5 Must-Visit Islands in Virginia

From the coastal plains to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia has a diverse topography. Visitors can spend half the day hiking through dense forests and the other half lounging on an island beach. Virginia contains 23 barrier islands, stretching for 70 miles along its shore.

However, there are only a few inhabited islands within its boundaries, and even fewer that are considered resort islands. You can find plenty to do and see, especially if you have an appreciation for nature.

Check out these five must-visit islands in Virginia and discover how to visit them, what to do, and where to stay.

1. Chincoteague Island

Located in the Eastern Shore region, Chincoteague is an island and town in the mid-Atlantic seaboard. This island is an escape from the city and the regular resort lifestyle. While Chincoteague is the only resort island in Virginia, it features a relaxed and laidback atmosphere where visitors can connect with nature. This once tiny fishing village is now a world-class destination offering beaches, sunsets, and unspoiled natural beauty. Chincoteague is seven miles long and three miles wide and sits next to Assateague Island. You can get there by boat or car.

Things to do and see: The Iron Pony Adventure Park, biking, hiking, boating, boat tours, fishing, crabbing, clamming, day cruises, Chincoteague Island Farmers and Artisans Market, Chincoteague Seafood Festival, history tours, horseback riding, kayaking, Maui Jack’s Waterpark, Refuge Golf and Amusements

Where to stay: Marina Bay Hotel & Suites (marine-inspired 3-star hotel with bay views), Snug Harbor Marina & Resort (laid-back oceanfront hotel)

Where to eat: Bill’s Prime Seafood & Steaks (a local favorite for steaks and seafood), AJ’s on the Creek (semi-upscale seafood and Italian) 

2. Assateague Island

While most of the island sits within Maryland territory, Assateague’s southern third is in Virginia. This 37-mile-long barrier island sits in a beautiful stretch along the Atlantic coastline, where you can reach it by car or boat from both states. Assateague is an undeveloped island known for its miles of sandy beaches, salt marshes, and wildlife, like wild ponies. This island is used for camping and other recreational activities.

Things to do: camping, hiking, biking, crabbing, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, shell collecting, surfing, kayaking, and hunting

Where to stay: Assateague National Seashore Campground and other campsites

Where to eat nearby: There are no restaurants on Assateague Island, but you can go to nearby Chincoteague for food and hotels. 

3. Tangier Island

Tangier is the “soft crab capital” of the country. This remote village and island is home to 400 people and located in the Chesapeake Bay, about 12 miles from the mainland. This secluded piece of land is only accessible by boat or private plane, and there are no cars on the island. Residents and visitors can get around by walking, biking, or renting a golf cart. Visitors can travel to the island by ferry from late May through early October and check out the quaint town and unspoiled beach.

Things to do and see: Tangier Island Museum, Muddy Toes Library, stroll along the beach, go biking, kayaking, tour a crab shack

Where to stay: Bay View Inn B&B, Brigadune Inn

Where to eat: Chesapeake House (fresh seafood, including soft shell crabs) 

4. Smith Island

Located in the Chesapeake Bay, Smith Island is about 12 miles from the mainland and consists of a collection of marsh islands, with some sitting within Maryland’s territory. And the only inhabited parts of the island are in Maryland. When visiting this strip of land, you can take a boat tour, go biking, visit the local museum, eat some seafood, and just take in the nature and wildlife. You can only access Smith Island by boat.

Things to do and see: boating, biking, wildlife viewing, Smith Island Museum, strolling along the beach, catching a sunset

Where to stay: Smith Island Inn

Where to eat: Bayside Restaurant on the pier (crabcakes, Smith Island cake, and other local specialties) 

5. Fisherman Island

Sitting at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, Fisherman Island is the southernmost island in the Delmarva Peninsula. This island has restricted access to the public and only allows guided tours between October and February. It is a popular spot for migrating birds headed south for winter. But it also features diverse habitats, including salt marshes, maritime forests, grasslands, dunelands, and beaches. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service owns Fisherman Island, which is a National Wildlife Refuge. Visit their website to register for a free guided tour during the fall or winter.

Must-Visit Islands in Virginia: A Recap of the Top 5