Chincoteague is a town situated on Chincoteague Island on the eastern shore of Virginia. This is the state’s only resort island and is perhaps best renowned for its feral ponies, most of which are actually on the nearby Assateague Island. Also referring to Chincoteague is the 1947 children’s book ‘Misty of Chincoteague’ by Marguerite Henry, which is about the region’s annual Pony Penning Day. A nature lover’s paradise, Chincoteague Island is a popular family vacation spot and has something to offer everyone.
The region’s major attraction is definitely the over 300 wild ponies, descendants of 17th century horses which live along Assateague Island and can be watched with their foals in their natural environment anytime throughout the year. During the annual Chincoteague Wild Pony Swim, the horses swim over to Chincoteague, while about 40,000 spectators wait along the immensely overcrowded shoreline for them to reach the shore.
The island offers visitors a wide range of outdoor activities. You can travel to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge or the Assateague Island National Seashore and explore the undeveloped beaches and miles of secluded waterways, or enjoy bird watching, biking, hiking, nature cruises, swimming and more. Dolphins and other maritime creatures occupy Chincoteague’s tranquil waters, while the island’s mouthwatering oysters and clams have become a further tourist pull.
Highlights
Pony Penning: every year since 1925, the ponies swim across the shallow water to Chincoteague and run through the middle of town after which they are herded into large pens (end of July).
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge: the refuge presents miles of hiking and biking trails also suitable for children and is home to the Chincoteague ponies and plentiful birds, including egrets and snow geese.
Chincoteague Pony Center: this place offers pony riding lessons, Misty memorabilia plus a gift shop; children familiar with the book might enjoy a stopover at the Beebe Ranch.
The Island Aquarium: visitors can experience local marine life here, particularly through a ‘touch tank’ where they are allowed to actually pat live marine animals.
Oyster and Maritime Museum: this venue displays various seashells from around the globe, model boats and some curiosities and shell art from the Chincoteague Island.