Beach & Refuge
Welcome to the wild heart of Virginia’s Eastern Shore—where shimmering waters meet sandy beaches, and untamed landscapes shape unforgettable experiences. The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island National Seashore stand as jewels of coastal conservation, inviting visitors to explore a vibrant mosaic of ecosystems that support abundant wildlife, rich cultural heritage, and boundless outdoor adventure.
Stretching across marshes, maritime forests, tidal creeks, and expansive dunes, these protected lands are home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. Here, migratory birds make seasonal stops on epic journeys, the iconic Chincoteague ponies roam freely, and Atlantic waves create dynamic shorelines shaped by nature’s rhythms. Whether you are seeking serene birdwatching moments at sunrise, tranquil hikes through wild meadows, or the simple joy of watching the surf roll in, this special place offers both escape and discovery.
As part of the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Park Service, these landscapes are preserved not just for us—but for future generations of people and wildlife to thrive together. Explore miles of hiking and biking trail, seasonal programming, ranger information, conservation stories, and visitor resources to help plan your perfect day—or weekend—immersed in the beauty.
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most visited refuges in the United States, providing visitors with outstanding opportunities to learn about and enjoy wild lands and wildlife.
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge includes more than 14,000 acres of beach, dunes, marsh, and maritime forest. Established in 1943 to provide habitat for migratory birds (with an emphasis on conserving greater snow geese), the refuge today provides habitat for waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, and song birds as well as other species of wildlife and plants. The refuge also provides wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities such as fishing, hunting, wildlife photography and observation, interpretation, and environmental education.
Discover miles of hiking and biking trails.
Saddle up and enjoy a casual horseback ride on the beach.
Please note: PETS ARE PROHIBITED – even in your vehicle – on both the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island VA National Seashore. Click here for available pet sitters and boarders.
Assateague Island National Seashore is a 37-mile (60 km) long barrier island on the Atlantic Coast of Maryland and Virginia. Famed for its wild horses, this barrier island is a constantly shifting ribbon of sand, altered daily by powerful wind and waves. Assateague Island, dedicated as a National Seashore on September 1, 1965, lays claim to a long and rich history. Today's visitors can explore sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests, and coastal bays. Only a couple of miles wide at its broadest point, the island's terrain offers shelter to the famed wild horses as well as sika deer, ghost crabs, and migrating birds such as the great blue heron and snowy egret. Favorite recreational activities include fishing, surfing, beachcombing, swimming, and sunbathing.
Note: There are mosquitoes and gnats on the barrier islands in the summer. Chincoteague sprays for mosquitoes, both from trucks on the ground and from low-flying planes in the summer, so the mosquito population is to some extent controlled. But because Assateague Island is a Refuge for a variety of birds and wildlife, spraying is not a practice there, and a repellent is a summer must.
