Assateague Lighthouse OPEN for Climbing

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, 8231 Beach Road, Chincoteague Island, VA 23336

• Date: 9/12/2026
• Starts: 10:00 AM
• Ends: 3:30 PM

Beginning next weekend the Assateague Lighthouse will only be open for climbing on Saturdays until the weekend before Thanksgiving. 

Please note:  The climb is only up to the observation area. Visitors are not permitted to climb over the sign that says “Area Beyond this Sign is Closed. All public entry prohibited.” Only the Coast Guard is authorized to go past the observation area. 

The lighthouse parking lot is very small and many visitors park on the grass area near the parking lot. This often causes problems with the flow of traffic on Beach Road.  We suggest, if visitors are able, to please park in the much larger visitor center parking lot and walk to the lighthouse.  There is an access road across from the entrance to the visitor center that leads to the lighthouse.  

The climb is free but donations are welcome. You can donate in cash or use the new QR code at the lighthouse or by credit card at the Bateman Visitor Center. Renovations to the lighthouse are paid with donated dollars. 

Please wear comfortable shoes. There are 175 steps up to the observation area…don’t worry, there’s a landing to rest every 25 steps. Bring your smiles, your questions and your patience for our wonderful volunteers both at the bottom and the top.  Bring your bug spray. The Assateague nibblers know the season is coming to an end but they’re still happily greeting visitors.