how we spent a weekend in chincoteague, virginia

chincoteague island is a quiet coastal town that makes for the perfect weekend escape. we spent our time exploring, relaxing, and taking in everything that makes this island special—from spotting wild ponies to enjoying scenic views and strolling through their charming stores. whether you're planning a laid-back getaway or just looking for a new place to explore, here’s how we made the most of our time in chincoteague.

stay at the refuge inn

if you’re looking for the perfect place to stay on chincoteague island, the refuge inn is it. this cozy, family-owned inn sits just near the entrance to assateague island, giving you that peaceful, tucked-away feel while still being super close to everything. the best part? there are wild ponies on the property. they have a small pasture with a few chincoteague ponies that guests can visit and even feed treats from the provided feed boxes. waking up and seeing these ponies just steps from our room was magical.

we stayed in the veranda suite, and it was nothing short of incredible. the suite was spacious and beautifully decorated with coastal-inspired details, creating a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. it featured a charming balcony perfect for sipping coffee in the morning, as well as a large screened-in porch where we could unwind and take in the fresh island air. each morning, a continental breakfast was delivered straight to our door, making for a cozy and stress-free start to the day. the inn also boasts great amenities, including an indoor/outdoor pool, hot tub, sauna, and bike rentals, plus an incredibly warm and welcoming staff that made us feel right at home. from the moment we checked in, we knew we had found the perfect home base for our chincoteague getaway.

here’s a video i made about my stay!

morning treats from amarin coffee

there’s nothing better than a slow morning with good coffee, and amarin coffee is the best spot to start your day. this little café is warm and welcoming inside, with a front porch perfect for sitting outside and enjoying the morning sun. we grabbed a latte (absolutely delicious) and a couple of pastries—huge, flaky croissants that hit the spot. the staff was super friendly, and the overall vibe was cozy and relaxed. we loved rocking on the porch with our coffee, watching the island wake up around us. definitely a must-visit for any coffee lover!

wild pony boat tour with daisey’s cruises

if there’s one experience that truly captures the magic of chincoteague, it’s this. we took a morning boat tour with daisey’s island cruises, and it was easily the highlight of our trip. the captains are incredibly knowledgeable, sharing fascinating stories about the island’s history and the unique ecosystem as we cruised through the calm waters between chincoteague and assateague.

seeing wild ponies in their natural habitat was absolutely surreal. we watched them graze along the shoreline as we floated nearby, fully immersed in their world. the stillness of the water, the soft sounds of nature, and the sight of these beautiful animals moving freely made the experience unforgettable. as we continued our cruise, we also got a breathtaking view of the assateague lighthouse, standing tall against the trees, adding to the scenery’s charm. another huge perk? it’s dog-friendly! These tours run year-round, offering an up-close and immersive way to witness chincoteague’s most famous residents while also gaining insight into the island’s history and wildlife. whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning, this boat tour is something you won’t want to miss.

here’s a video I made about my experience!

lunch at famous pizza & sub shop

after the boat tour, we were starving, so we headed to famous pizza & sub shop—a casual, no-frills spot that’s been serving up huge portions for years. we ordered cheesesteak subs, and they were delicious. the cheesesteaks were packed with meat and melty cheese, and they totally hit the spot. we sat on their screened-in porch, which had a cute coastal feel and was the perfect place to relax after our morning adventures.

this spot has a massive menu, so whether you’re craving a sub, pasta, or seafood, there’s something for everyone. next time, i’m definitely trying one of their pizzas because they all looked amazing!

strolling down main street

chincoteague’s main street is so charming and fun to explore. we spent the afternoon wandering through local shops, starting with bad ponies studio & gallery, which had tons of beautiful coastal and horse-themed artwork. then we stopped by am-pm wine & gourmet market for an iced coffee and ended up grabbing a bottle of wine to bring back to the inn. they also offer wine tastings in the summer, which we definitely want to come back for.

one of my favorite stops? the chincoteague island library. it’s seriously one of the prettiest libraries i’ve ever seen, with cozy reading nooks and big windows letting in tons of light. after that, we walked down to the marina and took pictures with the giant love letters—oversized adirondack chairs that spell out “love.” before heading back, we popped into sundial books, an adorable indie bookstore with two floors of new and used books. they even had a whole section dedicated to chincoteague ponies!

exploring the wildlife refuge

no visit to chincoteague is complete without exploring the chincoteague wildlife refuge. we started with the assateague lighthouse walk, a short, scenic trail that leads to one of the cutest lighthouses i’ve ever seen. the red and white stripes make it look straight out of a postcard. unfortunately, it wasn’t open to climb when we went, but hopefully next time!

after the lighthouse, we drove down to the beach and took a long walk along the shoreline. even in march, the ocean views were stunning, with waves rolling in and the dunes stretching along the coast. the fresh sea air and the peacefulness of the nearly empty beach made it the perfect place to unwind. in certain seasons, you can even get a permit to drive on the beach, which we want to try next time. we ended our visit with a slow drive along wildlife loop, taking in the beautiful landscape and appreciating the stillness of the refuge. it was the perfect way to soak in the

a romantic dinner at bill’s prime seafood and steak

for our last night, we had a romantic dinner at bill’s prime seafood & steaks, and wow—this place is a must. it has that classic, cozy low-lit ambiance that makes for the perfect date night spot. we started with their famous crab dip, which was incredible, then both ordered seafood dishes, and everything was absolutely amazing. everything was cooked to perfection, and you could tell the seafood was super fresh.

the high-backed booths made it feel private and intimate, and the service was top-notch. we ended the meal with a slice of bumble berry pie, which was the perfect mix of tart and sweet. bill’s is definitely one of those restaurants you don’t want to miss when visiting chincoteague!

here’s a video showing our dinner!

off-season peace & planning our next trip

we visited in early march, which is definitely off-season, but honestly? we loved it. the island was so peaceful, we never had to wait for a table, and we got to experience chincoteague in a more relaxed way. it was the perfect romantic weekend getaway—calm, cozy, and full of beautiful sights.

that being said, we can’t wait to come back in the summer when more things are open! between the pony swim, kayaking, and beach days, there’s so much more to explore. whether you visit in the off-season for a quiet escape or in the summer for all the action, chincoteague is a magical little island that should definitely be on your travel list.

already counting down the days until our next visit!