Check the 9 Prettiest Virginia Islands to Visit | Wanderlly (2024)
Do you want to visit the Virginia islands but don’t know where to begin? You’ve come to the correct location to learn about the gorgeous islands off the coast of Virginia. Some of these Virginia coastal islands feature wild ponies who dwell right on the beach and are so gorgeous that you’ll never forget your stay there. You’ll fall in love with the unique traditions of these coastal communities and may never want to leave.
Island life is significantly slower-paced and more relaxed, so prepare to live on island time. Some barrier islands in Virginia can only be reached by kayak, boat, or by booking a trip. However, on the majority of these gorgeous islands, you may rent a home, cottage, or hotel room. So pack your bags, apply sunscreen, and prepare to enjoy the fun of your life!
9 Prettiest Islands in Virginia You Must Visit
Cedar Island Virginia
First up is one of Virginia’s most beautiful islands, and the birds agree. Cedar Island is one of the most significant islands for bird migration, and as a result, there is little to no building. Visitors are invited to come for the day to snap photographs, fish, or explore, but no overnight camping is permitted. You are not permitted to have a car, and dogs are also not permitted, in order to protect the animals.
The easiest way to get here is via kayak or boat, and there are lots of tour guides to assist you navigate your way around. You will enjoy visiting this lovely island in Virginia with its presence shoreline. Back in the 1950s, they had grand ideas to partition Cedar Island and create an island community. The state later overruled it, and it became a nature sanctuary instead.
Myrtle Island VA
Myrtle Island is another barrier island off the coast of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. This lovely island is available to the public all year and was one of the first in Virginia to be included in the Nature Conservancy’s Virginia Coast Reserve. This indicates the land is safe from acquisition and conservation.
This is one of the most isolated islands off the coast of Virginia, and it can only be reached by kayak or boat. You are permitted to hike along the beach on Mytyle Island, but please keep away of the marshes and mudflaps and obey the bird nesting signs. If you take a paddle trip or rent a boat, you may view plenty of salt marshes, streams, and even oyster reefs.
Chincoteague Island
Chincoteague Island is one of Virginia’s most popular islands. This is where you may witness the lovely and famous Chincoteague Island wild ponies. Every year on the final Thursday of July, the fire department guides the horses over the lake. For this celebration, the island conducts a week-long festival complete with carnival rides, games, and plenty of delicious cuisine.
Every year, tens of thousands of people attend this great event. If you don’t intend on visiting in July, the island still offers plenty to keep you busy. You’ll enjoy all of the paths on the island, as well as the adventure course and boat cruises, and you can always relax on the beach. If you want to have a relaxed and local experience, this is one of the nicest islands in Virginia to visit.
Assateague Virginia
Assateague is one of the greatest camping spots in Virginia. There are RV, tent, and horse campsites available, as well as a couple that may be reached by paddle or boat. Reservations must be made online, and they fill up quickly. One of the nicest parts about camping here is that you’ll be right on the beach, and they allow beach bonfires.
If you don’t want to camp, there are cabins for rent at the state park. The gorgeous red and white lighthouse is one of the primary attractions here. It is open for climbing from spring through fall but closed in the winter. You may also ride horses on the beach, rent a boat, and stroll or cycle along the scenic nature paths. You’ll have a great time touring one of Virginia’s greatest islands.
Tangier Island
Tangier Island’s native accent has earned national attention. Despite being one of Virginia’s most beautiful islands, the people speak with a Cornish-country dialect that you won’t hear anywhere else. The initial inhabitants came from Wales, and because the island had been secluded for so long, they established a society here using their language.
Aside from the language, they are also noted for having some of the greatest softshell crabs. Today, you may take a one-hour boat journey from Onanco*ck Wharf to the island. You may catch it every day at 10 a.m. and it will return you about 430 p.m. You won’t get lost wandering because there is only one main street, two eateries, and a history museum.
There are no hotels on the island if you want to stay. However, there are a few B&Bs and modest cottages available for rent. There is a lovely beach to lounge on, and there are barely 700 inhabitants. If that’s what you’re looking for, you’ll get a slow-paced vacation. There are few automobiles on the island since most residents utilise a golf cart, bike, or walk. If you wish to bring your bike over, you can do so for a modest cost. Tainger Island should be high on your list of the top islands to visit in Virginia; you will not be disappointed.
