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 island town is always a great time.

Use this quick guide for the perfect day in Chincoteague.

Why go

Five Chincoteague ponies graze and drink from shallow water in a grassy marsh on Assateague Island. — Chincoteague ponies graze in the marshland on Assateague Island, home to the famous herd. | Photo by Hillebrand Steve, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Neighboring Assateague Island is home to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, where you can spot the famous Chincoteague ponies grazing in the salt marsh. Fun fact: The ponies have been living on the island for hundreds of years. Explore the history of the herd.
- Note: Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is relocating its recreational beach 2.5 miles north to a more storm-resilient location, with road and parking construction expected to continue through fall 2026. The current beach remains open during construction, while the new beach area could open as soon as spring 2027.
Check out this island guide for more recommendations.

Act like a local:

a chocolate croissants — Grab a chocolate croissant — or really any pastry — from Amarin Coffee. | Photo by Rachel Taylor-Northam

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 — and was even designated as Maryland's state cocktail in 2025. 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 159 years. The red-and-white-striped landmark offers seasonal climbs, so check current hours before visiting.
Learn: NASA's Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center is just a short 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

A rustic wooden boathouse sits over a marsh on Chincoteague Island, connected to land by a narrow wooden boardwalk, with views of the surrounding water and homes. — This historic boathouse on Chincoteague Island was built over the water in the 1940s and converted into a home in the 1970s. | Photos courtesy Airbnb

Vrbo: Family beach vacay coming up? This 3 BD, 2 BA creekside cottage near Oyster Bay offers a peaceful + private experience. (~$505/night)
Airbnb: Expecting a bigger group? This historic boathouse sleeps eight and boasts a private pier. You might even be able to see some famous ponies while enjoying your morning coffee. (~$487/night)
Splurge hotel: This waterfront hotel offers the tranquility of an island oasis just steps away from Main Street. (Starting at $175/night)
Save hotel: Want more of a retro beach vibe? Head over to The Inn on Main. (Starting at $82/night)

a hand holding a cup of ice cream — Ice cream for dinner sounds good to us. | Photo by Rachel Taylor-Northam

By far, my favorite part of any trip to Chincoteague is stopping at Island Creamery. Since the 1970s, the creamery has been serving up large scoops of homemade ice cream. In 2023, 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.