I am all about magical Disney vacations and relaxing all inclusive destinations....but sometimes life calls for a different type of travel. This year for Spring Break we decided to take a quick trip to Chincoteague Island, Virginia! Located on the eastern shore of Virginia, this little resort town offers a laid back, quaint experience with kind residents, lots of nature trails to explore, great food, and, of course, PONIES!
I asked my three girls, ages 9, 7, and 4 years, what they love about Chincoteague and Assateague Islands. They immediately listed off their Five Favorite Things.
- Pony Patrol
My children love horses. While Chincoteague offers more than just horses, a large part of our time revolves around ponies in some shape or form.
We drive around Assateague Island looking for wild ponies grazing the salt marshes. We were lucky enough to catch the spring round up so we could see some of the wild ponies up close in the corral and at the carnival grounds. We also like to visit the ponies at Refuge Inn every day. If you or your little people want to see some wild ponies, this is the place to visit!
- Captain Dan's Around the Island Tours
We have been to Chincoteague a few times...and each visit, we schedule a boat tour with Captain Dan. He is THE BEST!
We love how knowledgeable and entertaining he is. Every trip is unique and fun. He knows exactly where the ponies are and takes us as close as possible. He provides a wealth of information about the history of the island and ponies as well as anything else you may want to know. In addition to spotting wild ponies, we have seen dolphins, bald eagles, and even a seal!
We highly recommend Captain Dan, but you need to book your trip early because he fills up quickly (he is that good!).
We went on a 4pm tour at the beginning of April. The temperature in the water is about 10 degrees cooler than in land. When the boat is moving, the wind can be very chilly, so we come prepared with coats and blankets.
- Beach fun
Assateague Island offers a gorgeous beach location with soft sand, lots of seashells, and fun waves. We spent time on the beach each day to run, play, and even swim. (Not all of us were crazy enough to get in the frigid water in early April).
- Bike Rides and Walking Trails
Chincoteague Island is very pedestrian friendly. You will find lots of bike riders and walkers all around the island. We love exploring all the trails on Assateague Island. Most are paved or crushed gravel, so they are great for bike riding. You can often spot some wild ponies along the way.
- Delicious Food
Seafood, steakhouses, taco trucks, Italian, ice cream treats, and more! This little town offers a wide variety of dining options, most locally owned and loved. Our favorite spot is Island Creamery We visit at least once a day.
We have so many amazing memories from our visit at Chincoteague Island. We cannot wait to return.
If you are looking for a relaxing escape for everyday life, with outdoor exploring, beach time, and wild pony spotting, Chincoteague is the perfect destination for you! I would love to help with your vacation plans. Contact me today to get started.