Hog Island VA
Hog Island is another another barrier island in Virginia. Beautiful and undisturbed wetlands may be seen approximately southeast of Exmore in Northampton County. Hog Island has a fascinating history. Back in 1672, twenty-two English settlers seized Machipongo Island for themselves.
Broadwater existed from the early 1800s to the early 1930s. At its peak, up to 250 individuals were present. However, owing to years of erosion and the influence of hurricanes, the island is now uninhabitable. This does not preclude you from visiting. The Nature Conservancy’s sector of Hog Island is available to visitors from sunrise to sunset every day of the week.
You must respect all stated restrictions and not disturb the animals, just like on the other islands in Virginia. If you are coming between April and August, you are not permitted to go beyond the high tide line. Because the waterways are always changing, make sure to plan your journey ahead of time.
Fishermans Island, Virginia
If you want to visit one of Virginia’s most beautiful islands, you must plan ahead of time. If you’ve ever driven through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge tunnel from Virginia Beach to the Eastern Shore, you’ve seen Fishermans Island. They believe that this lovely island developed around 200 years ago. You must organise and schedule a guided excursion to visit this island.
Without authorization, you are not permitted to kayak or watercraft there. From October to February, the trips are only accessible on Saturdays. Fisherman’s Island is critical for wild bird migration. They are always doing studies to safeguard the viability of the local animal populations.
Brown’s Islandin Richmond
Brown’s Island is distinct from the other Virginia islands on this list. This island is located between the James River and 12th Street in Richmond, Virginia. This is a little island noted for its music events. It also features some of the most beautiful vistas in Richmond. It is a component of Richmond’s picturesque canal path. Every day of the year, from dawn to sunset, you are welcome to visit.
From the island, you can see Belle’s Isle, the Manchester Bridge, and the Richmond and Petersburg trains. If you are in the neighbourhood, be sure to check the Brown’s Island website to see what upcoming festivals and performances are taking place. You may also organise an event and book a section of the island for a party. This is one of the most urban-feeling islands in Virginia.
Gwynn’s Island
Gywnn’s Island is another of the Chesapeake Bay islands in Virginia. This adorable island can only be reached by a swing bridge. There’s an intriguing story behind how this lovely island received its name. Hugh Gwynn, a Jamestown colonist from England, is supposed to have been out exploring when he heard a child cry for rescue. He discovered a little girl who had fallen from her boat and required assistance. Pocahontas happened to be this little girl, and her father, the Chief, was so glad she was spared that he gave Gwynn the island.
Since then, the island has become a paradise for the locals who live there, with nearly every property having its own private beach. There are a few eateries to choose from at the marina. The Gwynn’s Island Museum will teach you about the rich history of one of Virginia’s oldest islands. You have the option of renting a bungalow-style property or staying at the campsite.
Wallops Island in Virginia
Wallops Island is one of Virginia’s smallest islands, measuring about 6 square miles. This island is located immediately south of Chincoteague Island and is a popular tourist attraction. One of the most exciting reasons visitors visit Wallops Island is to see NASA rocket launches.
A tourist centre is available where you can learn about all of the space programmes that have taken place on Wallops Island since 1945. When visiting Wallops Island, most visitors stay in one of the various lodgings on Chincoteague Island. It is therefore possible to visit both Virginia islands in a single trip.
Chincoteague Island, Virginia's only resort island, is the most beautiful island on Virginia's Eastern Shore. World famous for its oyster beds and clam shoals, Chincoteague is nestled between Assateague and Wallops Islands.
Chincoteague Island, Virginia's only resort island, is the most beautiful island on Virginia's Eastern Shore. World famous for its oyster beds and clam shoals, Chincoteague is nestled between Assateague and Wallops Islands.
Along the Eastern Shore of Virginia, 23 barrier islands stretch for 70 miles—from the southern end of Assateague Island all the way to Fisherman Island, where the Chesapeake Bay Bridge tunnel crosses the bay to Virginia Beach.
From the South, take Route 13 North and cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel from the Norfolk-Virginia Beach area. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel connects Route 13 in Virginia Beach to Route 13 on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Turn right on Route 175 to Chincoteague Island.
One of the best reasons to visit Chincoteague is to go to the beach! Assateague Island National Seashore is 37 miles long and renowned for its wild horses and sandy beaches while Chincoteague is only 7 miles long and better known for its marshes, dunes, forests, and more.
