Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is an outdoor activity in Chincoteague, VA, part of the Ocean City & the Delmarva Beaches guide. Cost: under $25.

8231 Beach Rd · Chincoteague, VA

Why you should go…

This 14,000-acre refuge, established in 1943 to protect migratory birds, covers most of the Virginia end of Assateague Island with beach, dunes, salt marsh and maritime forest. You can hike or bike a 15-mile trail network, watch the Chincoteague ponies graze in the marsh, and visit the red-and-white Assateague Lighthouse. More than 275 bird species use the refuge through the year, and the Wildlife Loop is open to cars as an auto tour.

#wildlife refuge
#wild ponies
#beach
#birding
#lighthouse

What's around here?

The closest stops to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

Sightseeing
Outdoor Adventure
Worcester County
Free
Maryland's only oceanfront county, home to Ocean City's boardwalk and Assateague Island.
16 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing
Sport & Outdoor
Outdoor Adventure
Assateague Island National Seashore
$25–$50
Watch wild horses graze the marshes and beach on a 37-mile barrier island with camping, beach walks and nature trails.
22 mi awayMore like this
Tours
Family Favorite
Miss Ocean City
Under $25
Family owned bay fishing boat offering half day trips and charters out of West Ocean City.
28 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours
Sightseeing
Family Favorite
Ocean City Boardwalk
Free
Walk the oceanfront boards from the inlet to 27th Street past amusement rides, arcades, fry stands and shops beside the beach.
29 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing
Sport & Outdoor
Family Favorite
Bike World
Under $25
Ocean City's boardwalk bike rental shop, renting cycles by the hour, day, or week since 1978.
29 mi awayMore like this
Sport & Outdoor
Outdoor Adventure
Bayside Boat Rentals
$50+
Family-run pontoon boat and jet ski rentals on the bay side of Ocean City since 1999.
32 mi awayMore like this