Travel in the Chincoteague Islands in Northeastern Virginia
♦ Routes (free): Detailed travel itineraries in USA
The Chincoteague Islands are located at the northeastern tip of the state of Virginia on the Atlantic coast, across the Chesapeake Bay. Chincoteague consists of several islands, the largest of which are connected to the mainland by bridges. The main island is called Chincoteague, featuring a small fishing village atmosphere, and to its east lies Assateague Island, home to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The reserve is famous primarily for its many wild horses. It hosts more than 300 types of birds, rabbits, and other animals in an area abundant in water; on one side is the ocean with a recommended sandy swimming beach, and on the other side are calm waters with tall grass, lakes, and rivers. A pastoral place for nature lovers with hiking and cycling trails, and boating of all kinds.
Access and Itinerary
The Chincoteague Islands can be one of the destinations in a beautiful and unique circular itinerary of several days surrounding the vast Chesapeake Bay, starting in the capital, Washington D.C. This route combines special cities and towns with nature trips and beach vacations, while driving over some of the longest bridges in the world in the states of Virginia and Maryland.
These islands can be reached via Route 13 from the north or south. From the north, if arriving from Washington, cross east over the Bay Bridge, or from the south after crossing the wide southern opening of the Chesapeake Bay via a long system (28.3 km) of bridges and underwater tunnels.
Recommended guided tours in Chincoteague from Viator:
Chincoteague Island Map:
It is recommended to stay on Chincoteague Island for at least 2 nights to enjoy both the nature trips and the swimming beaches.
Recommended Hotels in a Central Location on Chincoteague Island
♦ Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Chincoteague Island Waterfront
3-star hotel with rooms and suites suitable for families. Refrigerator, microwave, pool, fitness center, laundry machines, free internet, and parking.
♦ Comfort Suites Chincoteague Island Bayfront Resort
3-star hotel with rooms and suites including balconies and suitable for families. Two pools: indoor and outdoor, jacuzzi, fitness center. Free internet and parking.
♦ Hampton Inn & Suites Chincoteague-Waterfront, Va
2-star hotel with rooms and suites suitable for families. Pool, jacuzzi, fitness center, free internet, and parking.
Weather and When to Visit
In summer, the average temperature in July-August is around 25 degrees Celsius, and June and September are 22-23 degrees. In winter, from December to February, the average temperature is around 5 degrees Celsius. In May and October, it's around 17 degrees.
Regarding precipitation, there is no significant difference between the months; it can rain in all of them, with an average of 6 to 9 rainy days per month. The wetter season is July through October with 101 to 108 mm of rain per month, and the drier season (except for March at 108 mm) is from November to June, between 80 to 94 mm.
Based on the weather and activities open to tourists, it is recommended to visit between mid-May and mid-October. Those who enjoy swimming in the sea will prefer the warmer months of July and August.
Note: In summer, especially towards sunset, you may encounter troublesome mosquitoes in areas with high vegetation near water. Equipt yourselves with mosquito repellent and long sleeves.
More detailed weather information for the area at: climate-data.org.
Tours and Entertainment in Chincoteague
Bicycle Tour in the Nature Reserve on Assateague Island
From Chincoteague Island, it is recommended to rent bicycles and go for a tour around the reserve or join a guided bicycle tour:
The entrance to the reserve involves a fee and is included in the National Parks Annual Pass. The reserve has a circular hiking trail called the Wildlife Loop. This trail is for pedestrians and bicycles only until early afternoon, and thereafter can also be toured by car. Several paths branch off from this circular trail: one leading to a swimming beach and another to the island's lighthouse.
A third path called the Black Duck Trail leaves the circular route, crosses the road leading to the island's large swimming beach, and leads to another circular path for pedestrians and bicycles only called the Woodland Trail, which offers a view of the wild horse pastures, and another path called the Bivalve Trail within the vegetation near the water. The bicycle tour of the reserve takes about two hours.
Note: A recommended place to rent bicycles: The Bike Depot near the McDonald's restaurant at the entrance to the reserve, between 3-5 dollars an hour.
Google Maps Address: Maddox Blvd, Chincoteague, VA 23336
Recommended ice cream parlor on the island called Island Creamery:
Google Maps Address: Maddox Blvd, Chincoteague, VA 23336
Boat Tour from Chincoteague Island
Another recommended way to experience nature on the island is by a boat tour in the reserve's waters. The boat departs from the island's harbor called Curtis Merritt Harbor and takes about two hours.
Booking from Viator, recommended boat tour: Chincoteague's Up The Bay Pony and Wildlife Tour by Boat
On this tour, you can watch the many dolphins in the reserve's waters, attracted by the warmer waters. The boat route also approaches the wild horse pastures, and they can be viewed from a distance. Binoculars are provided on the boat.
Google Maps Address for the harbor: Curtis Merritt Harbor Dr, Chincoteague, VA 23336
Kayak Boating in the Reserve
Another recommended way to experience nature in the reserve is by kayaking, which allows you to get very close to the wild horses and see them clearly. You also get a great view of the many birds in the reserve.
Recommended kayak tour for booking from Viator: Kayak Tour around Chincoteague and Assateague Islands
recommended Sandy Swimming Beach on the Island
The swimming beach for Chincoteague Island is located on its neighboring island called Assateague, which surrounds it along its entire eastern length. This is a long sandy beach with lifeguard services. The beach is named Assateague Beach and is reached by driving southwest on the island's main street, Maddox Blvd, to the road called Beach Access Rd leading to the aforementioned beach.
Google Maps Address for the beach: Assateague Beach, Beach Rd, Chincoteague, VA
Short video about a trip to the Chincoteague Islands: