Sunset in the marshes of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia.

© Paul Brady Photography/Shutterstock

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

Virginia


This lush preserve has hiking trails where you can look for wild horses. There's also beachfront and a lighthouse. The 3¼-mile Wildlife Loop is open to pedestrians and cyclists only until 3pm, when cars are also permitted. The visitor center is open 9am to 5pm in summer, to 4pm rest of year.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Virginia attractions

1. Pocomoke River State Park

16.56 MILES

The Shad Landing section of Pocomoke River State Park, part of the 15,000-acre Pocomoke State Forest and located about 3.5 miles south of Snow Hill, is an…

2. Julia A Purnell Museum

18.55 MILES

While away an odd, rewarding half-hour in this tiny structure, which feels like an attic for the entire Eastern Shore. Highlights include the town's first…

3. Furnace Town

21.39 MILES

History buffs will enjoy this multi-building living-history museum that marks the old location of a 19th-century iron-smelting town.

4. Assateague Island National Seashore

22.64 MILES

A low-key barrier island, Assateague is a place to relax. In the Maryland section of the national seashore, you can cycle along a 4-mile road, hike nature…

5. Assateague State Park

25.54 MILES

The Maryland-run section of Assateague Island stretches for 2 miles along the coast and is tucked within the boundaries of the national seashore. Come…

6. J Millard Tawes Historical Museum

27.92 MILES

This small museum gives insight into the history of the region's inhabitants, beginning 10,000 years ago. Exhibits explore the life of local watermen –…

7. Calvin B Taylor House Museum

29.83 MILES

Built in 1832, this green-shuttered Federal-style house evokes everyday smalltown life in the 1800s and 1900s through period furnishings and exhibits…