The best time to visit Chincoteague is September-October
While Chincoteague is a popular destination to visit all year round, September-October is the ideal time to go due to a number of factors such as the climate, cost of travel and accommodation, as well as avoiding peak holiday periods.
This is a great place for swimming, beach combing, hiking, bird watching, bicycle riding and other outdoor activities. Chincoteague and Assateague offer family fun and great recreational opportunities for everyone!
Chincoteague is a "dry" town, by virtue of the prohibitory law, but there are various "refreshments" to be obtained here whose innocent nature would disgust one not used to a joke.
Chincoteague Beach is located on Virginia's only resort island on the eastern shore, Chincoteague. It is famous for oyster beds, wild horses and so much more.
The safest place to live in Virginia is Purcellville. It has a population of 8,200 and is the safest city in Virginia. Purcellville's crime rate is 467 per 100,000, which is 72% lower than the state average.
Arlington, Virginia, earned its No. 1 designation for the fifth time, a Fitness Index record, by ranking first in six indicators and scoring among the top 10 cities in 19 of the 34 categories. Arlington was ranked No. 1 in both the personal health and community/environment sub-scores.
Assateague Island National Seashore is worth a visit whether there is a park entrance fee or not! Though most famous for its wild ponies, Assateague State Park offers a wide range of activities and sights.
The best time to see the ponies is actually the last Thursday in July on the southern end of Assateague island. The Chincoteague volunteer fire company owns around 150 ponies that live on the southern end of the island, separated from the Maryland half by a fence.
You are guaranteed to see the areas where the wild ponies, birds, dolphins & wildlife live and are active, but there is no guarantee of any kind of wildlife viewing just because the wildlife is “wild” and this is not a zoo.
The Assateague Island National Seashore Annual Park Entrance Pass is $45.00. It is valid in both the Maryland District and Virginia District (Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge).
Assateague Island - Visit the National Park and see the wild ponies. Assateague Island National Seashore is located close to Chincoteague Island, Virginia and Ocean City, Maryland. Assateague contains over 37 miles of pristine beach. More than 300 wild ponies wander the beaches, inland pine forest, and salt marshes.
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge entrance fees. Horses are visible year-round. Spring, summer and fall plan for biting insects while viewing the horses.
This is the best part of Assateague, near the inlet where dolphins frequent the most, known as the Chincoteague Inlet & southern part of Assateague. We usually encounter dolphins several times a day as they socialize and hunt for their food. Any time of the day is good to see dolphins, just like the wild ponies.
Assateague Island encapsulates a long and shallow bay called Chincoteague Bay, and a series of smaller islands sits between Assateague and the mainland.
Chincoteague is in Accomack County. Living in Chincoteague offers residents a suburban rural mix feel and most residents own their homes. Many retirees live in Chincoteague and residents tend to lean conservative.
As a result of drinking salt water, they appear "fat" or "bloated.” The horses were bred down to a unique breed of pony, known as the Chincoteague Pony. Currently, they stand over 14 hands. They are small horses that both adults and children can ride.
There is no driving on the beach north of Toms Cove towards Maryland other than on a 1-mile stretch of beach open for fishing only that is accessed via Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, and only when the Toms Cove Hook area is closed. As a result of all this, beach driving is hit-or-miss in Virginia.
The island is famous for its pristine beaches, variety of birds, historic lighthouse, and wild ponies. Though commonly referred to as "wild," Chincoteague Ponies are actually feral, with fully domesticated ancestors.
Depending on the time of the year, species that can be found in the bays and surf include Sand Tiger, Dusky, Hammerhead , Bonnethead, Finetooth, Bull, Sharpnose, Dogfish and Nurse. In the near shore ocean there are Sandbar, Hornshark, Thresher and Blacktip.
Close to low tide, stroll out past the point on the South end of Assateague or closer to The Hole on the Northside of the Beach, and you usually can find a treasure-trove of untouched shells, sea glass, and sometimes even shipwrecks uncovered from the surf.
Of the 328 towns in the state with available data, Jonesville ranks as the poorest. The typical Jonesville household earns just $17,344 a year, 78.5% less than the statewide median household income. Given the low incomes, it is not surprising that a larger than average share of residents live in poverty.
With so much to offer you might expect Florida to be an expensive place to live but it's actually quite affordable. In fact, the cost of living in Florida is slightly less than Virginia. Of course this depends on where you live in the state, but the overall cost of living in Florida is roughly 8% lower than Virginia.
