area designated for Over Sand Use vehicles (permit required). When we visited in the spring the beaches were not crowded, but during the summer, expect the parking lots to fill up on weekends. The National Park Service provides lifeguards for certain portions of the beach on a seasonal basis. There is a day use fee to enter the Wildlife Refuge and access the beach.

The refuge is also a bird lovers paradise, providing habitat for a number of waterfowl and shorebirds. During our boat tour, we spotted 3 bald eagles! For most of the day, the Wildlife Loop is closed to vehicular traffic, which makes for a nice nature break if you are taking a bike ride.

While in the refuge, be sure to see the Assateague Lighthouse. The original lighthouse was built in 1833, and a taller, brighter lighthouse was completed in 1867. It’s 142 feet high, and, when open, visitors who climb to the top are treated to a beautiful view of the surrounding area. The inside of the lighthouse is currently closed to visitors. Check the website for the most up to date information. Even though the trail to the lighthouse is short, this is one place where you definitely want to have bug spray!

Another way to have fun in the sun is to purchase day passes for Maui Jack’s waterpark. And be sure to make time for mini-golf at Surfside Golf, and a visit to the Museum of Chincoteague Island. This small museum does a good job providing an overview of the culture and history of Chincoteague, along with an exhibit about the famous Misty. Almost every family I saw in the museum was engaged with the scavenger hunt that they offer when you come in. Keep in mind that many of the attractions are seasonal, and closed for the winter.

Staying on the Island
The island offers several options for families, including camping, hotels, and vacation rentals. The Refuge Inn offers easy bike access to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. We stayed there during our spring visit and also during my recent trip. It’s on the quieter end of the island with wooded grounds. As a bonus, kids will love that the Refuge Inn has their own Chincoteague wild ponies in a corral adjacent to the hotel. And if you need to rent bikes or beach gear (or buy bug spray!) the Bike Depot is just next door. On the other side of the island, a few highly rated places to stay in town are the Hampton Inn & Suites Chincoteague – Waterfront, with its beautiful sunset views and free breakfast, or the Comfort Suites Chincoteague Island Bayfront Resort. Both are located on Main Street near shops and not far from the restaurants on Maddox Boulevard. Plus its a short walk down Main Street to the Robert Reed Waterfront Park for a LOVEworks selfie!

Camping on Chincoteague Island is also popular. There are a few campgrounds to choose from, including Tom’s Cove Park and Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Chincoteague Island, the latter which offers tent sites, rental RV’s, and cabins. If you stay at Jellystone Park, ask about discounted rates to Maui Jack’s Waterpark! Keep in mind that you are camping near wetlands and the oceans, and almost everyone who has camped on the island will mention the mosquitos during the summer so be prepared.

If you want to venture over to the Maryland side of nearby Assateague Island, reviewers recommend the Assateague Island National Seashore Campground. The National Park Service manages the campgrounds, and offers important tips for a successful camping experience. In addition, they recommend staying at least 40 feet from the wild ponies and and provide these important safety tips for wildlife viewing. Be advised that you have to enter the island from Maryland in order to reach the campground. The ponies are often in the more populated areas on the Maryland side, including on the beach and in campgrounds.

Eating Your Way Around Chincoteague
There are plenty of choices when it comes to food around Chincoteague. Like the attractions, many Chincoteague restaurants are seasonal and even when open, may not operate seven days a week. When I last visited, I noticed a growing food truck scene around the island, providing some fun, outdoor dining experiences. Here’s a few places to eat around Chincoteague:

Breakfast: Try Beach Road Round-Up for a sit down breakfast, Amarin Coffee USA for a great coffee and pastry (don’t miss the almond croissants!), or Sandy Pony Donuts if you need a donut fix;
Lunch: Order the The Better Crabcake Sandwich from the BETTER food truck, or a sandwich or sub from Famous Pizza and Sub Shop;
Dinner: Woody’s Serious Food offers BBQ in a colorful, outdoor setting, Pico Taqueria is a casual outdoor food truck open seasonally, and Bill’s PRIME Seafood & Steaks has been serving local seafood and steaks since 1960! Captain Zack’s Seafood is another local favorite. For a change of pace, try Saigon Village Restaurant not far from Robert Reed Waterfront Park; and
Anytime: No matter where you eat, be sure to head to the Island Creamery for homemade ice cream. It’s an island favorite with both locals and visitors! Expect a line on a hot summer evening. It’s the perfect stop after a round of mini golf at Surfside Golf. Mister Whippy is another popular spot for a sweet treat.

Check out Woody's Beach BBQ for lunch if you are visiting Chincoteague Island on Virginia's Eastern Shore.

For more information about the island, check out the official Visitor’s Guide. And when you leave, allow a little extra time to stop by the NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center, which is about 5 miles west of Chincoteague. Admission is free, and if you check ahead of time, you may be able to witness a rocket launch. Check their site for updated hours of operation.