The Most Beautiful Islands in Virginia
Virginia, a lovely state along the Atlantic Coast, is known for many things, but one often overlooked virtue is its scenic islands. Visitors from all over can explore the islands of Old Dominion, each showcasing a unique vision of local wilderness, wildlife, and culture. Chincoteague Island is perhaps the best known with its beaches, marshlands, and annual Pony Swim. Tangier Island offers a glimpse into a simpler time, while Assateague Island is a barrier shared with Maryland and possesses its own diverse ecosystem. Similarly, Gwynn’s Island has a rich Revolutionary War past, and Hog Island boasts intricate tales. With these and many other lovely islands to explore, here are the most beautiful islands in the state of Virginia.
Chincoteague Island
Located off Virginia’s Eastern Shore is Chincoteague Island. Admired for its grassy and sandy beaches, vibrant marshlands, and wildlife, the island attracts nature lovers and birdwatchers. Chincoteague is remembered for the annual Pony Swim, an island tradition where wild horses are herded from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island since 1925. Similarly, historical landmarks are abundant, such as the famed Assateague Lighthouse, which was built in 1867 and the Captain Timothy Hill House, an 1800s home.
The downtown area is charming, with excellent eateries, such as Island Creamery, known for its homemade ice cream. After checking out the town, outdoor lovers can hike and bike along the many trails through the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. This area offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and plenty of wildlife, including the famed Chincoteague Ponies. After all the fun, the best places to stay in town are The Island Motor Inn Resort and Marina Bay Hotel and Suites.
Tangier Island
There is a 10-minute ferry ride from Onanock Wharf, across the Chesapeake Bay, to Tangier Island. The small, marshy island is only accessible by ferry, boat, or plane, but it is worth the effort. The islanders are known for their distinct dialect, which has notes of Elizabethan English. The terrain is flat, with an intricate network of waterways and bountiful natural beauty.
Must-visit historical landmarks include the Tangier History Museum, the Crockett House, and the Swain Memorial United Methodist Church. At these sites, one can unravel Tangier Island’s history of oystering and crabbing, which has economically supported island life for centuries. The island even played a strategic role in the War of 1812. Those not interested in local history can explore Fisherman’s Corner Restaurant, prized for its fresh seafood, and consider Chesapeake House for lodging and/or a taste of local fare.
Assateague Island
Famous for its beaches, wild horses, and birding, Assateague Island is a 37-mile-long barrier isle. Maryland and Virginia share Assateague, and the quaint island attracts many campers and outdoorsy types. The island is uninhabited, with most visitors coming for the wildlife and water sports. The Visitor Center offers education on the island’s ecosystem. But, the main draw on this island is the wild pony population, thought to have descended from horses that survived shipwrecks in the 17th century. Apart from ponies, wildlife is abundant, and avians like the piping plover and great blue heron live here.
Assateague has a deep maritime history marked by hurricanes and nor-easters. Historical landmarks are the Assateague Lighthouse, Sinepuxent Bay (significant during the Colonial Period), and the ruins of Civil War Forts.
Gwynn’s Island
Located on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, Gwynn’s Island boasts beautiful beaches, stunning vistas, a lush landscape, dense woods, and rolling fields, making the island a popular attraction for tourists in the region. Hand in hand with the scenery, the island is also rich with culture, palpable through the array of historical tales. The best places to learn about local history are the Gwynn’s Island Museum, Fort Cricket Hill (a historical site from the Independence War), and the nearby William’s Wharf Landing. After exploring, be sure to stop in for a bite at Hole in the Wall or The Hatchery Oyster Eatery, which are local restaurants offering diverse dishes with views of the bay.
Fisherman Island
Fisherman Island rests where the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean meet on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Unlike most others on this list, it is an uninhabited island controlled by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. To protect the wildlife, there is restricted public access; however, there are guided tours from October through February, offering insight into this untouched wonderland. Visitors can expect maritime forests, sandy beaches, and salt marshes full of protected migratory birds and all kinds of wildlife. Among these waterfowl, shorebirds, and nesting waterbirds are the most common, using the island as a primary habitat.
Those interested in the island’s history rejoice at its strategic point for early American settlers and its rich war history. To this end, one can explore the remnants of World War II bunkers and Civil War Batteries (defense structures from the war).
Wallops Island
When one thinks of island life, the mind might drift to unspoiled beaches, dramatic sunsets, sea turtles, and shore birds. Wallops Island offers all of those sought-after island experiences but is unique in that it serves NASA and the US Navy. NASA built a rocket flight facility there, and rockets have been launched from the island since 1945, making it one of few islands in the US with such a facility. For a more comprehensive view of what to do on the island, one can visit the Flight Facility Visitor Center, which is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am-4 pm ET. It even offers facility tours showcasing the NASA site and the large launch platform on the island.
The island was named after John Wallop, an English colonist in the 1600s. It is part of the Virginia Barrier Islands and is untouched by commercial development due to its use by the US government. Ode to this, it is home to incredible wildlife habitats, with many migratory birds and unique marine life.
Hog Island
Bring some binoculars. The unpopulated Hog Island is a protected sanctuary for wildlife of all kinds and is especially a paradise for birdwatchers. March through May is a great time to spot bald eagles, herons, osprey, and many other magnificent birds. During spring and summer, the island is open for hiking and fishing and provides amateur photographers with plentiful opportunities to capture wildlife in their natural habitat. Prized for its lovely beaches, dunes, and marshes, visiting this island takes some planning but is well worth the effort.
The Hog Island Lighthouse, first lit in 1853, has a unique maritime charm. Be sure to view the remnants of Old Settlements from the early 20th-century communities before rising sea levels and harsh conditions pushed out inhabitants. The island played a role in coastal defense during the Civil War, and history buffs will enjoy exploring the remains of wartime encampments. Local organizations offer guided eco-tours for a comprehensive insight into this beautiful island.
(https://surrycountytourism.com/171/Hog-Island-Wildlife-Management-Area).
Parting Thoughts
Virginia's islands offer a captivating escape from Chincoteague and Assateague, where wild ponies roam, to Gwynn’s Island's tales of days gone by and Fisherman Island’s shores that meet the sky. Each island presents unique attractions for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and adventurers alike. Whether it's the charming culture of Tangier Island, the historic allure of Gwynn’s Island, or the unspoiled beauty of Fisherman Island, Virginia's islands provide diverse experiences that showcase the state's rich natural and cultural heritage. Embark on a journey to explore the scenic islands of Old Dominion and discover the hidden gems they hold.
