Assateague Island National Seashore across the second bridge is the main draw — miles of undeveloped Atlantic beach, the historic Assateague Lighthouse on the Woodland Trail, and the wild ponies made famous by Marguerite Henry's Misty of Chincoteague. The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge loop drive circles the marsh with waterfowl, snowy egrets and pony bands visible from the road.
The Chincoteague Pony Swim in the last week of July is the town's signature event — Saltwater Cowboys herd the wild pony bands across the channel from Assateague to the Chincoteague carnival grounds for auction. Kayak rentals and pony-viewing boat tours launch from the Main Street waterfront a short walk from both hotels.
Downtown Main Street runs the length of the drawbridge end of the island with independent seafood restaurants (AJ's on the Creek, Bill's Prime, Steamers Seafood), the Museum of Chincoteague Island, and Sundial Books. The NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center sits 15 minutes north with rocket-launch viewing on scheduled dates.
There is more within easy reach: Assateague Lighthouse on the Woodland Trail; The Wildlife Refuge loop drive for pony viewing; Main Street seafood shacks; NASA Wallops Visitor Center 15 minutes north; Kayak and boat tours from the Main Street waterfront. Seasonal highlights include the Pony Swim (last week of July), the Oyster Festival (October) and the Christmas Parade on Main Street (December).
There is more within easy reach: The Museum of Chincoteague Island; The NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center; Downtown Main Street shops; Kayaking.
