There’s so Many Things to do in Chincoteague!

No matter what time of the year you come to Chincoteague Island, there’s always lots of things to do in Chincoteague! For example, if you like the water you can go kayaking, sailing, jet skiing, surfing or hire a motor boat. Like fishing? We have that too! What about a quiet day beach-combing and taking in the views, sunshine and wildlife? Assateague has a glorious unspoiled beach and the most wonderful wildlife reserve where you’ll find a wide variety of migratory and local birds, diverse wildlife, including Chincoteague’s famous wild ponies and the Assateague Lighthouse. There, also find great hiking and sight-seeing, photo opportunities, and world class bird watching. Chincoteague and Assateague are great for biking and we’re pleased to provide bikes for you, and everything you need for the beach! Throughout the year, Chincoteague also plays host to festivals, local musical, and dramatic performances along with displays by local art galleries, many just a few blocks from our Inn.

Attractions

Things to do in Chincoteague

Recommended Restaurants

We are proud to have lots of good dining options right here on the island – and it’s not all seafood! Chincoteague restaurants offer a wide variety including Italian, Mexican, Asian, BBQ, and more. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, or a quick bite, you’ll find it on Chincoteague, and best of all, Miss Molly’s Inn, is just minutes from all of them – by car, bike or within footsteps! 

Daisey’s Island Cruises

Cruise remote areas of Assateague with the lifelong local guides. Daisy’s Captains are often Chincoteague natives, and every tour is rich in history, humor and education. Scenic nature tours feature close-up views of the wild ponies, dolphins, bald eagles, and beautiful sunsets all from their very comfortable pontoon boats. Cruises Leave from the City Marina – 5 minutes from Miss Molly’s. Dog Friendly. Morning, Afternoon, Evening Tours. Advance Reservations recommended. Phone: 757-336-5556

Captain Dan’s Around the Island Tours

Captain Dan’s Around the Island Tours offers family friendly nature tours searching for the wild ponies, dolphin, bald eagles, sea turtles, sting rays, and all manner of wild fowl, and local creatures of Assateague’s Ocean and Marsh from our comfortable 25′ pontoons, guided by some of Chincoteague’s most experienced Captains. Cruises leave from Captain Dan’s private dock next door to Miss Molly’s. Morning, afternoon and evening cruises. Advance reservations are recommended. Phone: 757-894-0103

“Step Through Time” Historic Walking Tours

Chincoteague’s history includes exciting tales of Native Americans, settlers, pirates, ponies, ghosts, oysters and buried treasures! Take the tour that shares the stories of this beautiful island. Local historian, Cindy Faith’s tours walk visitors through downtown, while popping into unexpected locations to hear fascinating little known facts about the island and her people. “Misty” tours taking you inside the story of Marguerite Henry and Misty, which feature Miss Molly’s and the Beebe ranch area also available twice a week! Highly recommended by Miss Molly’s! Phone: 757-894-1953 

Assateague Tours

Assateague Tours is the biggest and most recognized kayak outfitter on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. They offer kayak rentals as well as daily Kayak Eco Tours throughout Chincoteague and Assateague Island waterways. The Tours come highly recommended by previous Miss Molly’s guests who report it’s not to be missed! Tours and kayak rentals take off from 7512 East Side Road, located right across the channel from Assateague Island and the Refuge. Phone: 757-336-6176

Assateague Lighthouse

The Assateague Lighthouse is about 1/4 mile away from Chincoteague Island. Visitors can drive there from Chincoteague in about 5 minutes, or you can ride a bicycle or walk on the trail that leads from Chincoteague over to Assateague Island. The Lighthouse opens for visitors weekends April through November 9am to 3pm (closed from 12pm-12:30pm for lunch). Free admission (donations are gratefully accepted).

Assateague Island

Miles of Sandy Beaches, Views and Wildlife

The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (CNWR) is located on the Virginia portion of Assateague Island. The video at the top of this page shows a wonderful aerial view. The refuge is one of the most visited in the nation, receiving approximately 1.5 million visitors each year. Established in 1943, the Refuge includes more than 14,000 acres of beach, dunes, marsh, and maritime forest. The Refuge is home to a spectacular variety of migratory birds, plants, and other animals. Entering Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, visitors are immediately surrounded by the splendor of unspoiled nature. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. The refuge is 2 miles from Miss Molly’s, driving or biking. It is 4 miles biking to the beach from Miss Molly’s using our loaner bikes.

Miles of trails are available on Assateague Island for hiking or biking. About half are paved while the rest are open to foot traffic only. Trail maps are available in Miss Molly’s foyer or ask any team member. The use of insect repellent is highly recommended while on the nature trails. Here are the list of trails available: Lighthouse Trail (0.25), Wildlife Loop (3.25), Swan Cove Trail (0.5), Black Duck Trail (1.0), Marsh Trail (0.5), Bivavle Trail (0.25). The refuge is open 7 days a week: 5am-10pm May-Sept. 6am-8pm April-Oct. 6am-6pm Nov-March.

Video Credit: Page top video clip “Chincoteague 2021” embedded via YouTube, credit: Blake Grabenstein.

More From our Blog

View Additional Island Offerings

Come find all our Island has to offer, from unspoiled nature to engaging activities ideal for families, lovers and people that need that perfect blend of unique natural beauty, restoration and relaxing entertainment. We update our blog monthly with recommended sites, attractions and island happenings, so check back often!

What our guests are saying…

A great place to stay in Chincoteague This is a beautiful house centrally located. You can ride a bike to stunning Assateague Island National Park and the beach, and walk to anything in Chincoteague. Dave and Renata work really hard to make your stay comfortable and breakfast is exceptional… This was my first time to Chincoteague and I definitely want to return. When I do it will be to Miss Molly’s.

Conceirge Services Available

Get the Most Out of Your Stay

Contact us so that we can assist you with your Chincoteague vacation. These services are part of your stay here at Miss Molly’s and come at no additional charge. We can recommend and book dining reservations, boat trips, and walking tours. In addition we’re happy to help with maps, bikes, beach lunches and gear, so you can get to the Assateague Refuge and hit the beach, hike its amazing trails or find the wild ponies!