Assateague Beach:

Located 10 -20 minutes from Chincoteague. Approx. 37-miles long of unspoiled beach. A perfect place for beach-combing, sunbathing, swimming, surfing, ocean kayaking, surf fishing and other fun activities. Lifeguards in summer. Parking lots, bath houses and showers by the beach. Also, stop by the Tom's Cove Visitor Center for exhibits, special programs and gifts.

Tom's Cove Visitor Center

Assateague Explorer Cruise & Kayaking:

Departs from the Assateague Nature Centre on Chincoteague Island, Virginia. This popular cruise & kayak tour takes you to a whole new world of Assateague. See the different herds of wild ponies, eagles, dolphins and other wildlife along miles of Assateague. Boat tour guided by a former Park Ranger & Chincoteague Island native Captain that gets you to the wild ponies. The kayak tour & rentals are another awesome way to experience the islands. Available from May through mid-October. Call (757) 336-5956 for reservations. www.AssateagueExplorer.com.

Assateague Lighthouse:

The Assateague lighthouse is located on the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague. It has been a landmark since 1833, keeping sailors from dangerous shoals located off the barrier island. It is still used as an active aid in navigation. The lighthouse stands 142 feet tall and it sits on a hill 22 feet above sea level. It has a light pattern of two flashes every five seconds (each lighthouse has its own unique signature). The light is visible up to 19 nautical miles away. There is a hiking trail to the lighthouse (It is recommended that insect repellent be applied in order to help prevent exposure to mosquitoes and ticks there). The lighthouse is open to the public during weekends in Spring, Summer and Fall months. The restored lens from the lighthouse that was used from 1867- 1983 is currently housed at the Oyster and Maritime Museum in Chincoteague.

Chincoteague Firemen's Carnival: June29-30, July 4-7,13-14,20-21,23-28, 2007

Summer fun with food (oyster fritters, hot dogs, funnel cakes, etc.), amusement rides, games and entertainment. The carnival starts at 7PM and is held at the carnival grounds on Main Street.

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge:

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most visited refuges in the United States. Many opportunities await as you enjoy nature and learn about the wildlife. Take a walk or ride a bicycle on many of Assateague's nature trails. See vast marshes and stroll through loblolly pine forests. Most trails are flat and paved. Most are 1/4 mile to 3 1/4 mile long. A variety of activities, guided walks and evening campfires are offered by the Refuge in Spring, Summer and Fall. The Refuge has for over 300 species of birds that visit, making the island a great place for a year-round birding. In fall and winter, the Refuge serves as a winter ground for thousands of waterfowl (Snow Geese, Canada Geese, Tundra Swans and many species of ducks) that migrate from North. The newly constructed Herbert H. Bateman Center holds 5,000 square-feet of educational exhibits, a 150-seat auditorium and a gift shop. The building has won several "green architecture" awards for its minimal environmental impact and efficient use of natural resources. Its exhibits and auditorium programs are fun and educational for families and wildlife enthusiasts of all ages.

Herbert H. Bateman Center

Fishing:

Chincoteague Island has been known as a fishing paradise for anglers. Flounder fishing can be good here and has attracted many fishing enthusiasts to the island. A variety of saltwater fish such as Croaker, Striped Bass and Trout can be caught. There are several Chincoteague town docks and parks on the island where you can catch fish.

Miniature Golf:

Fun for the whole family with Go-Karts, Arcade, Bumper Boats, Rock Wall and Kiddy Rides. Located on Maddox Blvd.

Museums:

NASA Visitor Center: Venture into space. Full-scale rockets, videos, displays, hands-on activities, and more. Located on Rt. 175. Call (757) 824-2298 for more information.

Oyster & Maritime Museum: Discover the fascinating maritime history of Chincoteague Island. Its displays and collections include many antiquities and artifacts that were found in the waters around Chincoteague - First Order Fresnel lens from Assateague Lighthouse, local boat models, decoys, marine life exhibit and a large shell collection. Located on Maddox Blvd. Call (757) 336-6117 for more information.

Refuge Waterfowl Museum: You will find a huge collection of waterfowl decoys from long-used antiques to today's decorative carvings. Stroll through the displays and descriptive exhibits as you appreciate and learn about this treasure of art. On-site demonstration available by one of the resident carvers. Located on Maddox Blvd. Call (757) 336-6117 for more information.

Seafood:

Chincoteague Island is known for its tasty seafood. There are many seafood restaurants to choose from on the island - from casual family dining to fine seafood restaurants. Fresh seafood is also available from several seafood markets on the island. Chincoteague Island also holds traditional seafood celebrations every year. The Seafood Festival (held in May) and the Oyster Festival (held in October) are great for seafood lovers. Come and visit the island during these celebrations. Lots of food and lots of fun. The perfect time & place for family gathering.

Shopping:

Enjoy shopping at many of Chincoteague's unique stores - find souvenirs, country gifts, fudge, antiques and fine arts. Find your own island treasures and take them back home as island mementos. Don't forget to visit a Misty statue in the heart of downtown. Many of the stores are located on Main Street and Maddox Blvd.

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