Chincoteague Island is a small barrier island off the coast of Virginia. Only about 4,300 people live on the island yeah round but over a million people visit each year. The local vibe is strong (locals are called Teaguer’s) but it’s a friendly vibe and tourists are welcome. It’s a beautiful place to visit. Come see what it’s all about. To help you make the most of your time on the island we’ve come up with a list of 25 fun things to do on Chincoteague!

Fun Things to Do on Chincoteague

On the water

1. Daisey Island Cruises – Sit back and relax, this pontoon boat tour will give you a close-up view from the water of the ponies. We recommend trying to book their Scenic Pontoon Tour which is their most popular cruise. The tour is 2 hours long and seats six. You’ll cruise the southern end of Chincoteague and even check out a good bit of Assategue.
2. Go fishing! – Fishing is one of the quintessential things to do on Chincoteague. Take a charter with a local who can put you right on some fish.

Museums/Tours

1. Ride the Pony Express! – This little trolley makes seven stops around the island and is an easy way to see Chincoteague. Plus it only costs a quarter! If you’re lucky, a local volunteer will share some of the history of the island while you are on board.
2. Teaguer’s Tump Tours – Take a tour in a passenger van and learn about the island from a local. Tours run six days a week from Monday – Saturday. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance.
3. Chincoteague Island Museum –  Get a little bit of history with your vacation. They have a popular Tuesday Night Lecture series which features different speakers but it has been temporarily canceled due to the coronavirus. You can purchase tickets online. Military personnel are admitted for free but must reserve a ticket online. Children 12 and under are also free but need to reserve a ticket online.
4. Captain Timothy Hill House – It’s free to visit this historic house though donations are accepted. Visitors will see one of the first homes on Chincoteague Island. Come see who carved tiny ships into the house and why.
5. NASA Visitors Center – Head to the visitors center (it’s FREE!) to learn about the space program and if you’re lucky, watch a rocket launch. Typically the visitor center is open to the public during launches for public viewing (it gets crowded so go early if you want to see a rocket launch!) That said, the coronavirus has temporarily closed the visitor center.
6. Self – guided historic walking and biking tours – The Chamber of Commerce has brochures for a self guided walking and biking tour. Pick one up and choose your own adventure. There are 18 stops waiting to be discovered on the walking tour and 16 stops on the biking tour.
7. See the area from a plane! – Ever wanted to fly in a Cessna 172? Now’s your chance. Flights depart from Accomack County Airport (about 30 minutes south of Chincoteague). The pilot has over 20 years of experience and will even let you take the controls and fly the plane.
8. Chincoteague Pony Centre – Get a lesson, check out the stables or even attend a camp. It’s all about the ponies here!

Parks and Entertainment

1. Funland – Bumper boats, arcade games, go-karts, mini golf. Be prepared for tons of kids and families. There are activities at Funland no matter what the weather throws at you. Visit their site for a coupon.
2. Maui Jack’s Waterpark – Waterslides, a splash zone, a cabana area and a lazy river. Typically you can buy a Day Pass and enjoy the park but with the coronavirus, there are some limitations. Check out their website for the most updated information and call before you go.
3. Visit the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge – Ponies, ponies, ponies and even a lighthouse! This is nature at it’s best but bring bug spray because they can be brutal!
4. Ride bikes! – If you need to rent them, check out The Bike Depot. You don’t need a reservation. During the summer they are typically open at 8am so you can get a ride in before the sun makes it super hot.
5. Shop til ya drop – It’s pretty easy to find some Chincoteague souvenirs to take home. When in doubt, there’s always shopping.
6. Sundial Books – Grab a book for the beach! Sundial Books is a unique, local bookshop that sells not only new books, bestsellers, local books but also used books. They’re locally owned and independent. Please support them rather than Amazon!
7. Ride a horse! – Queen Hive Farm offers riding instruction, boarding AND trail rides for tourists.
8. Take a hike! – There are several short trails that you can hike on Chincoteague as well as a service road that’s about 7 miles long. For more info and a map, go HERE.
9. See the ponies swim! This is an annual tradition. Come see the Saltwater Cowboys swim the ponies from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island at Pony Swim Lane.  Chincoteague provides a free Pony Shuttle service that starts as early as 4:00am.
10. Mariner’s Point – Check out the view from this spot and be sure to bring your camera! It’s a great spot to see the sunset.
11. Libertino Bowling Alley – When’s the last time you went bowling? It’s affordable and fun family entertainment. Whatcha waiting for?

Additional Chincoteague Resources

Fun Things to Do on Chincoteague!

How many of these these fun things to do on Chincoteague Island have you done? If you visit, we’d love to hear what you think. Also be sure to check out or Best Places to Eat on Chincoteague!

This post was made possible with the help of my Aunt Dawn and Uncle Butch who lived on the Island for the nine years.

Are you staying on Chincoteague but interested in a day trip off the island? Check out our top Things to Do in Ocean City and the Delaware Beaches!

Erin McGrady and Caroline Whatley are travel writers, photographers, web designers and the authors of Authentic Asheville.

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