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Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Chincoteague Island

4.8

Must see · National Park · Wildlife Area

Create an itinerary including Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

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. Discover how to plan a Chincoteague Island trip in just a few steps with Klarna Trips's itinerary builder.

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Tours to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

FROM $75 BOOK WITH VIATOR Kayak Tour along Assateague Island to see Wild Ponies and Nature Kayak Tour along Assateague Island to see Wild Ponies and Nature

4.8

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Tours from $75 ›

FROM $59 BOOK WITH VIATOR Wild Pony Watching Boat Tour along Assateague Island Wild Pony Watching Boat Tour along Assateague Island

3.3

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Tours from $59 ›

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

3,141 reviews

Google

4.8

By Steve88765

We visited during mid week in January. Everything was open and there were not any crowds. The same horses were visible. We enjoyed some nice trail walks and visitor center visits with hardly anyone...

We visited during mid week in January. Everything was open and there were not any crowds. The same horses were visible. We enjoyed some nice trail walks and visitor center visits with hardly anyone... more »
By jeaniegreen313

This place is by far one of my favorite places to vacation. I love the refuge in all seasons, but fall/winter and early spring are my favorite - not too many mosquitoes, clear skies and lots to see!

This place is by far one of my favorite places to vacation. I love the refuge in all seasons, but fall/winter and early spring are my favorite - not too many mosquitoes, clear skies and lots to see! more »
By LizNed55

Are you kidding! The ponies. Unbelievable beauty. The walking trails. It’s November therefore we opted not to ride bikes. But dang that would have been life altering.

Are you kidding! The ponies. Unbelievable beauty. The walking trails. It’s November therefore we opted not to ride bikes. But dang that would have been life altering. more »

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Google

By G. C.

This beach is very unique because there are sand bars, 100 feet out into the ocean, that actually break up the large waves and offes a safe swim into the Atlantic. Lots and lots of bike trails. Wild horses can be seen near the bay side. Awesome place to take the family. (Dogs are not allowed in this park.)

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By Deborah Gleiter

Beautiful beaches. Very family friendly. Not a long walk from your car to the beach. Only 10 dollars per car to get into the park. The horses are beautiful and so whimsical. My toddlers loved coming here. We will definitely be back.

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By Shira Reeves

Beautiful! Love this place and hope to go back. Going in the off season made for a quiet, peaceful trip with not many others about. The beach is a great place to watch the sunset. Take note that the lighthouse is closed. Of course you in can see it but cannot go up.

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By Matthew Woolner

Love walking around the area. The service road up to the beach is a fun walk and in the fall is almost completely free of any other people. Just remember to bring bug repellent, even if you think it's too cold.

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By Elizabeth O’Brien

Always wanted to go here since reading Misty of Chincoteague. Such a picturesque place! Loved the town, nature preserve, beach, all of it! You’ll definitely see some ponies if that’s what you are looking for!

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