Travel Diary // Chincoteague Island

Planning safe travel destinations in the midst of a pandemic is a bit challenging however not impossible. My family and I took a road trip to Chincoteague Island for a few nights. I have been wanting to visit Chincoteague and Assateague Island for a while now and since it is only a 3.5 hours drive from Norther Virginia it was an easy weekend trip.

We stayed for 3 nights and in my opinion that is more than enough time to visit everything the island has to offer.

Here are the details of our trip:

Where to Stay

Refuge Inn – I booked directly by calling the Inn, the website was giving me a bit of trouble trying to book 2 rooms. For anyone with kids I recommend requesting a room on the first floor, it’s convenient to have the back door open to the grounds to play. The Inn has very strict and safe COVID guidelines in place. The only amenity that is currently open is the pool. Additionally there are three beautiful wild ponies on the Inn, be sure to visit them everyday!

Where to Eat

What to Do

Visit Assateague Island [open from 5am-10pm] (daily pass is $10, however from experience if you enter the park before 7am the gates are open for free, additionally after 4/5pm-ish the gates are open and no entrance fee is required). If you have an annual pass to US National Parks then it’s free!
- Wildlife Loop: I highly recommend this scenic drive! We did the drive twice and it is beautiful. There are many spots to park your car and take in the view.
- Tom’s Cove: This is great area for anyone with kids to swim and enjoy the water. The waves on the beach were a bit intense and the beach was a bit too crowded for my liking. My nephew had a blast paying in the water at the cove.
- Lighthouse Trail: There is a small area to park your car and then walk the trail to the lighthouse. It’s a very short trail and definitely doable with kids!
Scenic boat cruise – I recommend Daisey’s Island Cruises. My family and I opted for a private sunset boat cruise at 6pm, it costs $250. There is the option of the scenic pontoon cruise however it is a bit tricky because the cruise line requires a minimum of 15 passengers in order for the boat to sail. On the particular days we were in town only the 6pm cruise had enough passengers to sale. For the sunset cruise tickets are required for adults and children (regardless of age), therefore we did the math and it just made sense to book a private boat. Pandemic aside, I would recommend booking a private boat if you are going as a family and have little kids – it is much more enjoyable! Be sure to ask for Captain Nate – he is the absolute best and my nephew had a blast on the boat with him. He is native to Chincoteague and provides very interesting information, plus he knows all the picture worthy spots!
LOVEwork Chairs (exact location 4083 Main St, Chincoteague, VA 23336)