When planning a family vacation along the USA east coast, one of the destinations worth considering is Chincoteague Island Virginia. This beautiful island is located within a few hours of Baltimore, Washington DC or Norfolk Virginia. Located on the eastern shore of Virginia, Chincoteague Island is easy to reach and a relatively inexpensive vacation resort.
Chincoteague Island has something for every member of the family. The island is best known for its wild ponies, made famous by the novels “Misty of Chincoteague”, “Stormy” and others. Also famous for it’s seafood, Chincoteague is home to excellent local oysters, clams, flounder and other delicacies.
Families can spend time together, as well as find activities for any member of the group. Men might enjoy local fishing while ladies explore the shops and boutiques. Kids will be delighted to see and touch local wild ponies, swim at the sandy beaches or enjoy miniature golf or a scooter rental.
Downtown Chincoteague is a mix of art, clothing, restaurants and specialty food shops. Artists display every manner of nautical art, including decoys, wildlife carvings, sculpture, pottery, photographs, paintings and more.
Minutes from Chincoteague is Assateague Island. Sharing the island is Assateague National Sea Shore and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge is one of the most popular USA, especially among bird watchers. Ducks, geese, swans, egrets, herons, and dozens of other shorebirds are seen here. Upon entering the refuge, Birdwatchers can check in at the visitors center, then make the short drive to the beach, explore the seashore and hike the many trails. Of particular interest to birders is the Wildlife Loop, which leads thru forest, marsh, and the lagoon.
Beach lovers will find beautiful sandy beaches, both on the oceanside and along Tom’s cove. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, walk the beaches, search for shells, and spot wild ponies on the beach and porpoises in the ocean.
Anglers will find Chincoteague to be a good place to take a fishing vacation. There is surf fishing, pier fishing, flounder fishing, deep sea fishing, crabbing, clamming and more. The waters are also a great place to powerboat, sail, jet ski or kayak.
The combination of small town atmosphere, local art, recreation, scenery, abundant wildlife and great beaches make this among the best values in family vacations along the eastern seaboard.
The author is a small business web designer, recreational angler and owner of several outdoor websites. See Chincoteague Island Virginia for more information about the vacation resort.