12 days in Chincoteague Island, Virginia Beach & Tappahannock Itinerary

Famous for a wild breed of horses--Chincoteague Ponies--Chincoteague Island embraces the mystery of some of North America’s oldest inhabitants.

Kick off your visit on the 8th (Sat): enjoy the sea views from Assateague Lighthouse, then take an in-depth tour of Museum of Chincoteague, and then look for all kinds of wild species at Wildlife Areas. Here are some ideas for day two: explore the striking landscape of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

To see photos, where to stay, and tourist information, read Chincoteague Island day trip planning tool.

Fredericktown to Chincoteague Island is an approximately 17-hour car ride. You can also travel. Traveling from Fredericktown to Chincoteague Island, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. In July in Chincoteague Island, expect temperatures between 86°F during the day and 72°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Sun) early enough to drive to Virginia Beach.

Holding a record for the longest pleasure beach in the world, Virginia Beach showcases 35 miles of coastline and maintains a longstanding reputation as a family-friendly vacation destination.

Start off your visit on the 10th (Mon): enjoy the sea views from Cape Henry Lighthouse, stroll through First Landing State Park, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Virginia Beach. On the 11th (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: see the interesting displays at Military Aviation Museum, then observe the fascinating underwater world at Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, and then cast your line with a fishing tour.

To find where to stay, traveler tips, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Virginia Beach online trip maker.

Traveling by car from Chincoteague Island to Virginia Beach takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 89°F in July, and nighttime lows around 73°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 11th (Tue) so you can go by car to Tappahannock.

Tappahannock is the oldest town in Essex County, Virginia, United States. Visiting Hughlett Point Natural Area and Westmoreland State Park will get you outdoors. Historic Christ Church and Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park will appeal to history buffs. Get out of town with these interesting Tappahannock side-trips: Stratford Hall (in Stratford), Saude Creek Vineyards (in Lanexa) and New Kent Winery (in New Kent). There's much more to do: learn about winemaking at Good Luck Cellars, take an in-depth tour of Essex County Museum and Historical Society, immerse yourself in nature at Point Lookout State Park, and pause for some photo ops at George Washington Birthplace National Monument.

For ratings, reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Tappahannock trip builder website.

You can drive from Virginia Beach to Tappahannock in 2.5 hours. July in Tappahannock sees daily highs of 88°F and lows of 69°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Tue) to allow time to travel back home.