Chincoteague sits on the Atlantic Ocean. Our conditions page shows today's water temperature, surf height, wind, UV index, tide times from NOAA station 8630229, and rip current risk. Everything is pulled live from NOAA and Open-Meteo and refreshes through the day.
View Live ConditionsPark at Chincoteague in lots like Assateague Beach, Robert Reed Waterfront Park, Veterans Memorial Park. Our parking page maps every option with addresses, rates from $10/day refuge pass and a live crowd-based availability estimate so you can plan ahead and skip circling.
Find ParkingAt Chincoteague, don't miss the Chincoteague Salt Oysters at Don's Seafood. Our dining page pulls live ratings and hours from Google Places and highlights the local dishes worth ordering.
Explore DiningBoats leave Chincoteague from Curtis Merritt Harbor, including the Wild Pony & Wildlife Cruise — dolphin watches, sunset sails, kayak tours and fishing charters. Our things to do page lists the operators, departure times and prices.
See Things to DoChincoteague hosts Wildlife Loop Drive and more. Our events page pulls the current week's lineup so nothing sneaks up on you.
Check EventsIt depends on the UV index and your skin. Our conditions page converts today's hourly UV forecast at Chincoteague into minutes to burn using the standard erythemal dose model, so instead of "UV 9" you get "unprotected fair skin burns in about 18 minutes", along with the strongest stretch of the day and when to reapply. Open sand and water reflect UV back at you, so the estimate includes a beach uplift.
Check Today's Burn TimeNo. Pets are banned from the entire refuge at all times, including inside your vehicle, so a dog cannot come to the beach at all. Service animals as defined by the ADA are the only exception and must be on a leash of six feet or less. Source: US Fish and Wildlife Service, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge rules and policies, checked 2026-09-09.
See All Beach RulesNo. Alcohol is prohibited everywhere on the refuge, including the beach, at all times of year. Source: US Fish and Wildlife Service, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge rules and policies, checked 2026-09-09.
See All Beach RulesOnly with a permit. Fires are prohibited except for a limited number of open fires authorised by special permit, issued by the National Park Service at the Toms Cove Visitor Center. Open fires are separately prohibited in the Virginia over-sand vehicle zone with no permit available. Source: US Fish and Wildlife Service, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge rules and policies, checked 2026-09-09.
See All Beach RulesNo. Unmanned aircraft, including drones, are prohibited throughout the refuge at all times. Source: US Fish and Wildlife Service, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge rules and policies, checked 2026-09-09.
See All Beach RulesYes. Surf fishing into the ocean and the bay is permitted under Virginia saltwater fishing regulations, which means a valid Virginia saltwater licence. Crabbing and shellfishing are also permitted. Source: US Fish and Wildlife Service, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge rules and policies, checked 2026-09-09.
See All Beach RulesNo. Metal detectors are prohibited throughout the refuge at all times, and collecting or disturbing artefacts is separately prohibited. Source: US Fish and Wildlife Service, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge rules and policies, checked 2026-09-09.
See All Beach RulesAt Chincoteague, the sun sets at 6:48 PM today — about 11h 51m of daylight. Sunrise was 6:57 AM. Live water temperature, surf height, UV index, wind and tide for Chincoteague update at the top of the conditions page.