Virginia's Breathtaking National Seashore Offers A Stunning Wildlife Refuge Experience

Hidden away on an island that crosses both Virginia and Maryland is a 37-mile shore that is built for cowboys. The Assateague Island National Seashore is one of the top U.S. travel destinations to spot wild horses, offering a beach trip unlike any other. Instead of packing surfboards and suntan lotion (don't worry, you can use these too!), prepare to board a kayak and keep watch for free-roaming ponies. On the Virginia side of Assateague Island sits a small town called Chincoteague, which is a perfect gateway to explore this unique stretch of coast.

There are two herds of wild horses on Assateague Island. The Maryland herd is taken care of by the National Park Service, while the Virginia herd (referred to as the Chincoteague ponies) is monitored and cared for by Assateague's famed "saltwater cowboys" from the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. If you stop by in July, you may get a chance to see the cowboys hoot, holler, and herd the horses across the Assateague Channel during the iconic Pony Penning festival. This free, week-long event seeks to auction off the young ponies to raise money for the Fire Company to continue supporting the local herd. It culminates in the iconic annual Pony Swim across the channel. This event is certainly a nontraditional vacation stop, but as one saltwater cowboy (Alex Tucker) told National Geographic, "You can't go other places to see anything like this; this is unique to here."

The crown jewel of Assateague Island is, of course, the Chincoteague ponies (despite their confusing name!), made famous in part by the children's novel "Misty of Chincoteague" by Marguerite Henry. The best way to catch a glimpse of these ponies is by booking a local boat tour. The seasoned guides know all the best places to try your luck at seeing a pony. There is also a chance to see some ponies by taking a hike, car ride, or the Refuge Trek bus. If you are lucky enough to see the iconic steeds, be aware that you are not allowed to approach or ride them.

In addition to the majestic Chincoteague ponies, Assateague is rich with wildlife from seals (in the winter) to rare birds protected under the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The best time to visit is the summertime when the migratory birds arrive, but there are lots of critters to see year-round. No matter what animals you run into, be sure to keep a safe distance from them at all times to ensure the preservation of wildlife. Even the most ecstatic nature enthusiasts must follow crucial wildlife tips to make sure they are respecting animals' natural habitat. 

Outside of wildlife, visitors have several outdoorsy activity options to take part in throughout their trip. Every type of traveler will be able to make their trip worthwhile, with excursions from crabbing and biking to camping and hiking. And of course, there's the standard shore activities of swimming, canoeing, and kayaking.

Decide what activities you plan to do ahead of time, so you can pack the appropriate gear. Swimsuits, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are all safe bets. Be sure to pack bug spray, as there is no shortage of bugs on Assateague Island. A handy tick remover tool is a must when packing for this trip, especially if you camp or hike, just in case you happen to pick up an unwanted friend or two.

A trip to Assateague Island would make a great road trip, especially if you catch the sunset while driving over the Chincoteague Bay. If you need to fly to Assateague, plan to arrive at the Norfolk International Airport to pick up a rental car. A quick and beautiful two-hour drive to the island awaits you. To enter Assateague Island, you'll need to purchase a standard entrance pass for around $25 per vehicle (annual passes are also available). For overnight stays, Chincoteague has a plethora of hotels to choose from, starting around $150 per night, unless you prefer to camp. Regardless of how you visit, the views and unique experience of Assateague Island will leave a mark on your travel history.