Branded Copywriter Rachel here. I discovered this hidden gem while attending Salisbury University on the Eastern Shore, and it holds a special place in my heart. It doesn’t matter how many other beach towns I’ve been to, I’m always down for a quick weekend trip to Chincoteague.
Whether you’re taking a stroll on the beach, catching the Chincoteague ponies grazing, or grabbing a scoop of ice cream from Island Creamery, the oceanside town is always a great time.
Use this quick guide for the perfect day in Chincoteague.
Why go:
- The island is home to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge where you can find herds of wild ponies roaming the marshland and beaches. Fun fact: The ponies have been living on the island for hundreds of years. Explore the history of the herd + check out the annual Pony Swim the last Thursday in July.
- Check out this island guide for more recommendations.
Act like a local:
- Food: A chocolate croissant (or really any pastry) from Amarin Coffee.
- Drink: You can’t go to a Mid-Atlantic beach without grabbing an Orange Crush. The refreshing cocktail, which was created at West Ocean City’s Harborside Bar & Grill in 1995, has been replicated up and down the coast. Find different iterations of it at Ropewalk, Steamers Restaurant & Sports Bar, and Don’s Seafood Market & Restaurant.
- Outdoors: Climb to the top of the Assateague lighthouse. Decorated in red and white stripes, the 142-foot lighthouse has been a fixture on the island for 150 years.
- Learn: NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center is just a 10-minute car ride from the island. Explore hands-on exhibits about NASA’s Earth Science program and the important role the facility has had in our understanding of earth + space science since it opened in 1945.
- Explore: Beach trips and stops at a local bookstore go hand-in-hand for me. So, one of my first stops on the island is at Sundial Books. The independent bookstore, which opened in 2007, offers visitors everything from the newest releases and collectible books to local art and comic books (hint: the perfect place to pick up your next beach read).
Where to stay:
- Vrbo: Family beach vacay coming up? This 4 BD, 2.5 BA waterfront home in the Smugglers Cove area offers a peaceful + private island experience. ($403/night)
- Airbnb: Luxury on the water? This elegant 5 BD, 4 BA retreat offers panoramic views of Chincoteague Bay (read: peep the local wildlife while enjoying your morning coffee) and enough room for family + friends. ($529/night)
- Splurge hotel: This waterfront hotel offers the tranquility of an island oasis just steps away from Main Street. (~$239/night)
- Save hotel: Want more of a retro beach vibe? Head over to The Inn on Main. ($99/night)
By far, my favorite part of any trip to Chincoteague is stopping at Island Creamery. Since 1975, the creamery has been serving up large scoops of homemade ice cream. Last summer, it took home USA Today’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards title of “Best Ice Cream Place in America.” My favorite flavors on the menu include: Cake Batter, Bourbon Caramel Crunch, Pony Tracks, and Wallops Rocket Fuel.
Pro tip: Visit on an empty stomach.
