A Family-Owned Inn on Chincoteague Island, Virginia
SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL BY NATURE
Nestled among whispering pines at the entrance to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, The Refuge Inn is more than just a place to stay: it’s an authentic island tradition. Since 1973, three generations of our family have welcomed guests with warmth, comfort, and genuine island hospitality.
Our peaceful grounds invite you to slow down and savor the moment, with shaded picnic areas, blooming gardens, and a view of our resident ponies. Every room is thoughtfully designed with your getaway in mind, blending coastal charm with modern ease.
Whether you’re pedaling to the beach at sunrise, birdwatching from your balcony, or exploring the islands’ winding waterways, The Refuge Inn is the heart from which your island adventure unfolds. We've honed every detail so you can relax, breathe the salt air, and make magical island memories.
REFUGE INN
Each of our 72 rooms is individually decorated with touches that reflect the charm of our island surroundings. Comfort comes in many forms, and we’ve designed our rooms to meet the needs of just about every traveler. Whether you’re visiting for a family getaway, a romantic escape, or a solo retreat, you’ll find comfortable spaces that make you feel right at home.
We’re proud to make our inn welcoming to everyone, with a variety of accommodations: family-friendly rooms with two queen beds, spacious and romantic king rooms, and well-appointed suites where everyone can gather. Connecting rooms and accessible accommodations are available for added flexibility, privacy, and guest comfort.
We take great care to ensure each room is spotless and welcoming. Every room includes a private balcony or patio to unwind and take in the natural beauty that surrounds the inn. Whichever room you choose, you’ll enjoy the same signature warmth, charm, and attention to detail that keep guests returning year after year.
VISIT WILD PONIES
Just minutes away
There’s something unforgettable about seeing the wild Chincoteague ponies for the first time. They roam freely across Assateague Island, cared for by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. They step out of the pines or stand silhouetted against the marsh grass, completely at home. You’ll watch their manes lift in the salt breeze and their hooves press into the barrier island marsh. It’s a moment guests dream about long before they arrive, and one they remember long after they leave.
Just beyond your room, that same sense of wonder continues here at the inn. Our resident ponies are descended from the herd Don Leonard brought with him when he opened the motel in 1973. There’s no schedule, no crowd, no stress — just you and the ponies. Pony lovers light up at their first sighting, whether they’re six or sixty. Take your coffee out to the fence and stay as long as you like. The ponies have been part of the Refuge Inn since the day we opened, and they’re here awaiting your arrival.
RELAX. YOU'RE HERE.
On-Site Amenities You'll Love
Back at the inn, there’s nothing to plan. The essentials are covered, the extras are already in place. Our on-site amenities are here for the in-between moments, like a swim before dinner or a soak after a day on the refuge, that make a trip feel like a true vacation.
Indoor/Outdoor Pool — Swim under shade, sun, or stars, all year round
Hot Tub — Bubbles are bliss after a day of adventure
Therapeutic Dry Sauna — Where warmth meets wellness
Fitness & Weight Room — Energy in, stress out
Bike & Beach Rentals — Ready when adventure calls
EV Charging Station — Charge up while you wind down
Well-Equipped Guest Rooms — We’ve thought of everything
Complimentary Breakfast Delivery — Simple, satisfying, and ready when you are
Explore the Islands
WALLOPS ISLAND
Welcome to Virginia’s Space Coast, where space exploration takes center stage at NASA Wallops Flight Facility and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport. Watch a launch light up the sky, then visit NASA’s hands-on Wallops Visitor Center to explore rockets, follow active science missions, and discover the universe—all just minutes from the Refuge Inn.
CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND
Where your trip comes to life. Chincoteague has been a family vacation town for generations, with bike rides, quaint shops, ice cream parlors, panoramic sunsets, and local seafood restaurants.
ASSATEAGUE ISLAND
Where nature takes the lead. Assateague is an undeveloped National Seashore and Wildlife Refuge, home to miles of natural sandy shoreline, roaming ponies, a historic lighthouse, and abundant birdlife. Here, the recreational beach and salt marshes remain beautifully untamed, just as nature intended.
BE PART OF OUR STORY
For more than 50 years, families have made the Refuge Inn part of their Chincoteague tradition, coming back year after year to see the ponies, bike to the beach, and check in with a front desk that remembers them, often in the same room. Whether you’re continuing a tradition or starting a new one, our doors are open and the island is waiting.
Favorite weekends, events, and migration seasons tend to fill quickly.
