Assateague Island, VA, a totally undeveloped Wildlife Refuge and National Seashore, is the ideal place for swimming, birding, hiking, biking, and sunbathing.

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island is within walking distance of the Refuge Inn. The Refuge is well-known as a bird-watcher’s paradise where over 300 species of birds have been spotted. Two visitor’s centers give nature-lovers of all ages a glimpse into the Saltwater Marsh and Atlantic Ocean ecosystems in the area, including a model of a majestic Bald Eagle nest, a peek into the famous Oyster industry of Tom’s Cove, and a sight-and-sound exhibit about the unique Loblolly Pine Forest barrier island ecosystem found on Assateague.

Assateague Island National Seashore is roughly three miles by bicycle and four miles by car from the inn. Any time of year, there is nothing like a relaxing walk or jog along the beach. Thirty-seven miles of the wildest and most beautiful beaches on the East Coast are yours to explore and enjoy. During the summer, lifeguards oversee a section of the beach near the bathhouses and visitor center. Changing stalls, handicap-accessible toilet facilities, and rinse-off showers are available. Outside the lifeguard protected area, you can enjoy surf fishing, an over-sand vehicle area, skim boarding, and even surfing (lessons and boards of all sizes are available on Chincoteague).