Famed for its wild ponies, Chincoteague Island lies off the coast of Virginia near its border with Maryland. It was a barrier island until the mid-19th century when Assateague Island migrated south and effectively “shielded” Chincoteague Island from the North Atlantic Ocean.
Things to do in Chincoteague
Take a step back in time at the Museum of Chincoteague Island, which explores the people, culture and heritage of the region since prehistoric times. Learn about the island’s oyster and maritime industries, as well as the wild ponies that descended from survivors of a Spanish galleon. Highlights of the collection include the taxidermied ponies “Misty” and “Stormy” and a Fresnel lens from the Assateague Light.
To learn more about “Misty” and “Stormy”, head to Beebe Ranch, which explores the role of the ponies in Marguerite Henry’s novels. Also not to miss is the tiny, 18th-century pine log house of Captain Timothy Hill, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With its wooden chimney, steep-sided gable roof and carvings of sailing ships, it is one of the oldest surviving houses on Chincoteague Island.
Occupying part of neighbouring Assateague Island is the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, which was created to preserve the area’s animal and plant species for future generations. At the Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center, you can learn about the history of the refuge and the Chincoteague Ponies that reside here. In addition to hiking and birdwatching, you can go horse riding along the beach or kayaking from Tom’s Cove.
Getting around Chincoteague
Chincoteague Island is around two hours’ drive from Norfolk and Norfolk International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the United States. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to and around Chincoteague Island.