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Chincoteague Island

LocationVirginia

Chincoteague IslandChincoteague Island, at the northeastern tip of Virginia's Eastern Shore, is part of Accomack County. It's known worldwide for wild ponies Marguerite Henry wrote about in the novel, "Misty of Chincoteague," later made into a film.

Chincoteague Island, a tiny fishing town off Virginia's Eastern Shore, is steps away from the Atlantic Ocean by bridge to Assateague Island. The famous Chincoteague ponies live in the Chincoteague National WildlifeRefuge on Assateague Island, easily reached by bike or car from town. The Chincoteague Refuge is Virginia's entrance to an undeveloped 37-mile-long beach. The National Park Service and Refuge offer ranger-led programs seasonally. Spring and fall bird migrations are popular events but the biggest event for the area is held each July when the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company's Pony Swim and Auction brings scores of spectators to the island town. Saltwater cowboys have been rounding up ponies and swimming them across the channel from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island for auction since 1926.

Visitors to Chincoteague love to dig clams, watch oystermen and compete in saltwater fishing tournaments for cash prizes. "Patriot Oysters," so named when Abe Lincoln sent a Union ship to protect the island's seafood trade, are a must when dining on the island. Water lovers enjoy kayaking, charter fishing and nature cruising. The Chamber hosts events year-round and a lively art scene plays out in galleries and at the restored Island Theatre. Next door on Wallops Island you can see rockets launched into space from the NASA Wallops Visitors Center.

Coastal Living

With its variety of old-fashioned charms, Chincoteague has been called America's #1 Beach Town; a "slam-dunk" for grandchildren and one of America's best island towns.

Coastal Living Magazine voted Chincoteague Island "America's Happiest Seaside Town". 

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What's Nearby

  • Marshland Charters and Outfitters
    Marshland Charters and Outfitters
    4151 Division St.
    Chincoteague Island, VA 23336
  • Fairfield Inn & Suites Chincoteague Island
    Fairfield Inn & Suites Chincoteague Island
    3913 Main Street
    Chincoteague Island, VA 23336
  • Assateague Explorer Pony Watching/Wildlife Cruises
    Assateague Explorer Pony Watching/Wildlife Cruises
    Curtis Merritt Harbor, Slip 14
    Chincoteague Island, VA 23336
  • Captain Barry's Back Bay Cruises & Expeditions
    Captain Barry's Back Bay Cruises & Expeditions
    6262 Marlin Dr
    Chincoteague Island, VA 23336
  • Daysail Charters
    Daysail Charters
    Island Marina
    Chincoteague Island, VA 23336

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    Deals & Packages

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    • Special Package

      Care Camp Big Weekend

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      "Seagull" beach wedding

      $1995/couple
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      Golf Williamsburg Unlimited Golf in March

      prices vary depending on selection of courses and lodging, request quote for pricing
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      Kingsmill Resort "Big Break" Stay and Play

      fees vary depending on courses selection and times of the year. Request a quote for pricing.
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      Romance Package at The Jefferson Hotel

      From $415 per couple
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      Virginia Beach Golf Vacation

      Prices vary depending on course and lodging selection. Request quote for pricing
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      Sunday Champagne Brunch Package at The Jefferson Hotel

      From $395 per couple
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      Create Your Own Williamsburg Vacation

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      Lemaire Dinner Package at The Jefferson Hotel

      From $435 per couple
    • Special Package

      3rd Night 50% off in Williamsburg

    • Contact
      Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce
      6733 Maddox Boulevard
      Chincoteague, VA 23336
    • Phone
      (757) 336-6161
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      Coastal Virginia - Eastern Shore
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