Special Opening and Lighthouse Tour

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

Date: 7/1/2026
Starts: 10:00 AM
Ends: 3:30 PM

Assateague Lighthouse special opening: Wednesday, July 1st from 1000-1530 to celebrate World Marine Aids to Navigation Day, hosted by your Chincoteague Coast Guard!

IALA - the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities - was first established on July 1, 1957. This organization has worked to standardize maritime navigational systems and develop Aids to Navigation (ATON) technology world-wide, designating July 1st each year as World Marine Aids to Navigation Day.

What does this mean for you? Once again, your friendly neighborhood Coasties from U.S. Coast Guard Aids to Navigation Team Chincoteague will be doing a special opening of the Assateague Lighthouse for the public on Wednesday July 1st, from 10:00 AM with last climb at 3:30 PM! Since this is a special opening, we’ll let you go to the very top into the lantern cupola (normally restricted to Coast Guard servicing personnel) to see our light from inches away!

Climbing as always is free, though there are the normal Assateague Island National Seashore admission fees required to access the Park. Donations are accepted but never required, and will benefit the Chincoteague Refuge Friends, our amazing volunteer partners who help open the Lighthouse for you on weekends and assist with its upkeep.

Come kick off America’s 250th Birthday Celebration in advance of the weekend, and help your U.S. Coast Guard Sector Virginia ATON professionals celebrate our community history and World Marine Aids to Navigation Day! Climb the Assateague Light with us on Wednesday July 1st from 1000 - 1530!