There's so much to see and do on Virginia's Eastern Shore. Sunset Beach Hotel and the nearby town of Cape Charles are just a small part of what this 70-mile peninsula off the coast of Virginia has to offer.
Just over an hour from Sunset Beach Hotel is Chincoteague Island, a picturesque beach town on the Atlantic Ocean. This quaint little island is home to beautiful beaches, famed wild ponies and great dining and entertainment.
If you have just one day to spend on the island here are a few essential things to see and do:
Maui Jack's waterpark
Don't forget to bring your swimsuit because you won't want to miss Maui Jack's!
Take the plunge on three body slides, see who's the fastest on the racing slides or just let your troubles float away on the lazy river. There's even a wet and wild play area just for little ones!
Get the VIP experience in a cabana or grab a lounge chair and work on your tan. Don't forget to grab a bite to eat and a cocktail at Keko's Bar and Grill.
Assateague Island National Seashore
Spend a day lounging on the beach beside the Atlantic Ocean or take a long walk along the shore of this pristine barrier island. The wide, sandy beach is great for games or building sandcastles and the surf always attracts anglers, skimboarders and surfers.
Chincoteague Wild Ponies
Many people know Chincoteague Island for the band of wild ponies that live just off the shore of Chincoteague on Assateague Island. Their fame is due in part to the book "Misty of Chincoteague"by Marguerite Henry and its movie adaption.
See the real Misty and her foal Stormy in an exhibit about the famed ponies at the Museum of Chincoteague Island. Pet a real Chincoteague pony and learn about these beautiful creatures at The Chincoteague Pony Center. Visit Chincoteague Island National Wildlife Refuge to see the ponies in the wild or hire a guide who knows just where to find them from the water.
Island Creamery
No trip to Chincoteague is complete without a stop at Island Creamery! All of their delicious ice creams are made right on premises and the heavenly smell of waffle cones greets you at the door because they're being made by hand in small batches right in front of you.
Island Creamery's version of classic flavors like Vanilla and butter pecan are unbelievably delicious and creative flavors like cotton candy and limoncello are a delightful surprise. Don't forget to grab a pint to take home!
NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitors Center
Just a few miles from Chincoteague rockets destined for the International Space Station blast off from Wallops Flight Facility. Learn all about the history of Wallops and its future role in NASA's efforts at the facilities visitors center.
Visitors can take a tour of the solar system, check out a space suit or launch their own model rocket at this fun museum.
Ropewalk Chincoteague
If you're looking for the island's destination restaurant check out Ropewalk. You can enjoy a waterfront view with your toes in the sand at the tiki bar, enjoy a delicious dinner on the deck or drink in the view at lunchtime from the dining room.
Ropewalk has a great line up of cocktails and a menu that's packed with delicious seafood, fresh salads and tasty sandwiches. Stop by for lunch, dinner or a snack and a cocktail. The view will be beautiful no matter what time of day you stop by.
During your next stay at Sunset Beach Hotel plan a day to head up to Chincoteague Island for a little sun, sand and fun!