Roanoke. Roanoke tops the list as Virginia's most perilous city. Positioned across from Norfolk on the Elizabeth River, this city of 97,915 people sees a crime rate that is 228% greater than the Virginia average.
1 state to retire in, Virginia has taken the top spot this year, according to personal finance website WalletHub's “2023′s Best States to Retire” study. WalletHub evaluated all 50 U.S. states in three key categories: affordability, quality of life and access to health care.
The priciest city in Virginia is Arlington, where the cost of living is 41% higher compared to the state average and 41% higher than in the rest of the U.S. The cheapest major city in Virginia is Martinsville, with a cost of living 14% lower below the state average and 14% lower than the national average.
This closure is in effect because of the discovery of multiple (7 and counting), pieces of military munitions debris on the beach over the last two weeks. During the 1940s, the US Navy used this area of Assateague Island as a test range for rockets and bombs.
Explore sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests and coastal bays. Go fishing, clamming biking and kayaking. Watch wild horses, birds and deer. Discover the rhythms of life on island time.
Where can I swim at Assateague State Park? You can swim anywhere along the ocean, a designated swim sector is located at the Day Use beach and is signified by flags on the north and south boundary. No surfing, kayaking, or fishing is permitted in the swim sector. No lifeguards are on duty; swim at your own risk.
Chincoteague Island gained national fame in 1961 when Twentieth Century Fox premiered the movie Misty of Chincoteague. The movie was based on author Marguerite Henry's award-winning children's book Misty of Chincoteague, which she wrote in 1947 while staying at Miss Molly's Inn on Chincoteague Island.
Can I stay overnight on Assateague Island? Camping is available in the Maryland portion of Assateague Island National Seashore and in the Maryland State Park. In Virginia, there are privately owned campgrounds on nearby Chincoteague Island. Motels are located in Ocean City, MD and Chincoteague, VA.
There are two entrances to Assateague Island National Seashore. Assateague's north entrance is at the end of Route 611, eight miles south of Ocean City, MD. The south entrance is at the end of Route 175, two miles east of Chincoteague, VA.
Each July, tens of thousands of people visit to watch hundreds of the horses swim across the channel from nearby Assateague Island, after which the equines are sold at auction to keep the population in check. Despite their celebrity, the ponies' origin is shrouded in mystery.
Q: Why do the ponies swim? A: The purpose of the swim is to move the herd to Chincoteague Island so that the foals can be auctioned. The auction serves two purposes. First the auction helps to control the size of the herd.
Mosquitos. Warmer, humid weather doesn't just bring outdoor fun - it can bring mosquitos. These insects thrive in wet, hot climates, and it's not just the current forecast that brings them out.
Q: Why do the ponies swim? A: The purpose of the swim is to move the herd to Chincoteague Island so that the foals can be auctioned. The auction serves two purposes. First the auction helps to control the size of the herd.
Slack tide is a period of about 30 minutes between tides, when there is no current. This is the easiest time for the ponies to make the swim. The time of slack tide varies each year. However, the swim generally takes place some time between 7am and 1pm.
Chincoteague Island is just a minute away from Assateague Island National Seashore, which has a beautiful beach and the wildlife refuge. This is a great place for swimming, beach combing, hiking, bird watching, bicycle riding and other outdoor activities.
Louisiana takes the cake as the most mosquito-prone state. The Bayou State's hot and humid summers provide the perfect breeding ground for these pesky insects. In 2022, the average temperature from May-July was 81.3°F.
As a result of drinking salt water, they appear "fat" or "bloated.” The horses were bred down to a unique breed of pony, known as the Chincoteague Pony. Currently, they stand over 14 hands. They are small horses that both adults and children can ride.
For your safety and the safety of the horses, please obey park regulations and do not approach, touch, or feed the Assateague horses. Assateague horses do bite, kick and can carry rabies.
The best time to see the Assateague Island horses is from late April through mid-October. 300 ponies live on the island. Sometimes the ponies are far away out in the marsh, so it is a good idea to bring a good pair of binoculars with you.
The best place to start your pony-viewing journey is at Veteran's Memorial Park, located on the south end of Chincoteague Island. The park's boat ramp does have a fee, so be sure to have $5 in cash handy. You'll also want to time your paddle to be near high tide.
Introduction: My name is Dean Jakubowski Ret, I am a enthusiastic, friendly, homely, handsome, zealous, brainy, elegant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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