City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Chincoteague, Virginia
Located near the waterways of Chincoteague Bay, the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Chincoteague is a terrific destination for private boat dock rentals. Travelers can enjoy boating, fishing and kayaking as well as windsurfing, swimming and kiteboarding.
The charming coastal town is known for its natural beauty, unique wildlife and small-town atmosphere. It’s probably most famous for its wild horses made famous in Marguerite Henry’s 1947 novel Misty of Chincoteague.
Photo: Sandy Allen
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Photo: Wikimedia
One of the most popular attractions near private boat dock rentals is Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The 14,000-acre refuge is home to the famous Chincoteague ponies. Explore the refuge on foot, by bike or take a guided tour to learn more about the wildlife and history of the area. In addition to the ponies, visitors can see a variety of birds, including bald eagles and great blue herons, as well as other animals like deer and foxes. Most of Chincoteague is in Virginia, but a portion extends into Maryland.
Assateague Island Wildlife Refuge
Photo: Sandy Allen
Assateague Island Wildlife Refuge is a barrier island located just off the coast of Chincoteague along Assateague Island National Seashore. It’s home to miles of pristine beaches, dunes and wetlands. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing and surfing as well as hiking and wildlife watching on the island's many trails. In addition to the Chincoteague ponies, visitors can see a variety of other wildlife on Assateague Island, including dolphins, sea turtles and migratory birds. Don’t miss taking a hike to the Assateague Lighthouse while you’re there.
Museum of Chincoteague Island
Photo: Museum of Chincoteague Island (Facebook)
For those interested in history, the Museum of Chincoteague Island is a must when visiting private boat slips for rent. This small museum is housed in a historic building and features exhibits on the history and culture of Chincoteague Island, including boat models, a decoy carver’s workshop and the lighthouse’s first-order Fresnel lens. Learn about the island's Native American heritage as well as its history as a fishing and oystering community. The museum also has exhibits on the famous Chincoteague ponies (and Misty and Stormy) and the annual pony swim and auction.
Island Theatre
Photo: Acroterian/Wikimedia
For those looking for a more leisurely way to explore the island from private boat lifts for rent, a visit to the Island Theatre is a must. This charming theater, which dates back to 1914, shows movies on weekends and hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, plays and comedy shows.
Along with ice cream shops, seafood restaurants and fun gift shops, you’ll find lots of activities and attractions to enjoy from private boat slip rentals in Chincoteague. Let us know what you find!
