Rent a kayak and peacefully paddle the Assateague Channel’s calm waters on your own or with a knowledgeable tour guide to look for local oyster grounds. Many oysters reefs are privately owned, so be sure you are on public grounds before harvesting any of your own. Plan your route with the Seaside Water Trail Map.
Stop in the Toms Cove Visitor Center, while exploring the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island National Seashore, to learn about the three living shorelines of oyster castles constructed along Beach Road forming 2 ½ acres of oyster reefs. The concrete structures provide an ecosystem for oysters and other marine organisms to grow and increase resiliency of the saltmarsh habitat and shoreline to withstand future storms.
Picnic on the beach with an oyster taco, oyster fritter sandwich or other delicious oyster meal from one of our eateries.
Visit the Museum of Chincoteague Island to learn about the history of our watermen and oyster industry as well as other exhibits preserving our rich history, including First Order Fresnel Lens from original Assateague Island Lighthouse and preserved Misty and Stormy.
Shop eclectic boutiques and art galleries along Main Street and Maddox Boulevard offering unique, one-of-a-kind, hand crafted jewelry, art and other treasures featuring oyster shells or hunt for vintage oyster cans and plates at local antique stores.
End your day with a relaxing pontoon cruise around the island and learn about the history of oysters and aquafarming while capturing a sunset over the Chincoteague Bay or go out with our eco-tour and boat captains to cull your own oysters.
Dine at one of our fine restaurants feasting on fresh from the water world-famous Chincoteague Oysters, clams or the “catch of the day”.
Learn about the biology and methods behind growing cultured oysters at a local aqua farm hatchery. Seasonal.
Enjoy a quiet moment at one of our beautiful waterfront parks. Look for watermen hard at work, culling oysters from their oyster beds.
Feast on delicious oysters served in a variety of ways, along with other fresh, local seafood and sides at outdoor festivals throughout the year like the Chincoteague Seafood Festival on the first Saturday in May and the Chincoteague Oyster Festival on the Saturday of Columbus Day weekend. Food, friends, and fabulous memories await!
A blog complete with helpful links is available at ChincoteagueChamber.com.
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Last Updated: 10/26/2020
Related Listings
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Tom's Cove Visitor Center
8586 Beach Road
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6733 Maddox Blvd.
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6733 Maddox Blvd.
Chincoteague Island, VA 23336 -
6733 Maddox Boulevard
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6733 Maddox Boulevard
Chincoteague Island, VA 23336 -
6733 Maddox Blvd.
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