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Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Chincoteague Island

4.8
#1 of 31 in Wildlife in Virginia
National Park Wildlife Area
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge encompasses nearly 5,670 hectares (14,000 acres) of beach, dunes, marsh, and maritime forest. Before setting off a hike or bike ride, you can visit the educational and administrative center to pick up maps, study exhibits, and talk to staff. As you explore, keep your eyes open for the refuge's famous Chincoteague ponies. Fishing, clamming, and crabbing are all popular activities here; look for specially marked areas. Be sure to bring your bathing suit if you'd like to go swimming at the beach or Tom Cove. You can end your visit with a cozy campfire on the beach; pick up a free fire permit from the Tom Cove visitor center beforehand. If the weather is warm, remember to bring bug repellent. For travelers who use our world travel planner, Chincoteague Island holidays become easier to arrange, with trips to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and other attractions mapped out and timetabled.
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2,301 reviews
TripAdvisor
  • Visited Chincoteague NWR. It has a fine introductory center and a vaiety of walks in the refuge.Be sure and spray bug repellent, there are mosquitos galore. I took 3 mile walk around a marsh and it wa...  more »
  • Beautiful beach, but if you go to the visitor center or the lighthouse dress in full on mosquito gear. Like 100% deet and long clothes... The center was worth the run in. The beach there's no mosquito...  more »
  • Beautiful place, we really enjoyed our visit to the refuge and beach. Been there in May, not crowded at all, no mosquitos, enjoyed nature a lot!  more »
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Best things to do in Chincoteague Island

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Nature & Wildlife Tours
Chincoteague Island
Visit for: 3​h
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Museum of Chincoteague
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Visit for: 1​h 30​min
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Horseback Riding Tours
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Side Trips
Assateague Island National Seashore
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Assateague State Park
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Assateague Beach
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Hidden Gems
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Fishing Charters & Tours
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Visit for: 3​h 30​min
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Chincoteague Cultural Alliance
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MamerSass
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Nearby
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Captain Dan's Around the Island Tours
Chincoteague Island
Visit for: 2​h 30​min
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Daisey's Island Cruises
Chincoteague Island
Visit for: 2​h 30​min
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Captain Barry's BackBay Cruises
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Visit for: 3​h
Tours
Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
Chincoteague Island
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Ghost & Vampire Tours
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Kid Friendly Attractions
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Captain Timothy Hill House
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Where to stay in Chincoteague Island

Long-term visitors can rent one of the many vacation homes that dot the island. For a short stay, hotels and bed and breakfasts are located on the shore and in the small town center on the island.
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11 days in Virginia BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES October, hidden gems PREFERENCES: October ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems PACE: Medium 25 days in United States BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES October, popular PREFERENCES: October ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 10 days in Virginia BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES August, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, hidden gems PREFERENCES: August, outdoors, relaxing, beaches ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems PACE: Medium 3 days in Chincoteague Island BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES August, teens, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: August, teens ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 3 days in Chincoteague Island BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES August, popular PREFERENCES: August ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 5 days in Chincoteague Island BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM August, hidden gems PREFERENCES: August ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems PACE: Medium 10 days in Virginia BY A USER FROM INDIA August, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, shopping, slow & easy, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: August, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, shopping ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Slow & easy 13 days in Virginia BY A USER FROM ISRAEL September, outdoors, historic sites, popular PREFERENCES: September, outdoors, historic sites ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 3 days in Chincoteague Island BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES October, popular PREFERENCES: October ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 4 days in Virginia BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES August, teens, outdoors, popular PREFERENCES: August, teens, outdoors ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 6 days in Chincoteague Island BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES June, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, shopping, popular PREFERENCES: June, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, shopping ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 26 days in United States BY A USER FROM SAUDI ARABIA August, kids, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, museums, shopping, popular PREFERENCES: August, kids, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, museums, shopping ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium
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